In article . com, "Russ" wrote:
After a new electric range was installed the circuit breaker started to
pop every now and then when everything was turned on (oven+all
burners). This indicated to me that the range was drawing a load that
was right at the upper limit of the 50 amp circuit breaker rating.
Checked the data plate on the range which reads 240V. & 54.2 amps. So,
when the range is at peak load it apparently can draw 4.2 amps over
the breaker capacity. The wiring is Aluminum 6 guage (6 Al on the
sheath),. Can I safely go to the next size breaker (60 amp) to
accomodate the additional 4-5 amps???

Probably NOT, but it depends on the temperature rating of the insulation on
the conductors; this should also be indicated on the cable sheath -- if it is
not indicated, assume it's 60 degrees C.

With a 90-degree rating, yes, you can go up to 60 amps.

If the rating is 75 degrees, you're limited to the 50 amps you're already at.

And if it's only 60 degrees, you shouldn't have even a 50 amp breaker -- it's
limited to 40 amps by Code.

--
Regards,
Doug Miller (alphageek at milmac dot com)

It's time to throw all their damned tea in the harbor again.