Newbie help with stove

Hope someone can help. I am remodeling basement and need some electrical help. I am putting a standard self standing range in the basement. There is an exsiting outlet for a dryer where the new stove will be placed. After checking the breaker box I have concluded that the only thing leading to that oulet is the wiring from a 30 amp breaker. Nothing else runs off this breaker. My question is can I change the breaker to a 50 and then change the outlet to a 4 prong for my range. Looks like what I have read is that 30 is not enough for a range. Thanks in advance.....

 

You are correct in that 30 amps is not enough for a range. But unless you also change all the wire from the panel to the receptacle, your plan is a recipe for a fire.

Replace the existing cable, which is two insulated 10-gauge conductors plus a ground. Instead, put in a cable with three 6-gauge insulated copper conductors plus a ground. Then you can install your 50-amp breaker and your 4-hole 50-amp recepacle.

 

If for some reason you can't replace the wiring, I guess you could always use the range on the 30 amp circuit - you just need to remember that you can't use the oven and all 4 eyes at the same time or you will trip the breaker. I would determine the wattage of each element and then never use more than 6000 watts at one time (250V x 24A). 24 is 80% of 30 amps and should give you a safety buffer.

This should only be used as a stopgap measure - it would never fly in the eyes of an inspector. I would never go into someone elses house and set the stove up in such a manner - but it's your house and I'm just giving you an option. A lot would depend on how you're going to use the stove - for instance, if you were going to rent the basement out I would never do such a thing.