In Norway, I understand that electric ranges are commonly cabled up with 3-phase wire that's about the size of a not-special extension cord here in the States.

In Norway, I understand that electric ranges are commonly cabled up with 3-phase wire that's about the size of a not-special extension cord here in the States. They accomplish this by using 400v. Meanwhile, also here in the States: The wiring for my very normal (240v) electric range is the size of a baby's arm and might be even stiffer. (That last claim may be a bit hyperbolic: I've bent at least my share of 6/3 wire, but I don't think I've ever bent a baby's arm.)