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Changing a kitchen hob electrician advice please.
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We are in the process of changing a slow ceramic hob for a quicker more efficient Induction hob.
Our current hob is hard wired, if we buy from an online retailer is it just a case of swapping out old for new hobs or is it more complicated? The various companies charge different rates depending on what’s needed.
Thanks for your help, btw our existing pans luckily are induction ready?? |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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"You just need to make sure the old cable is big enough to take the new induction hob. Do you know what size cable is there already or the MCB rating?"
Exactly this
Induction hobs these days are extremely good for electric. Many run off a plug top, which means a standard 13a fuse |
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"We are in the process of changing a slow ceramic hob for a quicker more efficient Induction hob.
Our current hob is hard wired, if we buy from an online retailer is it just a case of swapping out old for new hobs or is it more complicated? The various companies charge different rates depending on what’s needed.
Thanks for your help, btw our existing pans luckily are induction ready??"
as long as you have the right size hob to fit the hole it should be straight forward.
undoe the fasten down screws and turn fuse off at meter and then unscrew the hob electric cover and unscrew the wires.
just becareful as some suppliers dont supply the right colours for the uk.
make sure you follow the wiring diagram and reconnect the wires.
if you have a fuse between the hob and wall cover then also remove that
resizing can give you issues as you will need other tools to resize the hole to fit the new hob unit. |
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By *tilettoaddictTV/TS
over a year ago
Nottingham / London, but mostly in and around London when free |
Hi so essentially it could be a straight swap but it is worth getting the detail off the data plate on your old one and note the kW rating and then when selecting your new one pick one with a similar maximum kW rating (or less than the existing) of the original, some hobs now are more suited to the European market and will actually lend them selves being wired to more than one phase (3 phase) which would essentially split loads across 3 different supplies which I found some months back, the solution there was to put all 3 live wires together in to a junction box and use the existing 6mm twin and earth wiring to it, noting that the maximum kW load when all rings are one don't exceed that of the old one.
I hope I've been of some help and that I haven't complicated things  |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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"Hi so essentially it could be a straight swap but it is worth getting the detail off the data plate on your old one and note the kW rating and then when selecting your new one pick one with a similar maximum kW rating (or less than the existing) of the original, some hobs now are more suited to the European market and will actually lend them selves being wired to more than one phase (3 phase) which would essentially split loads across 3 different supplies which I found some months back, the solution there was to put all 3 live wires together in to a junction box and use the existing 6mm twin and earth wiring to it, noting that the maximum kW load when all rings are one don't exceed that of the old one.
I hope I've been of some help and that I haven't complicated things "
Sometimes the 3 phase ones come with a little 3 prong metal plate that you screw across the connections to bridge them
This removes the need for a junction box and instead you can just put the L in L1 |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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"Thanks we’re not touching anything my question really is it just a swap out job for anybody competent as think we already have the cabling in place. "
We really can’t say without the relevant info
Cable size in place and the Kw rating of the induction hob
Without those 2 we would be guessing |
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"Hi so essentially it could be a straight swap but it is worth getting the detail off the data plate on your old one and note the kW rating and then when selecting your new one pick one with a similar maximum kW rating (or less than the existing) of the original, some hobs now are more suited to the European market and will actually lend them selves being wired to more than one phase (3 phase) which would essentially split loads across 3 different supplies which I found some months back, the solution there was to put all 3 live wires together in to a junction box and use the existing 6mm twin and earth wiring to it, noting that the maximum kW load when all rings are one don't exceed that of the old one.
I hope I've been of some help and that I haven't complicated things "
Yes & Yes!! |
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"Thanks we’re not touching anything my question really is it just a swap out job for anybody competent as think we already have the cabling in place.
We really can’t say without the relevant info
Cable size in place and the Kw rating of the induction hob
Without those 2 we would be guessing "
As he said. If the new one is the same/smaller KW rating or Amps as the old one then yes, I'd say its a straight swap pretty much |
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"Thanks we’re not touching anything my question really is it just a swap out job for anybody competent as think we already have the cabling in place.
We really can’t say without the relevant info
Cable size in place and the Kw rating of the induction hob
Without those 2 we would be guessing
As he said. If the new one is the same/smaller KW rating or Amps as the old one then yes, I'd say its a straight swap pretty much"
If I can’t find the manual where can I find the model number of our current one, or info about the KW rating?
Obviously that’s easy to do with the replacement. |
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"The variety of subject matter and tone in the threads on this site are fucking extrodinary.
I think I may have found my spiritual home.  "
Tone is hard to grasp over text. I've just read mine back and hope they didn't come across snippy.
(Electrical pun for you included) |
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"Thanks we’re not touching anything my question really is it just a swap out job for anybody competent as think we already have the cabling in place.
We really can’t say without the relevant info
Cable size in place and the Kw rating of the induction hob
Without those 2 we would be guessing
As he said. If the new one is the same/smaller KW rating or Amps as the old one then yes, I'd say its a straight swap pretty much
If I can’t find the manual where can I find the model number of our current one, or info about the KW rating?
Obviously that’s easy to do with the replacement. "
You may be able to find it online if you type the model in |
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By *cflirtyMan
over a year ago
Hampshire |
"Thanks we’re not touching anything my question really is it just a swap out job for anybody competent as think we already have the cabling in place. "
It depends on the rating of the new one, and whether it comes with a 13a plug fitted |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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"Thanks we’re not touching anything my question really is it just a swap out job for anybody competent as think we already have the cabling in place.
It depends on the rating of the new one, and whether it comes with a 13a plug fitted"
Whattttt !!!! All hops are hard wired going to an isolation switch
Seriously if u don’t no don’t advise |
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By *cflirtyMan
over a year ago
Hampshire |
"Thanks we’re not touching anything my question really is it just a swap out job for anybody competent as think we already have the cabling in place.
It depends on the rating of the new one, and whether it comes with a 13a plug fitted
Whattttt !!!! All hops are hard wired going to an isolation switch
Seriously if u don’t no don’t advise "
I beg to differ |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
|
"Thanks we’re not touching anything my question really is it just a swap out job for anybody competent as think we already have the cabling in place.
It depends on the rating of the new one, and whether it comes with a 13a plug fitted
Whattttt !!!! All hops are hard wired going to an isolation switch
Seriously if u don’t no don’t advise
I beg to differ"
It’s 2024 13th edition il raise ur beg to a bet |
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By *cflirtyMan
over a year ago
Hampshire |
"Thanks we’re not touching anything my question really is it just a swap out job for anybody competent as think we already have the cabling in place.
It depends on the rating of the new one, and whether it comes with a 13a plug fitted
Whattttt !!!! All hops are hard wired going to an isolation switch
Seriously if u don’t no don’t advise
I beg to differ
It’s 2024 13th edition il raise ur beg to a bet"
Bosch 13a plug and pllay hob from gillmans available today ...get your facts right! |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
|
"Thanks we’re not touching anything my question really is it just a swap out job for anybody competent as think we already have the cabling in place.
It depends on the rating of the new one, and whether it comes with a 13a plug fitted
Whattttt !!!! All hops are hard wired going to an isolation switch
Seriously if u don’t no don’t advise
I beg to differ
It’s 2024 13th edition il raise ur beg to a bet
Bosch 13a plug and pllay hob from gillmans available today ...get your facts right! "
That’s the power supple ?????????????? |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
|
"Thanks we’re not touching anything my question really is it just a swap out job for anybody competent as think we already have the cabling in place.
It depends on the rating of the new one, and whether it comes with a 13a plug fitted
Whattttt !!!! All hops are hard wired going to an isolation switch
Seriously if u don’t no don’t advise
I beg to differ
It’s 2024 13th edition il raise ur beg to a bet
Bosch 13a plug and pllay hob from gillmans available today ...get your facts right!
That’s the power supple ??????????????"
Joke hahaha |
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"Thanks we’re not touching anything my question really is it just a swap out job for anybody competent as think we already have the cabling in place. "
It is highly unlikely any change to the wiring or consumer unit MCB will be necessary- cut off plug for the new induction unit and wire into the spur junction box or use the existing cable and connect directly to the induction hob. One important point - you must conform to the manufacturer’s requirements for an air gap beneath which will allow cooling / hot air to flow in and out of the electronics beneath the induction hob. I’ve been called out to fix newly installed induction hobs shutting down when at high power and every one of them was overheating because of no air gap. Wren cowboys. |
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By *TG3Man
over a year ago
Dorchester |
"Thanks we’re not touching anything my question really is it just a swap out job for anybody competent as think we already have the cabling in place.
It is highly unlikely any change to the wiring or consumer unit MCB will be necessary- cut off plug for the new induction unit and wire into the spur junction box or use the existing cable and connect directly to the induction hob. One important point - you must conform to the manufacturer’s requirements for an air gap beneath which will allow cooling / hot air to flow in and out of the electronics beneath the induction hob. I’ve been called out to fix newly installed induction hobs shutting down when at high power and every one of them was overheating because of no air gap. Wren cowboys."
A vent in the kickboard would cure this |
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By *tilettoaddictTV/TS
over a year ago
Nottingham / London, but mostly in and around London when free |
"Thanks we’re not touching anything my question really is it just a swap out job for anybody competent as think we already have the cabling in place.
We really can’t say without the relevant info
Cable size in place and the Kw rating of the induction hob
Without those 2 we would be guessing
As he said. If the new one is the same/smaller KW rating or Amps as the old one then yes, I'd say its a straight swap pretty much
If I can’t find the manual where can I find the model number of our current one, or info about the KW rating?
Obviously that’s easy to do with the replacement. "
You should find the model and kW rating in the 'data plate' which could be a silver sticker of sorts somewhere on the underside of the hob, or maybe even stamped into the metal or metal place riveted to the casing (dependant on age of the appliance) of course a stuck on label may have tarnished discoloured or simply peeled off over time and localised heat too, good luck on finding the kW rating failing that then find out the size of the fuse or Mini circuit breaker that protects the circuit and look up what kW load can be applied to the circuit without taking out (blowing) the fuse or dropping out the MCB, assuming that the installed cable size (possibly 6mm twin and earth) is up to the job of taking the maximum load too, again apologies if I've added confusion |
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"Thanks we’re not touching anything my question really is it just a swap out job for anybody competent as think we already have the cabling in place.
It is highly unlikely any change to the wiring or consumer unit MCB will be necessary- cut off plug for the new induction unit and wire into the spur junction box or use the existing cable and connect directly to the induction hob. One important point - you must conform to the manufacturer’s requirements for an air gap beneath which will allow cooling / hot air to flow in and out of the electronics beneath the induction hob. I’ve been called out to fix newly installed induction hobs shutting down when at high power and every one of them was overheating because of no air gap. Wren cowboys.A vent in the kickboard would cure this "
Nope, the hob fans can’t shift the hot air down that far for cooling circulation. Just cut out the supporting cabinet front cross bar under the hob. This gap which will be above the top drawer lets hot air out from under the worktop edge. Easy.
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If you know the power rating in kilowatts, you can work out the current in amps by:
- Multiply 1000 to convert to Watts
- Divide by 230(uk voltage) to get Current in amps.
This is the value of the circuit breaker required
Eg:
3kw x 1000 = 3000 watts. 3000 / 230 = 13.044 amps (would be ok on 13amp plug)
7.4kw x 1000 = 7400 watts, 7400 / 230 = 32.17 amps (min 32amp breaker)
If the circuit has a breaker that's equal or more than the calculated value then you can swap it yourself, if it doesn't you will need an electrician.
Cal
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"The variety of subject matter and tone in the threads on this site are fucking extrodinary.
I think I may have found my spiritual home.
Tone is hard to grasp over text. I've just read mine back and hope they didn't come across snippy.
(Electrical pun for you included)"
I mean I want to get
it...really I do...but 
|
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
|
"Thanks we’re not touching anything my question really is it just a swap out job for anybody competent as think we already have the cabling in place.
It depends on the rating of the new one, and whether it comes with a 13a plug fitted
Whattttt !!!! All hops are hard wired going to an isolation switch
Seriously if u don’t no don’t advise "
If you don’t know maybe read up first?
Not uncommon at all these days to have hobs on a plug top
It’s safer then hard wiring because you have extra protection in place with the 13a plug top fuse
If it’s correctly rated, no reason not to use a plug top |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
|
"Thanks we’re not touching anything my question really is it just a swap out job for anybody competent as think we already have the cabling in place.
We really can’t say without the relevant info
Cable size in place and the Kw rating of the induction hob
Without those 2 we would be guessing
As he said. If the new one is the same/smaller KW rating or Amps as the old one then yes, I'd say its a straight swap pretty much
If I can’t find the manual where can I find the model number of our current one, or info about the KW rating?
Obviously that’s easy to do with the replacement. "
If your struggling to find it the other method is to just check what the rating on the breaker is in your board
Assuming you trust the house electrics are correct, the breaker will be sized in accordance with the cable size
For example 32a breaker, as long as your hob isn’t over 32a your good to go
Someone above listed the perfect answer for converting Kw to amp |
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"We are in the process of changing a slow ceramic hob for a quicker more efficient Induction hob.
Our current hob is hard wired, if we buy from an online retailer is it just a case of swapping out old for new hobs or is it more complicated? The various companies charge different rates depending on what’s needed.
Thanks for your help, btw our existing pans luckily are induction ready??"
If the cable on your new one is the right size you can simply switch off your electric at the fuse box and swap it yourself. It's just like changing a plug . |
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By *ns4youCouple
over a year ago
close |
"We are in the process of changing a slow ceramic hob for a quicker more efficient Induction hob.
Our current hob is hard wired, if we buy from an online retailer is it just a case of swapping out old for new hobs or is it more complicated? The various companies charge different rates depending on what’s needed.
Thanks for your help, btw our existing pans luckily are induction ready??"
|
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"Thanks we’re not touching anything my question really is it just a swap out job for anybody competent as think we already have the cabling in place. "
If your existing hob is already hard wired into a isolation box with a red switch and has its own trip in the consumer unit[fuse box]these are normally 32 amp it should be straight forward for a competent person to do the job.
If in doubt you could always ask an electrician to check it for you before you buy the hob and ask for a quote to fit it. |
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"You should be fine with the cable in the wall as these days 6mill is minimum that would definitely be on top of its job but 10mill even better you should be fine with what you have already "
Unfortunately they have been building houses for a lot of years, and they only need to comply with regulations at the time of building. You should never assume anything.
Cal |
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Our flats are a new build 3 years ago, well actually a conversion from offices.
I’m now questioning our existing hob is hard wired, there’s a plug on the wall above it with a big switch but it’s not red. |
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"Our flats are a new build 3 years ago, well actually a conversion from offices.
I’m now questioning our existing hob is hard wired, there’s a plug on the wall above it with a big switch but it’s not red. "
is there an extractor hood above the hob ?
if so its easy enough turn off the switch and see if either the hob or extractor stop working |
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Just a thought before you get the new hob, we had a lower power hob 3KW which didn’t like more than a couple of pans on the go at one time, it couldn’t hack it.
Just check before you go ahead as the higher power hob would require its own circuit breaker |
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By *orny-DJMan
over a year ago
Leigh-on-Sea |
"Lets hope that your pots n pans are compatible with an induction hob.
Mostvlikely they won't be, so you'll be needing a whole new set
They did say their pans are induction ready to be fair"
Oopps, didn't see that bit  |
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"Our flats are a new build 3 years ago, well actually a conversion from offices.
I’m now questioning our existing hob is hard wired, there’s a plug on the wall above it with a big switch but it’s not red.
is there an extractor hood above the hob ?
if so its easy enough turn off the switch and see if either the hob or extractor stop working"
What would that tell us? |
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"Just a thought before you get the new hob, we had a lower power hob 3KW which didn’t like more than a couple of pans on the go at one time, it couldn’t hack it.
Just check before you go ahead as the higher power hob would require its own circuit breaker "
So don’t buy a lower powered hob, but it might be more powerful than our existing one, how do we know if we have a circuit breaker already.
If somebody like AO comes out to fit & connect I imagine they’re going to want all that info before they give us an install price? |
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"Our flats are a new build 3 years ago, well actually a conversion from offices.
I’m now questioning our existing hob is hard wired, there’s a plug on the wall above it with a big switch but it’s not red.
is there an extractor hood above the hob ?
if so its easy enough turn off the switch and see if either the hob or extractor stop working
What would that tell us?"
that if that switch is the power suppy to either hob or extractor.
if it turns the hob off and its a 13 amp plug thats in that switched socket your existing hob can't be more than 3kw |
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"Just a thought before you get the new hob, we had a lower power hob 3KW which didn’t like more than a couple of pans on the go at one time, it couldn’t hack it.
Just check before you go ahead as the higher power hob would require its own circuit breaker
So don’t buy a lower powered hob, but it might be more powerful than our existing one, how do we know if we have a circuit breaker already.
If somebody like AO comes out to fit & connect I imagine they’re going to want all that info before they give us an install price?"
Firstly go to the "fusebox", each of the little switches is a Circuit Breaker and they should all be labelled. If there is one labelled as HOB then that makes things really easy. There will most likely be one called COOKER, if you switch that off and then try to switch the hob on to see if that BREAKER is for the HOB (try the oven too).
If the installation was done properly, any appliance that requires more power than a 13amp socket should have it's own BREAKER in the fusebox.
Cal |
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