Replacing a halogen job with an induction hob

[dern]

We have a halogen hob in the kitchen that we want to replace with an induction hob. The one we want is one of the 7kw models and requires a 32 amp circuit. The power of the house that the kitchen is in is about 25 years old and the hob has a dedicated circuit in the consumer unit with a 32 amp rcb. Is it safe to assume that the wiring is up to the job or is there a way that I can tell from a visual inspection of the cable in to the hob switch box that it’s suitably rated for 32 amps. Thanks.

[Count Steer]

Dunno. If it was me I'd get a sparky in, that's a beefy circuit! Couchy's probably who you need to ask. If you've got a modern consumer unit/RCBs it sounds like the place has been updated not too long ago though.

But, sort of related, when the chap connected the cabin down the garden he put in a new consumer unit (the old one had fuse wires not RCBs) and pointed out that the old earth cable from the consumer unit to the other end of the house and the rising main wasn't man enough for today's needs so he ran a new chunkier one through.

Now, I'd probably get a sparky in to do a health check if I ever moved into a place more than ~20 years old.

PS I'll be interested in the outcome as I was thinking about replacing a gas hob with an induction one. That WILL need a sparky.

[wheelnut]

I'm not sure it helps you but the cable should be at least 6mm - quite easy to tell from the normal 2.5mm cable used on a standard socket circuit.

[David]

I have put hobs in, as has been said, 6mm cable on a cooker circuit.

[Cousin Jack]

If the cable is 6mm it should be easy enough. Undo the old hob, connect the new one BUT make very very sure the connections are tight. If they are bare copper (rather than tinned or crimped) make sure they are tightly twisted before clamping. Tighten them up in the terminal clamp, then walk away. After 5 mins come back and retighten them. Copper flows under pressure, and with potentially 30+ amps you really don't want an HR joint.

[dern]

Just to follow this up as I changed it out last week. The circuit was a 32amp circuit and the cables were at least 6mm... very chunky. Fitting was a piece of cake and the new hob is way better. Doesn't burn, much more controllable and presumably more economical.