Hardwired induction hob or 13 amp plug?

[SkinnyPete]

I’m shopping for an induction hob and I noticed you can get identical models, one with a 13 amp plug and the other hardwired.

The three pin plug limits the maximum power output to 3.7 kW, in practical terms you can only use one zone on full power at a time, two zones at 2/3rd power, or all four at about 25%.

The alternative is a hardwired unit which draws 7.4 kW, which let’s you use more power on all zones at the same time, but I’ve no idea if the wiring in my mid 90s house supports this.

Also I’m questioning the need to have more than two zones on simultaneously on anything more than 2/3rds power.

What are people’s suggestions? I’m coming from gas, so in any case it’ll be a big change and learning curve for me.

[Audis5b9]

See the gas v induction thread that was on here not long ago... lots of thoughts / experience shared about 13A induction.

[Ken_Code]

Your wiring (unless damaged or done wrong) should easily be able to accommodate the hard-wired one.

[Rob.]

I wouldn't get a 13a one. I recently had a hard wired one installed (also after removing a gas hob). Definitely consult an electrician - I was able to use the original oven wiring, but the oven itself was moved across the kitchen so it needed a new dedicated cable

[SkinnyPete]

Audis5b9 said:

See the gas v induction thread that was on here not long ago... lots of thoughts / experience shared about 13A induction.

Thanks! I had no idea it was such a debated topic.

There is definitely a lot of hate for the 13A, from what I see.

Ken_Code said:

Your wiring (unless damaged or done wrong) should easily be able to accommodate the hard-wired one.

If that's true for most houses, why would anyone want a 13-amp model? Just to save on an electrician's fee?

[Ken_Code]

SkinnyPete said:

If that's true for most houses, why would anyone want a 13-amp model? Just to save on an electrician's fee?

I suppose it gives you the option of sticking it in an island, or away from the hard wiring point without needing to have any wiring work done.

[Audis5b9]

Ken_Code said:

SkinnyPete said:

If that's true for most houses, why would anyone want a 13-amp model? Just to save on an electrician's fee?

I suppose it gives you the option of sticking it in an island, or away from the hard wiring point without needing to have any wiring work done.

The 13A ones are used on boats and motorhomes quite regularly. Plus of course the portable 13A ones which can come in handy for an extra burner when required

[dickymint]

Our Nef hob was supplied with two cables one for 13A the other for a much higher Amperage (can't remember the figure) If the higher Amp (with it's many benefits) is chosen there's a couple of straight 'jumpers' ro be used in the input supply box. As many have said in the other thread "only use 13 Amp as a last resort".

[ChrisNic]

Ken_Code said:

Your wiring (unless damaged or done wrong) should easily be able to accommodate the hard-wired one.

I’m not sure it’s as simple as that, I believe that a proper one requires a 32amp feed with 6mm cable.

My experience with a 13amp induction hob is that they are fine unless you are cooking a big meal and need 3 or 4 pans on the go.

[Ken_Code]

ChrisNic said:

I’m not sure it’s as simple as that, I believe that a proper one requires a 32amp feed with 6mm cable.

My experience with a 13amp induction hob is that they are fine unless you are cooking a big meal and need 3 or 4 pans on the go.

Which is what the oven feed ought to be. If it’s not then it’s not been done right.

If the OP’s not sure it should be properly checked.

[Simpo Two]

Audis5b9 said:

The 13A ones are used on boats and motorhomes quite regularly.

It's a great way to flatten a 12V battery! IMHO they really only work in boats etc if they're on shore power - which means you have to be in the marina to use it, or fire up a generator. However they're being increasingly fitted because 'gas is dangerous' and 'electricity is green'.

[Car bon]

SkinnyPete said:

If that's true for most houses, why would anyone want a 13-amp model? Just to save on an electrician's fee?

It's more than just the fee.

You'd need to run a new cable from the consumer unit (fuse box) - and in some house layouts, that can be a significant undertaking.
If the consumer unit has spare slots, then a good start, otherwise may mean a new consumer unit on top.

It's the right way to go though, at some point you'll hate yourself for being constrained by 13A.

[SkinnyPete]

Ken_Code said:

ChrisNic said:

I’m not sure it’s as simple as that, I believe that a proper one requires a 32amp feed with 6mm cable.

My experience with a 13amp induction hob is that they are fine unless you are cooking a big meal and need 3 or 4 pans on the go.

Which is what the oven feed ought to be. If it’s not then it’s not been done right.

If the OP’s not sure it should be properly checked.

Heres a picture of the consumer unit, no idea what any of it means.



The cable coming out of the wall where the oven and old gas hob plugs into is definitely thicker to my eyes than the stuff you see behind light switches and 3 pin plug sockets.

The electrician is coming next week so I'll know for sure then, but it's good to have an idea beforehand.

[Ken_Code]

If it has on oven outlet rather than a fused socket then it’s virtually certain to be OK, but of course get it checked.

[Audis5b9]

Simpo Two said:

Audis5b9 said:

The 13A ones are used on boats and motorhomes quite regularly.

It's a great way to flatten a 12V battery! IMHO they really only work in boats etc if they're on shore power - which means you have to be in the marina to use it, or fire up a generator. However they're being increasingly fitted because 'gas is dangerous' and 'electricity is green'.

Modern lithium banks are capable of taking a lot of load. Your bog standard car battery wont cut it...

[Regbuser]

From the dist brd picture, your B32 amp RCBO is for your oven? With no spare ways for a separate circuit for an induction hob that may require another 32A protective device and appropriately sized cable. So you may be limited to a 13A plug top item.

[SkinnyPete]

Regbuser said:

From the dist brd picture, your B32 amp RCBO is for your oven? With no spare ways for a separate circuit for an induction hob that may require another 32A protective device and appropriately sized cable. So you may be limited to a 13A plug top item.

Thanks.

A new cable can be channelled into the wall easily enough, but whats the going rate for fitting a new consumer unit?

[Car bon]

Depending on the oven, an electrician can advise what extra load could be added. Typically a single oven is around 16A so
may be possible to go above 13A - and some hobs have intermediate settings.

Not much point speculating if you have an electrician coming round anyway.

[Regbuser]

SkinnyPete said:

Regbuser said:

From the dist brd picture, your B32 amp RCBO is for your oven? With no spare ways for a separate circuit for an induction hob that may require another 32A protective device and appropriately sized cable. So you may be limited to a 13A plug top item.

Thanks.

A new cable can be channelled into the wall easily enough, but whats the going rate for fitting a new consumer unit?

Looking at the picture, there appear to be blank covers to the left, so may be possible to install another 32A RCBO for a 7.4kW hob unit.
But, it requires the attendance of a qualified electrician to assess the characteristics of the installation and advise the correct and safe requirements for any additions.