The electric cooker is pretty much the staple ingredient in every kitchen! Your old one is broken, or you just fancy a more modern model, then it is about time to make a change!
While many people think installing a new cooker is a simple task that you can manage without the need for an electrician, it is not as easy if you are not completely confident in your own DIY skills. We strongly advise that you contact a skilled handyman if you feel uncertain during any stages of replacing your electric cooker.
There are quite a few things to consider before tackling the job. We made a step-by-step guide with everything you need to know on how to install, wire, and connect your electric cooker!
Electrical regulations
Do you know how to do this correctly and, more importantly, safely? Electric cooker installation involves legalities, which you must be aware of in the first place.
It is possible that your new cooker is more powerful than the previous one. This means your old circuit is insufficient to power the new cooker, and a new circuit needs to be installed. Due to the existing legal requirement, new circuit installations can only be done by Part P certified electricians.
If you can make use of your own electric cooker control unit, then you can do the wiring but be very careful and cautious while doing the job!
Make sure your home meets the power requirements.
The electric cooker installation requires a separate fuse, which means you need to fit your new appliance on a distinct circuit. This way, the isolated system will ensure that your electric cooker is drawing enough power at all times, and it’s perfectly safe to use daily.
A double pole isolating switch is a must!
The isolating switch guarantees that in the event of a short circuit, the appliance’s wiring will no longer carry electrical current. It ensures that you won’t get shocked if you touch the device.
Think out the positioning of your cooker control unit.
More modern control units have neon lights established, which will signify when the unit is turned on.
Choose the right cable for your cooking.
- Look for more thickness as a 2.5 mm heat-resistant cable – it will give you better protection.
- Choose the one with several wires – often, it comes with three wires, and the cable is frequently referred to as “two core and earth” or a “twin and earth” cable.
- Still, If you can’t figure out the right cable for your electric cooker, read the official manual and consult with a professional electrician!
Take the “Hot zone” of your appliance into account.
Тhis is a must even before starting to install your electric cooker. Leave a gap of at least 30 cm between the cooker and any other kitchen appliances, including dishwasher, sink, and refrigerator.
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Connect your cooker to your home’s power grid.
Connect the cable behind the cooker:
- Identify the terminal outlet box behind the cooker and carefully unscrew the plate.
- Connect the 3 wires ( brown or live, blue or neutral and earth or green/yellow) to their appropriate slots. The neutral remains on the left, the earth at the centre and the live one goes to the right.
- Tighten the screws to make sure the wires are fixed in place.
- Re-install the backplate.
Connect the cooker with its control unit:
- Double-check if the cable that comes with the cooker is properly fixed to your appliance.
- Use a tiny padlock to lock the cooker circuit on the fuse box. This way, you prevent people from accidentally flipping the switch while you are busy wiring the cooker.
- In order to de-energise the cooker completely, turn the double pole isolator switch on.
- To avoid scratching the kitchen floor, place a scrap covering material beneath the cooker.
- Ensure the cooker control unit is completely dead and safe to work with by testing with a voltage tester. Then move ahead with removing the screws inside.
- Apply gentle pressure to place the wires in their respective slots and then place the screws back. Make sure not to cross-thread the screws.
- To secure the wires firmly in place, screw the insulation bit under the wiring.
Don’t forget to be careful, cautious and patient. It is necessary to do research and be fully prepared before starting this task. If you do not feel confident, you can do it, better hire licensed professional to complete the project.
FixMan is here to help! Our electricians will take care of all health and safety checks. They will install the new cooker and test it for you. Safety always comes first and is more significant than anything!