What size cable and MCB for a 14kW cooker

[Keeffey84]

Hi,

I'm hoping someone can offer some advice on a new cooker I want fitting.

I want to replace my old cooker with a new one with induction hob. The new cooker/hob is rated at 13.9kW and the existing cable is 6mm from a 30a MCB. The length of the cable should only be about 3 meters (my fuse board is in one of the kitchen cupboards near the cooker).

I've had 2 electricians quote for the job but both had told me different things so I'm unsure which one to use.

1st electrician said the new cooker can be connected to the existing cable and it should be a fairly simple job.

2nd electrician has said that the cable needs changing to 10mm and a 40a MCB needs fitting (which is obviously gonna involve a bit more work removing the tiles & cupboards to fit the new cable).

Could anybody shed some light on which one I should use? I rather go for the quick and simple option and get the cooker in for Christmas as long as the cable already there is ok to use.

Thanks,

 

[EFLImpudence]

First electrician is correct.

Is the MCB 30A or 32A - it makes no difference, just want to be sure.

 

[Keeffey84]

Thanks for your reply. The MCB is 30a, the fuse board is an old'ish wylex one which I'm hoping to get replaced next year.

 

[EFLImpudence]

Ok. Yes, I thought either old or misprint.

 

[JohnD]

your old wylex board is probably unsuitable for a 40A MCB.

And probably also overdue for a change.

Is it brown, white, or grey?

Not much chance of getting it finished by Christmas, except that some induction hobs can be range rated to limit the amount of current they draw.

This is a restaurant kitchen, is it? four ovens, six rings?

 

[Keeffey84]

Fuse board is white (or was at some point). Tbf both electricians recommended a new fuse board which I'm looking to get replaced in the new year.

The cooker has grill/oven plus a oven and 4 hobs.

 

[ericmark]

I have a Belling induction cooker just moved it from old house max draw around 60A but it has been supplied for last 10 years with a 32A MCB in a Wilex fuse board with no problem and the instructions say min 30A supply so no real problem from a 30A fuse.

Now still on a 32A RCBO and very unlikely to trip. A single hob may be rated 3.8 kW but in real terms it can only be used at that power to boil water, anything else it would burn. So for most things it is not used over 1.4 kW and even then only for a short time before it needs to be turned down.

 

[Keeffey84]

Thanks for your advice on this. I'm gonna get it fitted on the existing cable and can always upgrade the cable at some point in the future when I have it re-wired.

Thanks.

 

[flameport]

and can always upgrade the cable at some point in the future when I have it re-wired.

There are no normal domestic cooker / hob / oven combinations that would require any kind of upgrade.

 

[EFLImpudence]

Plus - as long as the 6mm² cable does not run through any thermal insulation or conduit, a 40A or 45A Mcg could be fitted.