Thanks for the replies guys.
Yeah, I have spent some time on this - basically just wanted it to be correct and safe.
I get you when you say about other leccy ovens on 32a running fine - probably alot of blarney from Hotpoint but I cant ignore their instructions really....even though it really doesnt say in the book about fuse size! (nice one Hotpoint
)
The only two things I wante to ensure were:
1. Safety first and foremost.
2. Keeping the warranty on my new oven.
Whilst Hotpoint said I could use 6mm Flex, in the same breath, they also said that if something did happen then I may or may not be covered.
I asked about fuse size and was told 16a. Sufficient to protect the original flex and sufficient for the 6mm no problem. Also keeps within Hotpoints guidelines to keep my warranty.
So, I didnt pick up the 6mm Flex I sourced - Instead, popped and got a 16a RCBO and have a spark coming around in a few hours to swap out the 40a one and replace with 16a.
I would have done it myself but when I opened the CU (board completely off), it seemed that the wires to the 40a were quite well tucked in behind all the rest and the fly leads were all entwined. I could see where to make all the connections (straight swap) but didnt want to disturb anything.
So....thats where I am at. Think I have done the right thing in getting a qualified person in to mess about with the CU. Probably take him 10mins!!