Power supply for cooker extractor hood

MarkSmith · 27 Mar 2017

Hello,

Refitting and slightly remodeling my kitchen. Electrician is coming tomorrow to do the wiring changes.

One new item to be fitted is a free-standing extractor above the hob - this sort of thing.

The extractor needs a 240v supply in its "chimney" - so there'll be a backbox with either some sort of terminal or a 13A socket faceplate. I was going to go for a socket to make installation of the unit marginally easier, and, well, why not? Electrician seemed happy with this when we talked it through.

However I now understand you're not allowed a socket directly above a hob - which of course is exactly where this needs to be. (1.5m above it, but above it nonetheless.) What's the deal please? All free-standing extractors clearly need this.

Thanks!
-Mark

winston1 · 27 Mar 2017

MarkSmith said:
However I now understand you're now allowed a socket directly above a hob - which of course is exactly where this needs to be.
-Mark

If you are now allowed it what is the problem?

ianniann · 27 Mar 2017

Most of the ones I see have sockets hidden inside the chimney. It is arguable whether this counts as accessible or not, although the chimney can be removed quite easily if you know what's going on. I've also seen some with a socket outside the chimney, and even one wired to an FCU outside the chimney. The one in my kitchen seems to be an exception and is permanently wired inside the chimney. Less convenient for fitting or removing but those aren't things that happen very often.

ianniann · 27 Mar 2017

winston1 said:
If you are now allowed it what is the problem?

I suspect a typo, "now" should be "not"?

winston1 · 27 Mar 2017

ianniann said:
I suspect a typo, "now" should be "not"?

In that case what is the source of this reg?

MarkSmith · 27 Mar 2017

I apologise - yes, typo. I understand that you are *not* allowed a socket above a hob.

EFLImpudence · 27 Mar 2017

Even if there were a regulation prohibiting sockets above a hob, that does not count as above the hob.

There may be a socket in the bedroom or loft; would you class that as above a hob?

MarkSmith · 27 Mar 2017

EFLImpudence said:
Even if there were a regulation prohibiting sockets above a hob, that does not count as above the hob.

Why's that?

(It's far from obvious to me that it objectively falls into the same category as "things in another storey of the building".)

Anyway, I'm interested to know if there indeed is such a regulation.

Thanks.

EFLImpudence · 27 Mar 2017

MarkSmith said:
Why's that?

Above the hob would mean where it could be damaged by the heat and things on the hob or may cause injury to people using it.
Obviously if none of those things can happen, why would or should it be banned?

(It's far from obvious to me that it objectively falls into the same category as "things in another storey of the building".)

Well, they may be above the hob - if that is the only consideration.

Anyway, I'm interested to know if there indeed is such a regulation.

There is not. There are recommendations for those lacking common sense to avoid damage and injury.

omega015 · 27 Mar 2017

Although that wont stop these so called engineers/fitters who will come to install a cooker and then refuse to do it due to nearby sockets etc...

John D v2.0 · 28 Mar 2017

Well the overriding point is the accessories have to be suitable for their location. A normal socket is never suitable 6 inches above the centre of the hob, as you move further it eventually starts being a matter of opinion. If it's above a cooker hood most people would say it's fine, after all you would only use it for isolation when the hob is cold.

Bosswhite · 28 Mar 2017

Use a switched fused spur socket with 2 amp fuse.

ban-all-sheds · 28 Mar 2017

Bosswhite said:
Use a switched fused spur socket with 2 amp fuse.

1) That's not a socket.

2) There will still need to be a flex outlet plate for the hood, and aesthetically that is best placed behind the "chimney".

The biggest problem, IMO, of having a socket or (any accessory) there is can you say that it creates a cable zone if it is concealed? I you think about why the zones exist, it's because the presence of an accessory alerts you to the possible presence of cables so you don't willy-nilly drill or hack into them. But if you cannot see the accessory....

I'd recommend an outlet (socket, or flex plate from an FCU somewhere) concealed behind the chimney with the cable to it run in steel conduit.

Bosswhite · 28 Mar 2017

Sorry I misnamed the Electrical fitting, should have said "1G Cooker Hood Switched Fused Connection Unit",

By putting an electrical fitting inside the chimney would it not be liable to steam/grease build up over time and a certain amount of heat would make the plastic fitting brittle.

ban-all-sheds · 28 Mar 2017

FCU would have done.

Isn't this part of a cooker hood just a decorative cover for the pipes and fan?

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Power supply for cooker extractor hood

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