Is this cable suitable for connecting a 4kW double-oven to a 32A supply?

itm2 · 22 Dec 2019

I'm looking for electrical cable to connect a double oven to a 32A supply. The oven is rated at 4kW. Can anyone advise on whether this would be suitable? It's longer than I need, but the shortest that I could find in Screwfix (which is my nearest outlet):

https://www.screwfix.com/p/prysmian-6242y-twin-earth-cable-6mm-x-10m-grey/29733
PRYSMIAN 6242Y TWIN & EARTH CABLE 6MM² X 10M GREY
Brand Prysmian
Cable Code 6242Y
Cable End Type Bare
Cable Length 10 m
Cable Product Type Twin & Earth
Cable Profile Flat
Cable Voltage Rating 300/500 V
CE Standard (Tested to EN...) BS 6004.
Coil or Drum Coil
Colour Grey
Conductor Area 6 mm²
External Diameter 13.1 mm
Indoor/Outdoor Usage Indoor
Manufacturer Guarantee 1 Year Guarantee
Maximum Operating Temperature 70 °C
Minimum Operating Temperature -15 °C
Model No 20147221
No. of Cable Cores 2-Core
No. of Strands Per Core 7 Strands Per Core
Pack Size 1
Parent Colour Grey
Pieces in Pack/Case 1
Product Type PVC Flat Wiring Cable
Sheath Colour Grey
Supplier Manufacturer Helpline 08457 678 345

EFLImpudence · 22 Dec 2019

No.

Get this.
https://www.screwfix.com/p/nexans-heat-resistant-flex-3183tq-3-core-2-5mm-5m-white/8869t

itm2 · 23 Dec 2019

Will a 2.5mm cable be adequate for a 4kW oven?

winston1 · 23 Dec 2019

Yes. 4kW is just over 20A, but not for long as ovens cycle on and off. 2.5mm cable is good for 27A.

Ragnar_AT · 23 Dec 2019

winston1 said:
Yes. 4kW is just over 20A, but not for long as ovens cycle on and off. 2.5mm cable is good for 27A.

I get 17.4A for 4 kW at 230 V. Did I miss anything?

EFLImpudence · 23 Dec 2019

Sort of and not really.

It will most likely be quoted at 240V.

4kW @ 240V is in fact 16.7A which will be

3.68kW @ 230V and 16A (which is probably not a coincidence)

because the resistances of the oven are the constants - 14.4Ω, current and voltage are variables.

very_pointy_ears · 10 Jul 2020

But if the OP is going to use 2.5mm T+E then they need to know to use a breaker rated at less than 32A

OwainDIYer · 10 Jul 2020

very_pointy_ears said:
But if the OP is going to use 2.5mm T+E then they need to know to use a breaker rated at less than 32A

Not necessarily. An oven is a fixed load which is unlikely to overload, and a 32A will probably still provide short-circuit protection. This must be proved by calculation.

A larger cable would be prudent though, to allow for an appliance with a heavier loading in future.

EFLImpudence · 10 Jul 2020

I expect he's done it by now.

very_pointy_ears · 10 Jul 2020

I'm not an electrician by trade but I would personally feel more comfortable using 6mm2 cable for this. Better to reasonably over-engineer than under-engineer in my (admittedly non-expert) view.

very_pointy_ears · 10 Jul 2020

Oh blimey I didn't notice that post was so old - it was showing at the top of the forum list so I assumed it was new ...

EFLImpudence · 10 Jul 2020

very_pointy_ears said:
I'm not an electrician by trade but I would personally feel more comfortable using 6mm2 cable for this. Better to reasonably over-engineer than under-engineer in my (admittedly non-expert) view.

There really is no need.

1.5mm² is adequate for 16A.

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Is this cable suitable for connecting a 4kW double-oven to a 32A supply?

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