Couple of questions...

[TR1CKY]

Hi there

I have a few questions for the members here...

1) I have a new kitchen going in with a halogen hob and an electric oven (existing is a gas oven) - ideally, would this need two switches on the CU for each applicance? (I'm afraid I don't have the spec. of the appliances to hand)

2) The existing kitchen sockets (all two of them ) are simply on the 'downstairs ring'. If I do all the donkey work, chasing out walls, putting boxes in and running the cables, with the Part P can I then get a qualified electrician to (a) come and do the connection or (b) can I do the connecting up and just get it tested by a qualified professional. (I did the new ring at my old house before any of the part p stuff came in).

3) Same question as above really, but what about replacing the actual consumer unit? Can I do all the donkey work or is this best left for a pro?

Thanks in advance...

 

[Steve]

1. Ideally yes, you'd have a 16A breaker for the oven, with a 20A switch or 13A FCU (depending on the oven's exact rating) above the worktop. Then you'd have a 32A breaker for the hob, with a 45A switch above the worktop. If there isn't space in the fusebox, the oven can go on the kitchen ring main if its rating is 13A or below, but the hob MUST be on its own 32A circuit.

2. Yes, but please have the electrician come first and approve the route you suggest for the cables, before you chase out the walls.

3. There isn't much prep do for a CU change, just leave it to him. Make sure he fits a board with enough room for expansion (oven, hob etc lol)