Hi, I wonder if anyone can help clarify somethine for me please?
Friends of mine are currently having their kitchen refitted. Since I've done a fair bit of electrical work in my time (though not so much these days!), they asked me about moving the main cooker switch (its current position would leave the switch over the hob unit, which is a no, no).
I've no problem with moving the switch, even though it's going to have be relocated in a cupboard to the right of the cooker (because the cable won't reach to the desired location).
But yesterday when I went round to do the job, I noticed the existing cooker circuit is only 30A (fused). My concern is that they've opted for a new electric range cooker which has a double oven/grill and 5 hobs. The maximum rating stated for the cooker is 14.6KW (63.5A ?), and although I know this is a maximum rating, and leaving out the discussion on whether load diveristy applies or not , I just don't think the circuit will be suitable for their new cooker.
The cable run from the CU would be approx 8-10M, with 6mm cable used.
My suggestion would be to have an additional 30A circuit installed for the oven units, and use the existing 30A circuit for the hob unit. This would ensure enough capacity for the cooker to be used to full capacity (as the grill cannot be used at the same time as the main oven).
Their problem, is that
(1) it's an old CU, with a maximum rating of 60A
(2) The CU is at maximum capacity...
(3) ...therefore the cost is going to be fairly high to have a seperate CU installed and a new circuit to the cooker point.
I'm just really after your opinions on whether I'm on the right track, or if you have any suggestions?
Incidentally, they have had an electrician tell them the 30A circuit would be okay to use... ???!
Thanks for your help in advance.
Friends of mine are currently having their kitchen refitted. Since I've done a fair bit of electrical work in my time (though not so much these days!), they asked me about moving the main cooker switch (its current position would leave the switch over the hob unit, which is a no, no).
I've no problem with moving the switch, even though it's going to have be relocated in a cupboard to the right of the cooker (because the cable won't reach to the desired location).
But yesterday when I went round to do the job, I noticed the existing cooker circuit is only 30A (fused). My concern is that they've opted for a new electric range cooker which has a double oven/grill and 5 hobs. The maximum rating stated for the cooker is 14.6KW (63.5A ?), and although I know this is a maximum rating, and leaving out the discussion on whether load diveristy applies or not , I just don't think the circuit will be suitable for their new cooker.
The cable run from the CU would be approx 8-10M, with 6mm cable used.
My suggestion would be to have an additional 30A circuit installed for the oven units, and use the existing 30A circuit for the hob unit. This would ensure enough capacity for the cooker to be used to full capacity (as the grill cannot be used at the same time as the main oven).
Their problem, is that
(1) it's an old CU, with a maximum rating of 60A
(2) The CU is at maximum capacity...
(3) ...therefore the cost is going to be fairly high to have a seperate CU installed and a new circuit to the cooker point.
I'm just really after your opinions on whether I'm on the right track, or if you have any suggestions?
Incidentally, they have had an electrician tell them the 30A circuit would be okay to use... ???!
Thanks for your help in advance.