Do I Need a New Circuit for My Induction Hob?

Induction hobs are a popular choice for modern kitchens—sleek, fast, energy-efficient, and increasingly found in new builds and renovations across Leeds and beyond. But if you're upgrading your kitchen or replacing an older appliance, one of the most common questions we get at Smart Ohm is:

“Do I need a new circuit for my induction hob?”

The short answer? Yes, in most cases, you do.

Here’s why—and what you need to know before installation day.

Why Induction Hobs Need a Dedicated Circuit

Induction hobs are powerful appliances that draw a significant electrical load, often between 6kW to 7.5kW, depending on the model. This is far more than a standard kitchen socket can safely handle.

To comply with UK wiring regulations and ensure safe operation, induction hobs usually require a:

• Dedicated circuit wired directly from the consumer unit
• Correctly sized cable (typically 6mm or 10mm², depending on load and length)
• Cooker isolator switch within 2 metres of the hob
• Properly rated breaker or RCBO (usually 32A or 40A)
• Cooker outlet plate or connection unit

Without this setup, you risk overloading the circuit, tripping the fuse board—or worse, creating a fire hazard.

When You Definitely Need a New Circuit

Here are the most common situations where a new cooker circuit is required:

🔌 You're switching from gas to induction

Gas hobs don’t require a dedicated electrical supply—just a small ignition feed. Induction hobs are all-electric, and you’ll need a full circuit installed.

🔄 You're replacing an older electric hob or oven

Many older hobs were lower powered or shared a circuit with an oven. Most modern induction hobs exceed those limits and need a separate, higher-rated circuit.

🏠 You're building an extension or redesigning the kitchen

If you're changing the layout or installing new appliances, it’s the perfect time to future-proof your kitchen with a properly rated circuit.

🧯 You're unsure about the existing wiring

If your consumer unit is outdated or your current setup doesn’t include an isolator switch or dedicated supply, it’s best to install a new circuit for safety and compliance.

Can You Use the Existing Oven Circuit?

Sometimes—but only if:

• The existing circuit is rated appropriately for the new hob
• It has the correct size cable and protective device
• It includes an isolator switch in a compliant location
• The oven and hob won't exceed the load limit together
• The circuit passes inspection and testing

At Smart Ohm, we always carry out load calculations and inspect the existing wiring before giving the green light to re-use any circuit. Safety first.

What's Involved in Installing a New Cooker Circuit?

When you book a new cooker circuit installation with Smart Ohm, we handle everything:

• Assess the load and location
• Supply high-quality cable, isolator, and connection plate
• Route wiring from the consumer unit to the hob location
• Install an RCBO or MCB for protection
• Label the circuit and update your consumer unit schedule
• Fully test, certify, and register the work as required

We’ll also liaise with your kitchen fitter or builder if needed, ensuring everything is timed and installed properly.

Can It Be Part of a Larger Kitchen Project?

Absolutely. We regularly install new cooker circuits as part of:

• Full kitchen rewires
• Kitchen extensions and conversions
• Property renovations
• New builds and garage conversions

Already working with a project manager or interior designer? We’re happy to coordinate.

Areas We Cover

We install induction hob circuits across:

Leeds – including Alwoodley, Bramhope, Moortown, Horsforth, Cookridge, Shadwell, Adel, Garforth, Pudsey, Rothwell, and more

Wetherby, Boston Spa, Harrogate & Knaresborough

Surrounding areas in West & North Yorkshire

Have a larger kitchen project further afield? Just ask—we’re flexible for the right job.

Need a Circuit for Your New Induction Hob?

Smart Ohm are NAPIT-registered, TrustMark-approved electricians offering safe, compliant cooker circuit installations across Leeds and beyond. We use only high-quality materials and ensure every installation is tested, certified, and built to last.

Call us today or get a quick quote online to make sure your new hob is wired safely and ready to perform.