How Do You Install an Induction Hob to UK Wiring Regs?

Quick Answer: A domestic induction hob in the UK is typically rated 7.2 kW (full size, 600mm) and must be wired on a dedicated 32A circuit in 6.0 mm² twin and earth cable, protected by a 32A Type B MCB and 30 mA RCD (BS 7671:2018+A2:2022). The connection is via a fused cooker connection unit with 13A socket for the cooker hood. The hob requires a 50–60mm air gap below for cooling and minimum 65cm clearance to any cooker hood above. Worktop cutouts must follow the manufacturer's template exactly — typically 560×490mm with 50mm radii.

Summary

Induction hobs use electromagnetic induction to heat ferrous-bottom cookware directly. The hob's electronics generate a 20–50 kHz alternating magnetic field that induces eddy currents in the pan base, producing heat in the pan, not the hob surface. This makes induction the fastest, most efficient and most controllable cooking surface — and the electrical load is significant.

Most 600mm UK induction hobs draw 7.2 kW (sometimes badged as 7.4 kW with power management). 4-zone hobs commonly all draw their full load simultaneously — there is no diversity factor as with separate gas rings. A dedicated 32A circuit is the standard solution and the only specification that gives long-term reliability.

The trade interface: the kitchen fitter cuts the aperture, levels the units and seals the joint. The electrician runs the circuit and connects the hob. The hob comes with a fixed flex (typically 1.0–1.5m) that connects to a fused connection unit or cooker connection unit in the cabinet below.

Key Facts

Quick Reference Table

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Hob Rating MCB Cable Size Maximum Run Length*
Up to 7.4 kW 32A Type B 6.0 mm² T&E ~25m clipped direct
7.4–9.6 kW 40A Type B 10.0 mm² T&E ~25m clipped direct
9.6–11.5 kW 50A Type C 16.0 mm² T&E (specialist) Calculate per case
Domestic induction <3 kW (mini) 16A 2.5 mm² T&E Fused spur acceptable

*Cable current ratings depend on installation method (Reference Method) per Table 4D5 of BS 7671 — verify against installation method.

Detailed Guidance

Circuit design

The induction hob load is what drives the entire circuit. UK practice:

Standard 7.2 kW Induction Hob Circuit
- Consumer unit -> 32A Type B MCB (with RCD) or 32A RCBO
- 6.0 mm² T&E cable to cooker switch
- 45A double-pole cooker switch (DP isolator, 45A)
- 6.0 mm² T&E cable to cooker connection unit (CCU)
- CCU has built-in 13A switched socket for hood (separate fused circuit can be specified)
- Cable from CCU to hob flex terminal — usually short (50-300mm)
- Hob flex (manufacturer supplied) connects to CCU terminal block

The 32A MCB is sized for the load. At 7.2 kW / 230 V = 31.3 A. With 230 V tolerance (-10%) and motor surge characteristics of switching electronics, 32A is the correct nominal rating, not 25A or 40A.

Wiring sequence

  1. Run 6.0 mm² T&E from consumer unit to the hob location (typically clipped direct in joist void or chased into wall behind plasterboard)
  2. Terminate at a 45A DP cooker switch above the worktop on the splashback wall
  3. Run 6.0 mm² T&E down to the cooker connection unit inside the cabinet below the hob
  4. CCU sits inside the cabinet, secured to the back panel or side
  5. Hob flex from the manufacturer terminates at the CCU's outgoing terminals
  6. Earth bond all metal kitchen fittings as required by BS 7671 (sink, hob frame, pipework)

Choice of CCU vs flex outlet

The 45A cooker connection unit (CCU) is the standard. Many incorporate a 13A switched socket for the hood — convenient because it isolates with the hob and removes one ceiling-pendant for the extract. Some installations use a separate connection (45A flex outlet) without socket where the cooker hood has its own dedicated 13A circuit.

Aperture cutting

Each hob has a precise cutout template. For 600mm hobs the typical cutout is 560 × 490mm with 50mm corner radii. Cutout precision matters:

For stone worktops, the cutout is made at the stone yard before delivery, working from the manufacturer's template. Verify the cutout matches the chosen hob model before the stone is fabricated — late changes to the hob model after the stone is cut mean a new worktop section.

Ventilation and clearance

Induction hob electronics generate heat — a cooling fan inside the hob draws air over the heatsink. Required clearances:

Heat shield and back panel

Some kitchen cabinets are MDF or chipboard at the back. Where direct radiant heat from cooking might reach the back panel — particularly with very deep pans on the back zone — a heat shield is required. Typically:

Pan compatibility

Induction only works with ferromagnetic pan bases. Aluminium, copper, glass and most stainless steel (non-magnetic 18/10 grades) won't work. Test by holding a magnet to the pan base — if it sticks, the pan is induction-compatible. Most modern pans are labelled.

For customer education, explain on handover:

Bonding and earthing

BS 7671 supplementary equipotential bonding rules for kitchens were significantly relaxed in the 17th and 18th Editions. Main bonding to incoming services (water, gas) remains; supplementary bonding inside the kitchen is generally not required where all circuits have 30 mA RCD protection. Always check the specific installation and the latest amendments.

The hob itself is Class I (earthed). The earth conductor in the 6.0 mm² T&E provides the protective conductor; verify continuity at handover with a 250V test (Zs measurement).

Inspection and certification

Part P Building Regulations: replacement of a like-for-like hob is generally not notifiable. Installation of a new circuit (or modification of an existing circuit in a kitchen) is notifiable. The electrician must either:

  1. Be registered with a Competent Person scheme (NICEIC, NAPIT, ELECSA) and self-certify, OR
  2. Notify Building Control before starting work

Documentation issued at handover:

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I plug an induction hob into a standard 13A socket?

Only mini (single zone) portable induction hobs are designed for 13A operation — typically up to 3 kW. Full 4-zone built-in hobs draw too much current for a 13A circuit and will trip the MCB. Dedicated 32A circuit is required.

Do I need to upgrade my consumer unit?

If your existing consumer unit has spare capacity (free MCB way, RCD or RCBO available, sufficient incoming supply headroom), you can add a new 32A circuit without unit upgrade. If the unit is full or non-RCD-protected, an upgrade or new dedicated RCBO is needed. Larger property loads (heat pumps, EV chargers, multiple ovens, induction) commonly require a consumer unit refresh.

What about a twin-oven and induction hob combination?

Each appliance needs its own dedicated circuit. A twin oven typically draws 6 kW and uses a 32A circuit; the induction hob uses another 32A circuit. Some installations combine on a single 45A cooker circuit with diversity factor, but separate circuits are simpler and more reliable.

Do I need cabinet ventilation in the unit below the hob?

Yes. The hob has a cooling fan and air must enter from below or behind. Typical solution: a 200×30mm slot cut in the back of the cabinet below the hob, allowing air to flow up from the cabinet void. Some manufacturers supply a vented base unit specifically for hob installation.

Can the worktop sealant be silicone?

Yes — clear or worktop-matched silicone is used to seal the hob frame to the worktop. Some manufacturers ship a specific high-temperature silicone or a foam tape seal. For stone worktops, ensure the silicone is compatible (some silicones stain natural stone — read the silicone label for stone compatibility).

Regulations & Standards