the Big Cooker repair company

How can the cooker be connected to a 45 amp supply when the rating plate states the cooker draws 70 amps?

An electrical rule called Diversity. The IEE Regulations 15th Edition gives a simple method of diversity calculation for household electric cooking appliances.

 

Take the full load of the cooker, then deduct the first 10 amps.

Take 30% of the remainder and add the first 10 amps originally deducted.

If an electrical socket outlet is incorporated into the cooker switchbox, add 5 amps to the total load.

 

A worked example would be:-

Cooker rating plate full load 70 amps.

Taking away first 10 amps would leave 60 amps.

30% of 60 amps is 18 amps.

Add the 18 amps to the original 10amps deducted (15amps if there is a socket)

Answer is 28 amps (33amps if there is a socket in the switch unit).

 

Requesting a 45 amp supply gives a good safety margin.

 

The reasoning behind the calculation is that not all heating elements are constantly on together. Element thermostats and energy regulators cut-in and out in use, spreading the electrical load.

There is also a European method from Cenelec for calculating diversity; this uses equations and the number of heating surfaces in an appliance. Although this usually gives a slightly higher diversity current it is always on a par with the simpler method.

Will the engineer need to switch-off the electrical supply?

The installer must be able to switch-off the electrical supply when installing your cooker. If he is unable to isolate the supply at the connection point, he will not to proceed with the installation on a point of safety.

Does the cooker need to have its own switch?

In an ideal installation scenario, an accessible double pole switch (switches both the live and the neutral) should be installed within 2 metres of the cooker, this being hard wired directly to a cooker connection point behind the appliance. The switch should not be directly above the hob area but should be within 2 metres of the cooker. To ensure safe isolation during future cleaning and servicing, all switches should be easily accessible and of a double pole type with at least 3mm contact gap.

What tests will the installer carry out during installation?

During installation, the installer will undertake safety earth-continuity tests and earth resistance tests to ensure the cooker is safe for use. He should also make a visual inspection of the supply wiring and fuse/circuit breaker to ensure it is adequately rated.

Electrical FAQ’s

Tel:  01772 46-56-76    Fax:  01772 46-47-57   

 

Email: enquiry@BigCookerRepair.co.uk

To contact us: