Using cooker socket for a different appliance

I’ve just bought a portable induction hob from Ikea as a temporary replacement for my freestanding cooker, but am wondering if it is okay to plug this into the cooker socket with the red switch, or should I just plug it into a normal socket? Just want to check before I plug it in.

Asked by Dee on 21st Feb 2022
Expert Trade Answers
"Good Day,

If your portable induction hob comes with a 13A plug then it is perfectly fine to plug it into the 13A socket that also incorporates the cooker switch.

Best Regards,

Robert Raubenheimer
Eta Electrical Ltd"
Answered on 21st Feb 2022 - Member since Jan 2022 - report
"the induction hob has a consumption of at least 4 kW, so it must be connected to that spurious switch with the red button"
Answered on 21st Feb 2022 - Member since Mar 2019 - report
"If it comes with a 3 pin plug, it is okay to plug in the 3 pin cooker socket."
Answered on 21st Feb 2022 - Member since Oct 2021 - report
"With a 13amp three-pin plug designated to a socket.

Cooker outlet sockets tend to have higher current

As they're wired in with 6.00mm t&e flat PVC cable.

Ring main sockets standard 2.5mm t&e flat-twin PVC cable.

To avoid over current, overheating to the induction hob

More safe to plug in the kitchen ring main socket."
Answered on 21st Feb 2022 - Member since May 2019 - report
"Yes should ok to plug into cooker switched socket if it’s the only thing running of it as I cannot see the specs of the induction hob.

Thanks"
Answered on 21st Feb 2022 - Member since Feb 2022 - report
"Hi. The freestanding portable induction hobs tend to use less power than some of the larger versions. Basically, if it comes with a plug then you can plug it into any normal plug socket or the cooker socket with the red switch. We would advise on following the manufacturer's instructions primarily as these are the most important items to follow."
Answered on 21st Feb 2022 - Member since Oct 2018 - report
"It will be fine, check manufacturers instructions. They trump all ⚡️⚡️"
Answered on 21st Feb 2022 - Member since Jan 2022 - report
"Depending on the power and other things like fuse limitations, wire limits, etc"
Answered on 21st Feb 2022 - Member since Oct 2021 - report
"As long as your temporary hob has its own plug lead and its own fuse then you can plug it anywhere. Hope this helps"
Answered on 21st Feb 2022 - Member since Jul 2021 - report
"If it's on a plug top, it'll be fine in the socket on the cooker control unit or a normal socket."
Answered on 21st Feb 2022 - Member since Jan 2022 - report
"First of all, you have to know how many kw to give you an answer"
Answered on 21st Feb 2022 - Member since Dec 2019 - report
"For induction hob minimum of 6mm cable is required. And the breaker behind will be 32 amp.
I'm not sure what size cable is coming before and what breaker is backing before."
Answered on 21st Feb 2022 - Member since Jan 2022 - report
"Yea you can plug it into the cooker socket. The cooker point should ideally be on its own circuit so therefore it will be ok to use"
Answered on 21st Feb 2022 - Member since Feb 2022 - report
"It's best to check the power rating of the portable hob, normally these should be designed for use in a standard socket purely by its proposed use. Anything between 2-3kw can be plugged into a normal socket but I would suggest ensuring RCD protection is available on your fuse box or socket."
Answered on 21st Feb 2022 - Member since Oct 2018 - report
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