What kind of outlet is needed for the hob

When purchasing household appliances of increased power, which include electric hobs, owners of appliances most often encounter two problems.

First: the wiring has already been laid, so it is advisable to focus on its characteristics, which often limits the choice. The second is the opposite - you need to draw a power line, focusing on the features of the hob. But for both cases the following information is important.

What kind of outlet is needed for the hob

Often this technique is not equipped with a plug at all. It is more expedient to connect it to a separate power line equipped with a shield with an automatic machine and a residual current device (RCD).

Electric hobs can be equipped with a cable, but more often it is supposed to connect to the network directly through the terminal blocks. If there is a plug or the user for some reason considers a classic outlet a more convenient option, it is important to carefully study the operating instructions. Particular attention is paid to the technical specifications section, which indicates the power of the device.

General outlet requirements

Much depends on the type of network connection. So, with a single-phase, the following parameters are relevant:

• for panels up to 3.5 kW, a 16 A socket is needed;
• up to 5.5 kW - 25 A;
• not exceed 7.2 kW - 32 A;
• up to 8.8 kW - 40 A.

With three-phase:

• up to 3.5 kW - 20 A;
• up to 7 kW -32 A.

Do not use outlets without a grounding contact.

What wire is needed

Regardless of the number of phases and, accordingly, the number of cores in the cable, the use of aluminum wires is strictly prohibited. Only copper.

Strict adherence to the recommended section is also mandatory, because safety is at stake. So, for:

• panels with power up to 3.5 kW, cables with a core diameter of 2.5 mm are used;
• up to 5.5 kW - 4 mm;
• no more than 7.2 kW - 6 mm;
• up to 8.8 kW - 10 mm.

Knowing the conventions will help to avoid confusion with multicore cables when connecting an electric hob to the network. Zero is marked with the letter N on the diagram and the blue (less often - gray) insulation of the core. Earthing corresponds to yellow-green or just green and the designation PEN (PE). Sometimes on the diagram the earth is not marked with lettering, but this does not become more difficult to figure out. Phase L corresponds to wires of black, brown and red colors.

When choosing a place for mounting the outlet, it is better to stop above the panel or to the side of it. A hidden location is also acceptable, for example, under a stove, but in this case you should consider options for quick access to it.