If you’re upgrading your kitchen in Exeter — or replacing an old oven or hob — you might be wondering:
“Can I just fit it myself? Or do I need a qualified electrician?”
It’s a fair question. Cookers seem straightforward. They’ve got a cable, a few screws, maybe a bit of heat-resistant flex — what could go wrong?
But when it comes to cookers and hobs (especially electric ones), the answer’s clear:In most cases, yes — you should get a qualified electrician to install it.
Here’s why.
It’s Not Just Plug-and-Play
Most electric cookers and hobs in the UK aren’t supplied with a standard plug. That’s because they draw more power than typical sockets are designed to handle.
They need:
A dedicated circuit (usually 32A)
Correctly sized cable (typically 6mm² or 10mm²)
Proper protection at the consumer unit
And safe isolation and testing once installed
Plugging the wrong thing into the wrong supply can lead to overheating, cable damage, or worse — a fire.
What About Gas Cookers?
Even gas cookers usually have an electric ignition and clock, which often requires a proper connection to the mains.
And if you’re switching from gas to electric, or installing a dual-fuel cooker (gas hob + electric oven), you’ll likely need both a Gas Safe engineer and a qualified electrician.
At EPM, we’ve handled loads of these setups across Exeter homes, especially in renovations and new kitchens.
Why DIY Isn’t a Good Idea
Apart from the safety risks, there are a few key reasons to avoid a DIY cooker or hob install:
1. It may be illegal
Kitchen electrics are covered by Part P of the Building Regs. If the work isn’t done by someone who’s registered and qualified, you could be in breach of regulations.
2. It might void your insurance
If there’s ever a fire or fault, insurers may refuse to pay out if they find it wasn’t installed properly — or by someone who isn’t qualified.
3. You won’t get certification
Qualified electricians (like us) issue an Electrical Installation Certificate. That’s your proof it’s been done safely — and it’ll be important if you sell your home later.
So, What’s Involved in a Proper Install?
Here’s what we usually do during a cooker or hob installation:
Check existing cabling and circuit capacity
Confirm correct isolation and fuse rating
Connect the appliance with heat-resistant flex
Test for earth continuity, insulation resistance and safe operation
Provide documentation if needed
Sometimes we’ll also install a new circuit if the old one isn’t up to scratch — or add a cooker isolation switch if missing
Final Word from EPM
If you’re in or around Exeter and not 100% sure whether your new cooker or hob needs a professional install — just ask us. We’ll give you straight, honest advice based on the appliance, your kitchen setup, and the latest regs.
Because in a home full of people, meals, and memories… the kitchen deserves to be safe as well as stylish.
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