Do I need a dedicated circuit for my cooker hob?

Yes. A hob is a high-load appliance and should be on a correctly rated, dedicated circuit with appropriate overcurrent and RCD/RCBO protection to BS 7671.

What RCD trip time is acceptable?

For domestic 30 mA RCDs at rated current, disconnection should be under 300 ms. My recent test result was 19.3 ms, which is extremely fast.

What tests do you carry out after installation?

I carry out RCD trip-time tests, Insulation Resistance, Earth Fault Loop/Impedance, and Polarity checks to verify safety and compliance before I sign the job off.

Cooker Hob Installation and Testing in Plymouth

Name: Dave Prout Electrician Plymouth
Address: 11 Elliott Road, Prince Rock, Plymouth, PL4 9NJ, GB
Telephone: 07874 079458
Price range: £

Dave Prout

3 months ago

Cooker Hob Installation & Testing in Plymouth

At Dave Prout Electrician Plymouth, I don’t just install your cooker hob — I test it thoroughly so you can cook with confidence. Need a safe, professional Cooker Hob Installation in Plymouth? Call 07874 079458 or message me on WhatsApp +44 7418 633868.

Testing a new cooker hob with my Megger MFT — safety first.

Why proper cooker hob installation matters

A hob draws significant current, so it must be on the correct circuit with the correct protective device and local isolation. I install and test to the 18th Edition Wiring Regulations (BS 7671), ensuring your system is safe, compliant, and neat.

Today’s test results (the fun, nerdy bit)

After wiring in the hob, I ran a full set of tests with my Megger MFT:

⚡ RCD Trip Time: 19.3 ms at 1× — far faster than the <300 ms requirement. Blink and you’ll miss it.
🛡️ Insulation Resistance: confirms cable insulation is sound with no leakage paths.
🔁 Impedance (Zs / loop): verifies fault currents will operate protective devices within the required time.
🔌 Polarity: checks line, neutral, and CPC are correctly connected at every point.

Result: a cooker hob that’s not just connected, but proven safe and compliant — ready for everyday use.

What does “19.3 ms” actually mean?

If a fault occurs, the RCD must disconnect quickly to reduce risk of electric shock and fire. The limit is typically <300 ms at rated current. My reading of 19.3 ms is super-fast — a great indicator that the protective measures are functioning perfectly.

Signs you might need an upgrade

Old plastic fuse board with no RCD/RCBO protection
Cooker/hob spurred from a socket (no dedicated circuit)
Warm or discoloured outlets, nuisance tripping, or buzzing
Kitchen refurb with new high-load appliances

Why choose Dave Prout Electrician Plymouth?

✅ Local, friendly, and independent
✅ No VAT — keeps costs sensible
✅ Fully tested and certified installations
✅ Neat workmanship, clear communication

Book your Cooker Hob Installation in Plymouth

Don’t risk a DIY hookup — get it installed and tested properly. Call me on 07874 079458 or message via WhatsApp. I’ll fit it neatly, test it thoroughly, and leave you with peace of mind.

Customer reviews

⭐ “Dave fitted our new hob, ran all the tests, and explained everything. Professional and tidy.” – Sarah, Plymouth

⭐ “Super quick RCD test and full checks. Feel much safer now.” – John, Plympton

Related services

Promise: I only test the electrics — never your cooking. 🍳

Dave Prout

Expert Electrical Services Plymouth.