029_PE_APR21_Layout 1 04/03/2021 00:22 Page 29
TECHNICAL & TRAINING
The team at Pro Certs Software provide guidance when installing a socket or cooker switch near a hob or cooker.
SOCKET AND SWITCH DISTANCES FROM A HOB
T
here are many guides for the minimum distance a socket or cooker switch can be from a hob or cooker. The reason there are recommendations for the minimum distances is to reduce the risks associated with electrical switch gear or socket-outlets being too close to a hob or oven. Depending on which guide you read relating to cooker connection units near hobs and ovens, the distances range from 100mm to 300mm. As the recommended minimum distance for sockets near sinks is 300mm, we'd prefer to go by the 300mm rule, based on the same factors as mentioned in the sockets and sinks guidance.
Risks Possible risks associated with a hob or cooker switch/isolator or socket being behind a hob or cooker. Burns If a hob switch or isolator is located behind a hob and the user requires to turn off the hob quickly the user should
NOT have to reach over a hot hob in order to turn it off. Water and heat damage to electrical accessories If a cooker isolator is installed behind the hob or oven there is risk of heat damage being incurred on the cooker isolator from the hob or cooker. In addition to this, should a pan boil or overheat there is the potential risk of the cooker isolator getting wet.
FREQUENTLY ASKED... Can a cooker switch be behind the hob? No, a cooker switch should be located at least 30cm (300mm) horizontally away from the hob. Can a cooker switch be above a hob? No, a cooker switch should be at least 300mm horizontally away from a hob. Can a socket be behind a hob? No, sockets, switches or spurs should be installed at least 300mm horizontally away from a hob.
Limited space in a kitchen In some scenarios there may not be enough space in the kitchen to install cooker switches, sockets or spurs 300mm away from a hob or oven. In those circumstances it would be up to the installer to decide on a safe and readily accessible alternative location. Some guidance we found recommends a minimum distance from 100mm, however 300mm is the preferred distance up to a maximum distance of 2m and certainly not directly behind the hob. A kitchen fitter may alter the layout of an existing kitchen by relocating the hob or oven which places the hob or oven too close or directly in front of existing electrical accessories. In those circumstances you should relocate the electrical accessories to
PROFESSIONAL ELECTRICIAN April 2021 29