Electric Hob Safety Calculator
Safety Check Tool
This tool determines if your existing electrical setup meets the minimum requirements for a safe electric hob installation. Based on your inputs, it will show whether you need professional assistance.
Enter your information above and click "Check Safety Requirements" to see if your setup is safe.
Replacing an electric hob isn’t like swapping out a light bulb. Even if the new unit looks identical to the old one, the wiring, power demands, and safety rules are serious business. Many homeowners think, "It’s just a stove. I can hook it up myself." But here’s the hard truth: in most cases, you need a licensed electrician to replace an electric hob.
Why You Can’t Just Plug It In
Electric hobs don’t run on standard 120-volt outlets. Most require 240 volts - the same power level as a dryer or oven. That means a dedicated circuit, often with a 30- to 40-amp breaker, running directly from your main panel. If your old hob was on a 30-amp circuit, and the new one needs 40 amps, you’re already in trouble. Installing the wrong circuit can overheat wires, trip breakers constantly, or worse - start a fire.Even if your home has the right voltage, the wiring must meet current electrical codes. That includes proper grounding, correct wire gauge (usually 8 or 6 AWG), and a dedicated disconnect switch near the hob. Most DIYers don’t know how to test for these things. Electricians do it every day.
What Happens If You Skip the Electrician?
You might get away with it for months. Maybe the hob works fine. But here’s what could go wrong:- Your insurance won’t cover damage if an unlicensed person wired the hob and it caused a fire.
- Home inspectors will flag it during a sale - you’ll have to fix it before closing, often at higher cost.
- Local building codes require permits and inspections for fixed appliances like hobs. Skipping this can lead to fines.
- One loose connection can arc, melt insulation, or cause a short circuit - sometimes without tripping the breaker.
A friend of mine replaced his hob himself. It worked for six months. Then one night, the kitchen lights flickered, the breaker tripped, and he smelled burning plastic. The neutral wire had corroded from improper torque on the terminal. The repair cost $1,200 - including a new circuit panel section. He paid twice as much as hiring a pro upfront.
What an Electrician Actually Does
When you hire someone for a hob replacement, they don’t just twist wires. Here’s what’s involved:- Shutting off power at the main panel and verifying it’s dead with a multimeter.
- Removing the old hob and checking the existing circuit - wire size, breaker rating, grounding.
- Upgrading the circuit if needed (new breaker, new cable, new junction box).
- Connecting the new hob’s terminal block with the correct torque settings - too loose causes heat, too tight cracks terminals.
- Testing for continuity, grounding, and correct voltage before turning power back on.
- Installing a visible disconnect switch if required by local code.
- Providing a signed certificate of compliance (required in many areas).
It takes 2-4 hours. A good electrician will also check your kitchen’s overall load to make sure adding the hob won’t overload the panel. Most won’t even start the job unless they’ve seen your panel first.
When You Might Not Need One
There’s one exception: if you’re replacing the hob with an identical model, on the exact same circuit, and you’re certain the wiring is up to code. Even then, you still need to turn off the power, verify it’s dead, and follow the manufacturer’s instructions exactly.But here’s the catch - most people don’t know if their wiring is up to code. And manufacturers require professional installation for the warranty to be valid. If you install it yourself and the hob fails in year two, the company will deny your claim.
Cost Comparison: DIY vs. Pro
| Item | DIY | Professional |
|---|---|---|
| Hob Unit | $500-$1,800 | $500-$1,800 |
| Electrical Materials (wire, breaker, etc.) | $50-$200 | Usually included |
| Labor | $0 | $150-$400 |
| Permit & Inspection | $50-$150 (if you get it) | Usually included |
| Risk of Damage or Fire | High | Negligible |
| Warranty Validity | Voided | Valid |
At first glance, DIY looks cheaper. But when you factor in the risk of fire, insurance denial, or having to pay for a pro to fix your mess later, the savings vanish.
What to Look for in an Electrician
Not all electricians handle appliance work. Look for someone who:- Has a current license and insurance (ask for proof)
- Has replaced electric hobs before - ask for photos of past jobs
- Knows local codes - some cities require specific disconnects or clearance distances
- Provides a written quote before starting
- Includes a warranty on their labor (at least 1 year)
Check reviews on Google or the Better Business Bureau. Avoid anyone who says, "I’ve done this a hundred times," without showing credentials.
What About Gas Hobs?
Gas hobs are a different story. They need a licensed gas fitter, not an electrician. But if you’re switching from gas to electric - or vice versa - you’ll need both professionals. The gas line must be capped properly, and the electrical circuit must be installed correctly. Mixing the two without the right licenses is dangerous and illegal in most places.Final Verdict
Yes, you need a licensed electrician to replace an electric hob. Not because it’s complicated - but because the stakes are too high. A mistake can burn down your house, void your insurance, or cost you thousands in repairs later. The labor cost is a small price to pay for safety, compliance, and peace of mind.Don’t risk it. Call a pro. Your future self - and your family - will thank you.
Can I replace my electric hob myself if I’m handy?
Being handy doesn’t make you qualified to work with 240-volt circuits. Electric hobs require specific wiring, correct breaker sizes, and grounding that most DIYers don’t know how to verify. Even small mistakes can lead to fire or electrocution. It’s not worth the risk.
Do I need a permit to replace an electric hob?
In most cities and counties, yes. Electrical work on fixed appliances like hobs typically requires a permit and inspection. Skipping this can lead to fines, and it will show up during a home inspection if you ever sell. A licensed electrician will handle this for you.
How much does it cost to have an electrician replace an electric hob?
Labor typically ranges from $150 to $400, depending on your location and whether the circuit needs upgrading. If you need a new breaker, new wiring, or panel work, costs can go higher. But this is still cheaper than fixing fire damage or paying for insurance claims.
Will my warranty be void if I install the hob myself?
Yes. Nearly all manufacturers require professional installation for the warranty to be valid. If your hob fails after a year and you installed it yourself, the company will refuse to repair or replace it - even if it’s a known defect.
Can I use an extension cord for my electric hob?
Never. Extension cords are not rated for the continuous high load of an electric hob. They overheat, melt, and can cause fires. Hobs must be hardwired directly to a dedicated circuit. This is not optional - it’s a fire code violation.
How do I know if my circuit is ready for a new hob?
You can’t know unless you test it. A licensed electrician will check the wire gauge, breaker size, voltage, grounding, and load capacity. If your old hob was on a 30-amp circuit and your new one needs 40 amps, you need a full circuit upgrade. Guessing is dangerous.
