What cable size do I need for an electric cooker?

Most domestic electric cookers up to 13kW need 6mm² cable on a 32A circuit. This accounts for diversity - not all elements run at full power simultaneously. Large range cookers over 13kW may need 10mm² cable on a 45A circuit. Always check the specific appliance rating.

Can I use 4mm² cable for a cooker?

No, 4mm² is not suitable for cooker circuits. It can only handle 24A maximum in ideal conditions, which is insufficient for standard cooker circuits. Always use minimum 6mm² for domestic cooker installations, or 10mm² for larger appliances.

What is diversity and how does it apply to cookers?

Diversity accounts for the fact that not all cooker elements operate at maximum simultaneously. BS 7671 allows: first 10A at 100% + remaining at 30% + 5A for socket. Example: 12kW cooker (52A) calculates as 10A + (42A × 0.3) + 5A = 27.6A, allowing a 32A circuit.

Do I need a cooker control unit?

Yes, a cooker control unit (CCU) or cooker switch is required for isolation. It must be within 2m of the cooker but not directly above it (heat damage risk). 45A cooker switches are standard. Units with sockets are popular but add 5A to diversity calculation.

Can hob and oven share one circuit?

Yes, if combined load allows. A typical 3kW oven + 7kW hob = 10kW total (43A) with diversity = approximately 25A, suitable for 32A circuit with 6mm² cable. However, large induction hobs may need separate circuits. Always calculate combined load.

What MCB rating for a cooker circuit?

32A MCB is standard for domestic cookers up to about 13kW. Larger range cookers may need 45A or 50A MCB with appropriately sized cable. Type B MCBs are typical for domestic installations. RCD protection is recommended but not mandatory for cooker circuits.

How do I calculate cooker diversity?

Formula: First 10A at 100% + remaining current at 30% + 5A if socket included. Example: 15kW cooker = 65A. Diversity = 10A + (55A × 0.3) + 5A = 31.5A. This allows a 32A circuit despite the higher nameplate rating. Our calculator applies this automatically.

Can I install a cooker circuit myself?

Cooker circuit installation is notifiable work under Part P of Building Regulations. It must be done by a registered competent person (Part P scheme member) or inspected by Building Control. DIY installation without notification is illegal and invalidates insurance.

What about induction hobs - do they need special wiring?

Induction hobs can draw high currents - some 7.4kW hobs draw 32A alone. Check manufacturer specifications. Large induction hobs may need dedicated 32A or even 40A circuits separate from the oven. Always verify before installation.

Is RCD protection required for cooker circuits?

RCD protection is not mandatory for cooker circuits under BS 7671 if the circuit doesnt supply socket outlets and is not in a special location. However, many modern consumer units have RCD protection on all circuits. Cooker sockets in control units do require RCD protection.

Back to Cable Sizing Calculator

Cooker Circuit Cable Sizing Calculator

Calculate the correct cable size for electric cooker, oven, and hob installations

Cooker Circuit Quick Facts

Most domestic cookers need 32A circuit with 6mm² cable
Large range cookers may need 45A circuit with 10mm² cable
Diversity factor allows reduced cable size for cookers
Cooker control unit required within 2m of appliance
Separate circuits needed for hob + oven combinations over 32A

Cable Size Calculator

BS 7671:2018+A2:2022 compliant

1. Load Current

2. Cable Length (meters)

3. Installation Method

Lighting circuit (3% voltage drop limit)

Need a Qualified Electrician?

Get quotes from vetted, local contractors for your cooker circuit installation

Get Free Quotes

Common Cooker Installations

Standard electric cooker (up to 13kW)

32A MCB, 6mm² cable, single cooker control unit

Large range cooker (13-16kW)

45A MCB, 10mm² cable, may need higher rated control unit

Separate hob + built-in oven

Often can share 32A circuit if combined load under 13kW

Induction hob only

Check hob rating - some need dedicated 32A or 40A circuit

Commercial/professional range

May need 3-phase supply - consult manufacturer specifications

Kitchen Electrical Projects

Kitchen rewires often include multiple high-power circuits. You might also need our electric shower calculator for utility rooms, or check underfloor heating requirements for kitchen extensions. For outdoor kitchen projects, see our garden building electrical guide.

Cooker Circuit Cable Sizing

Cooker circuit cable sizing determines the conductor cross-sectional area (mm²) needed to safely supply an electric cooker, oven, or hob. UK domestic cookers typically require a 32A radial circuit with 6mm² cable. Unlike other appliances, cookers benefit from diversity calculations - not all elements run simultaneously at full power, allowing for practical cable sizing.

Cooker Circuit Installation Costs (2024)

Typical UK installation costs including cable, labour, and consumer unit work. Excludes cooker unit cost.

Installation Scenario	Materials	Labour	Total
Cooker circuit, short run (<8m)	£50-80	£120-200	£170-280
Cooker circuit, medium run (8-15m)	£80-130	£150-250	£230-380
Cooker circuit, long run (15-25m)	£120-180	£200-300	£320-480
New cooker control unit install	£30-60	£60-100	£90-160
Consumer unit upgrade for cooker	£150-300	£200-350	£350-650

Prices as of 2024. Actual costs vary by region, complexity, and supplier.

Diversity for Cooker Circuits

Diversity recognizes that cooker elements rarely all operate at maximum simultaneously. BS 7671 allows diversity calculation: first 10A at 100% + remaining current at 30% + 5A if socket outlet included. A 12kW cooker (52A) with diversity calculates to approximately 32A, allowing 6mm²/32A circuit for most domestic cookers.

Cooker Control Unit (CCU)

A cooker control unit provides a local isolation switch for the cooker circuit. It must be within 2m of the appliance for emergency disconnection. Standard rating is 45A. Models with 13A socket outlets are popular for kettles and small appliances. The socket adds 5A to diversity calculations.

Radial vs Ring for Cookers

Cooker circuits are always radial (single cable run from consumer unit to appliance), never ring circuits. This ensures the cable can handle the full cooker load without overheating. The cable runs directly from MCB to cooker control unit to appliance connection point.

Frequently Asked Questions

Related Electrical Calculators

Voltage Drop Calculator

Verify voltage drop for long cooker cable runs

Cable Sizing Calculator

Full BS 7671 cable sizing for all circuits

Get Quotes from Local Electricians

Looking for a qualified electrician for your cooker circuit installation? Tell us about your project and we'll connect you with vetted contractors in your area. Free, no obligation quotes.

Trade professional or electrical business? Use the form above and let us know - we offer lead referrals in your area, bulk calculation tools, and white-label partnerships for merchants and suppliers.

More Electrical Calculators

Voltage drop, conduit fill, earth fault loop impedance and more. All BS 7671 compliant, all free.

View All Calculators