Kitchen Appliances · Buying Guide
Induction Hobs and the Electrical Supply They Need
Induction hobs are fast, precise and increasingly popular, but there is one thing buyers often miss until installation day: many of them cannot simply be plugged into a normal kitchen socket. A full-size induction hob can draw a lot of power, and that usually means a dedicated electrical circuit installed by a registered electrician, not a plug and a spare socket. As an electrical retailer, this is exactly the kind of thing we would rather you knew before you buy, not after.
Many full-size induction hobs draw more power than a standard 13 amp plug and socket can provide, so they need a dedicated higher-rated electrical circuit, hard-wired and installed by a registered electrician, rather than being plugged in. Some smaller or lower-powered induction hobs are designed to run from a standard socket, but you must check the specific model. Any new or altered fixed wiring for a hob must comply with the national wiring rules (IS 10101) and be carried out by a registered electrician, both for safety and certification. Always confirm the hob's power requirement before you buy.
This guide explains why induction hobs need the electrical supply they do, when a dedicated circuit and an electrician are required, and what to check before buying, so the hob you choose can actually be powered in your kitchen.
Why induction hobs need a serious supply
Induction hobs heat quickly and can put a lot of power into the pan, and a full-size hob with several zones running together can demand far more electricity than a standard plug is designed to carry. A normal domestic socket in Ireland is built around a 13 amp plug, and a large induction hob at full output can exceed what that can safely supply. That is why these hobs are generally connected to a dedicated circuit sized for the load, rather than plugged into a socket shared with other appliances. It is not a quirk of a particular brand; it is a consequence of how much power the hob can draw.
Dedicated circuit or plug-in?
Induction hobs broadly fall into two groups when it comes to supply:
- Full-size hobs needing a dedicated circuit: most standard four-zone and larger induction hobs need their own dedicated circuit, hard-wired to the electrical installation by a registered electrician and sized for the hob's rated load.
- Lower-powered or plug-in models: some smaller induction hobs, and certain models with limited total output, are designed to run from a standard socket. These are the exception, not the rule, and you must confirm it from the specific model's specification.
The mistake to avoid is assuming a hob will plug in like a kettle. Check the hob's stated electrical requirement, and if it needs a dedicated circuit, factor the electrician's work into your plans and budget before you buy.
It is a job for a registered electrician
Installing or altering the fixed wiring for an induction hob, running a new dedicated circuit, fitting the right protection, and connecting the hob, is electrical work that must be done properly. In Ireland, work on the fixed electrical installation must comply with the national wiring rules (IS 10101) and should be carried out by a registered electrician, who will also provide the appropriate certification. This protects your safety and ensures the installation is compliant. Connecting a powerful hob to an inadequate supply, or wiring it incorrectly, is a genuine fire and safety risk, so it is not a DIY job.
Dedicated circuit or plug-in
Most standard four-zone and larger induction hobs need their own dedicated circuit, sized for the hob's rated load. Plug-in models are the exception, not the rule, so confirm it from the specific model's specification.
A job for a registered electrician
New or altered fixed wiring for a hob must comply with the national wiring rules (IS 10101) and be carried out by a registered electrician, who will also provide the appropriate certification. It is not a DIY job.
Plan the electrical work before you buy. If you are moving from a gas hob or an old plug-in hob to a full-size induction hob, you may be adding an electrical circuit that was not there before. Establish what supply the hob needs and get a registered electrician to confirm what is required in your kitchen before you commit, so the installation is planned and priced rather than a surprise on delivery day.
Choosing an induction hob with confidence
As an electrical retailer, Brennan's Electrical can help you choose an induction hob and understand the supply it needs, so there are no surprises when it comes to fitting. We stock hobs and cooking appliances from the brands we carry, and our Arklow team can talk you through the electrical side as well as the cooking side. Browse our electric hobs, and call the store on 0402 32870, and always arrange a registered electrician for the installation.
Frequently asked
Can I plug an induction hob into a normal socket?
Does an induction hob need a dedicated circuit?
Do I need an electrician to install an induction hob?
What should I check before buying an induction hob?
Buying an induction hob?
Brennan's Electrical can help you choose the hob and understand the supply it needs. Browse our cooking appliances or call the Arklow store on 0402 32870. For work on fixed wiring, use a registered electrician, see Safe Electric, Ireland's electrical safety regulator.