Can I Install an Electric Oven Myself?

Whether your old oven has stopped working, or you are simply updating to a newer model, you’ll want your new appliance installed and working straight away. And you may be wondering if installation is something you can do yourself. In this blog, we take a look at different considerations you should take into account if you are considering performing the installation yourself. 

Can you install an electric oven yourself?

As with any electrical work, the best option is always to leave the task to a qualified electrician, to ensure that the installation is done safely. However, you may still want to know, can I do it? 

There are various things to consider in order to figure out whether you can do the installation yourself, including: do the old and new appliances have the same power rating, is your circuit in good shape, and do you have the necessary skills and knowledge to perform the installation safely. We’ll look at each of these variables to help you decide what the best course of action would be. 

Power Ratings

A power rating tells you how much power an appliance needs to work. This is measured in terms of watts (W) or kilowatts (1000W= 1kW), and can be calculated over time, and presented in the metric of kilowatts per hour (kWh).

Each appliance in your home will have its own power rating, which can be found in the user manual, on the efficiency label, or even on the appliance plug. When it comes to your oven, its size, capacity, and age will influence its power rating. 

Small ovens, rated under 3kW will run on a regular 13 amp plug. If you are replacing a cooker that runs on less than 3kW for a similar one, then the process will likely only require you to unplug and remove the old appliance and plug in your new one. 

Most new freestanding electric ovens will have a power rating of more than 3kW. These types of appliances are hard-wired onto a dedicated circuit with a separate on-off switch for the cooker. This means that the process of uninstalling your old appliance and installing your new one will involve rewiring. 

Swapping an Older Appliance

If you are swapping an old oven for a newer model, it is more than likely that your new appliance has a higher power rating. This means that your old oven is running on a circuit that may not be able to support your new appliance, and a new circuit will need to be installed. This can only be done by a Part P certified electrician.

Swapping Between Circuit Wired Appliances

When it comes to swapping between appliances that are circuit wired, you need to take into account the power rating difference between the two appliances. If the power ratings differ, you will need to get the help of a qualified electrician, who will conduct the necessary test to the circuit, and ensure that the new appliance is safely installed. If the two appliances have the same power rating, however, you are free to conduct the installation yourself.

Swapping Like for Like

Legally, there is no requirement to enlist the help of a qualified electrician to conduct a like for like swap. However, besides the process of isolating the source, disconnecting the old appliance, and connecting your new electric oven, it is recommended that the circuit is tested before and after installation, to ensure that everything remains electrically safe. It is unlikely that the common household will have access to the kind of equipment required to perform these tests, or the knowledge to interpret the results.  

Additionally, if you do decide to perform the installation by yourself, you will need to contact a qualified electrician to test and certify your work by issuing a Minor Electrical Installation Works Certificate. Failing to do so could lead to complications like invalidating your property insurance. 

Conclusion

For all of the reasons mentioned above, we believe it is best to leave this kind of installation in the hands of a qualified electrician, who will be able to perform the installation professionally and guarantee your safety and the proper functioning of your appliance.

Qualified Electricians in the North of England

Home Assist Repairs and Servicing provides qualified and experienced electrical engineers to help with electrical repairs, installation, and testing. Call us now on 0191 406 0888, or request a callback, and we’ll be happy to help.