If you're upgrading your kitchen in Exeter — or replacing an old oven or hob — you might be wondering:

“Can I just fit it myself? Or do I need a qualified electrician?”

It’s a fair question. Cookers seem straightforward. They’ve got a cable, a few screws, maybe a bit of heat-resistant flex — what could go wrong?

But when it comes to cookers and hobs (especially electric ones), the answer’s clear:In most cases, yes — you should get a qualified electrician to install it.

Here’s why.

It’s Not Just Plug-and-Play

Most electric cookers and hobs in the UK aren’t supplied with a standard plug. That’s because they draw more power than typical sockets are designed to handle.

They need:

• A dedicated circuit (usually 32A)

• Correctly sized cable (typically 6mm² or 10mm²)

• Proper protection at the consumer unit

• And safe isolation and testing once installed

Plugging the wrong thing into the wrong supply can lead to overheating, cable damage, or worse — a fire.

What About Gas Cookers?

Even gas cookers usually have an electric ignition and clock, which often requires a proper connection to the mains.

And if you’re switching from gas to electric, or installing a dual-fuel cooker (gas hob + electric oven), you’ll likely need both a Gas Safe engineer and a qualified electrician.

At EPM, we’ve handled loads of these setups across Exeter homes, especially in renovations and new kitchens.

Why DIY Isn’t a Good Idea

Apart from the safety risks, there are a few key reasons to avoid a DIY cooker or hob install:

1. It may be illegal

Kitchen electrics are covered by Part P of the Building Regs. If the work isn’t done by someone who’s registered and qualified, you could be in breach of regulations.

2. It might void your insurance

If there’s ever a fire or fault, insurers may refuse to pay out if they find it wasn’t installed properly — or by someone who isn’t qualified.

3. You won’t get certification

Qualified electricians (like us) issue an Electrical Installation Certificate. That’s your proof it’s been done safely — and it’ll be important if you sell your home later.

So, What’s Involved in a Proper Install?

Here’s what we usually do during a cooker or hob installation:

• Check existing cabling and circuit capacity

• Confirm correct isolation and fuse rating

• Connect the appliance with heat-resistant flex

• Test for earth continuity, insulation resistance and safe operation

• Provide documentation if needed

Sometimes we’ll also install a new circuit if the old one isn’t up to scratch — or add a cooker isolation switch if missing

Final Word from EPM

If you’re in or around Exeter and not 100% sure whether your new cooker or hob needs a professional install — just ask us. We’ll give you straight, honest advice based on the appliance, your kitchen setup, and the latest regs.

Because in a home full of people, meals, and memories… the kitchen deserves to be safe as well as stylish.