Kitchen Electrics: Cooker Circuits, Sockets and What an EICR Checks

The kitchen has more high power appliances than any other room, and in many London homes it has been refitted several times over the years. That makes it one of the places an EICR is most likely to find problems. This guide explains how kitchen circuits should be set up, what we test, and the faults we see most often.

How a kitchen should be wired

• A dedicated cooker circuit. An electric oven or hob usually has its own circuit from the consumer unit, with a cooker switch or isolator within easy reach.
• Socket circuits sized for the load. Kettles, toasters, microwaves and air fryers all draw a lot of current at once, so the sockets should be on a circuit that can take it.
• Fused spurs for built in appliances. Dishwashers, washing machines and fridges hidden behind units should have a switched fused spur above the worktop so they can be isolated without pulling the appliance out.
• RCD protection. Kitchen sockets and circuits feeding them need 30mA RCD protection.
• Bonding. Main bonding to the incoming gas and water pipes, usually near where they enter the building.

What an EICR checks in the kitchen

During an inspection we check the cooker circuit cable and protective device match the appliance, test the socket circuits for continuity and insulation, check RCD trip times, look at the condition of sockets and switches near the sink and hob, and confirm built in appliances can be isolated. We also look for heat damage behind cookers and hobs, which is more common than people think.

Common faults in London kitchens

• A new induction hob connected to an old cooker circuit that was sized for a smaller appliance.
• Sockets fitted too close to the sink or directly behind the hob.
• Extra sockets added to a ring by spurring off spurs, so one cable feeds far too many points.
• Appliances plugged into extension leads hidden in cupboards.
• Scorched or loose connections in the cooker switch.

Older consumer units with no RCDs are another common reason kitchens fail. Our guide to why an RCD keeps tripping is worth a read if your power goes off when the kettle and washing machine are both on.

Planning a new kitchen

If you are fitting a new kitchen, it is the best time to sort the electrics, because the walls and floors are open. Plan where the appliances will go, add enough sockets above the worktop, and check the consumer unit can take any new circuits. New circuits in a kitchen are notifiable work, so they need certifying by a registered electrical contractor.

Book a kitchen electrical check

Energy North Ltd carries out EICR inspections, kitchen rewires and new circuits across North, East and West London. Our City & Guilds certified electricians can usually attend within 48 hours, and certificates are emailed the same day. Thinking about adding a car charger at the same time? See our EV charger installation page.