Installing an electric oven to replace a gas model

turtle99

We are currently trying to replace a terrible freestanding gas oven. Ideally we'd like to switch to an electric model, but there are a few issues:

(i) The only available place for it is next to the sink (where the current oven is). We've read about the safety regs for the oven and sink to be at least 30cm away from each other - but given that we don't have this option, would it be reasonably safe if the oven itself is next to the sink, but the isolating switch/cooker control unit is safely away from the sink?

(ii) For placing the isolating switch - are there any other considerations other than it shouldn't be directly above the cooker (or near the sink for that matter)?

(iii) If we were to opt for another gas model in the end, is it also a safety issue if the oven is next to the sink?

Thanks in advance for your help

Aylesbury_Duck

turtle99 wrote: »

We are currently trying to replace a terrible freestanding gas oven. Ideally we'd like to switch to an electric model, but there are a few issues:

(i) The only available place for it is next to the sink (where the current oven is). We've read about the safety regs for the oven and sink to be at least 30cm away from each other - but given that we don't have this option, would it be reasonably safe if the oven itself is next to the sink, but the isolating switch/cooker control unit is safely away from the sink?

(ii) For placing the isolating switch - are there any other considerations other than it shouldn't be directly above the cooker (or near the sink for that matter)?

(iii) If we were to opt for another gas model in the end, is it also a safety issue if the oven is next to the sink?

Thanks in advance for your help

If you're getting the oven installed, the distance to the sink will be a problem. From memory the regs do specify a 30cm distance, for the oven that is, not the isolating switch. I also believe that the manufacturer's instructions, if they are different, will always be more strict, so you must also consider the model you are buying and where that can be safely installed, what gaps are needed between it and the neighbouring units, vertical distance from hob to hood and so on. Most instruction manuals can be viewed online and include a graphic in the the installer's instructions section to show the 'hot zone' and other clearances.

This all applies to gas and electric ovens. If it's gas then a proper installer needs to do the job. Some electric ovens can be plugged in and so there isn't really anything stopping you putting it where you like at your own risk, but I wouldn't do it. Apart from anything else it would probably invalidate the warranty.

turtle99

Thanks for the advice, very useful. The kitchen has been so wretchedly designed (we only moved in to the house 2 months ago, and were more concerned about other issues at the time) that we are thinking about redoing the whole thing. Nuke it from orbit, it's the only way to be sure, etc