Old electrics but want a new kitchen

Bollo2019

Hi, we're about to buy a house and plan to get a new kitchen put in, and we're new to this sort of process, so I was hoping for advice on our situation. Can we get someone in who will just come in and install the appliances for the kitchen whilst advising on rewiring (which is most likely necessary) or do we need to provide them with an electrical condition report first before they will do any work?

Mr.Generous

Depends what the electrics are like, they aren't going to do an unsafe or illegal install if that's what you mean.

G_M

If re-wiring is 'necessary', then do that first!


But is it?

quantumlobster

You will need a 6mm feeder for an electric hob, and that's a proper electrician's job to install.

An oven, OTOH, will happily and safely work off a 13A plug socket.

phill99

I fit kitchens for a living.


If you are having a new kitchen it is highly likely that electrical work will be required. If we are fitting a kitchen that requires electrical work and the electrical installation isn't up to current standards, we run a new ring main for the kitchen, the either upgrade the consumer unit, or add a separate consumer unit just for the kitchen. This will normally require earth bonding of the gas and water supply.


By dong it this way, the electrician can supply appropriate certification.


However, what I would suggest is that if your electrics are not up to standard, you would be advised to spend money on getting that sorted first as it has long term implications.

Davesnave

As GM says, if a re-wire is necessary, that's what you do first, because it's disruptive and it messes with decoration.It's fundamental to many other improvements you may wish to make.

Bollo2019

In respect of a rewire, do you suggest that the whole house be rewired should the kitchen need it? Or can I get the kitchen rewired then over time get the rest of the house done?

Really appreciate the responses.

GaleSF63

Bollo2019 wrote: »

Or can I get the kitchen rewired then over time get the rest of the house done?

When my mother got a new kitchen she had just her kitchen completely rewired - lighting, appliances, new fuse box etc. The rest of the house wasn't done for another 10-12 years.

FreeBear

quantumlobster wrote: »

You will need a 6mm feeder for an electric hob, and that's a proper electrician's job to install.

An oven, OTOH, will happily and safely work off a 13A plug socket.

Depends on the length of the cable and distance from the consumer unit. Whilst 6mm² would be suitable for most installations, 10mm² might be required.


As for ovens, some are hard wired in and require a 16A supply. Using a 13A plug & socket would be foolish in this instance.

davemorton

And when does a house 'need' a re-wire?

Davesnave

davemorton wrote: »

And when does a house 'need' a re-wire?

Often when wiring's been improved piecemeal and your electrician says, "I'm not taking responsibility for sorting out this muddle; it's a rewire, or I'm not touching it!"

After all, the work has to be certified.

And with wires buried under 300mm insulation and under floors etc, very often, a rewire is almost as quick as extending/altering what exists.

Get it done before you move in for less inconvenience/more speed, or after you move in, if knowing the place and where you will want lights, points, switches etc is more important.