Do I really need an electrician for this?

NiceDream

Hello, I bought a single electric oven from AO.com, it's a NEFF N50B1ACE4HN0B. Description says 2.99kw and fuse rating 13A but that it "requires plug/cable attaching by an electrician". The oven's arrived with a cable but no plug. I've got a 13A fused plug - can't I just wire the cable to the plug myself and plug it in? Is there some reason anyone knows of why it would say this must be done by an electrician? I'm guessing they don't supply a plug so people have the option to hard wire but I'm a bit mystified as to why they're saying an electrician must attach the plug. 

flashg67

Not an electrician, but I'd agree that a standard 13a plug would be fine. I have done i with other brands. I wonder if it's for ease for international supply reasons/cost?

Alanp

I think it will need hard wiring to say a 16 or 20 amp breaker, you’re pulling about 12 amps at 3kw

onomatopoeia99

Wiring a plug isn't "notifiable work".  My experience is that while nominally rated to 13A, a lot of plugs / sockets don't actually like it very much if left running at 13A for a long time, especially the moulded ones that just about every appliance has nowadays (I'm thinking fan heaters here).  Leaves me wondering if they anticipate the oven being wired to a flex outlet rather than a plug, but even then I don't see why an electrician would be needed as long as it wasn't a new circuit being installed.

Belenus

Alanp said:

I think it will need hard wiring to say a 16 or 20 amp breaker, you’re pulling about 12 amps at 3kw

Which is no more than the many millions of 13 amp devices such as washing machines, dishwashers, kettles, toasters, irons etc that are also used in kitchens and are fine on a decent quality and properly wired 13 amp plug and socket.

NiceDream, are you intending to plug this into a standard 13 amp socket on a ring main or an existing oven circuit?

NiceDream

Belenus said:

Alanp said:

I think it will need hard wiring to say a 16 or 20 amp breaker, you’re pulling about 12 amps at 3kw

Which is no more than the many millions of 13 amp devices such as washing machines, dishwashers, kettles, toasters, irons etc that are also used in kitchens and are fine on a decent quality and properly wired 13 amp plug and socket.

NiceDream, are you intending to plug this into a standard 13 amp socket on a ring main or an existing oven circuit?

Hi Belenus, yes I'm planning to plug into standard 13A socking on ring main

NiceDream

flashg67 said:

Not an electrician, but I'd agree that a standard 13a plug would be fine. I have done i with other brands. I wonder if it's for ease for international supply reasons/cost?

That's a good point - could be

tacpot12

I would try to find a plug made of hard urea like the sockets are as this will resist the heat better. Make sure you get the terminals tight.   

Risteard

A 3kW load is not suitable for a plug and socket arrangement other than for short duration. A kettle only runs for a couple of minutes at a time. If a plugtop was suitable then it would be supplied with one fitted by law. 

Belenus

NiceDream, your oven will not draw 2.99kw continuously. It may draw that while heating up but will then cycle through on and off to maintain the set temperature.

We have had plug in 3kw ovens for decades without a problem.

Description says 2.99kw and fuse rating 13A but that it "requires plug/cable attaching by an electrician".

That to me says that it is suitable to use either on a suitably rated plug and socket or hard wired.

How you define an electrician is open to interpretation. I'm a competent DIY electrician who knows his limitations and doesn't do anything beyond his level of competence. I am quite capable or wiring a 13 amp plug safely.  Are you?  If yes then go ahead.

Will the plug and socket be visible or hidden behind the oven or a cupboard?

NiceDream

Belenus said:

NiceDream, your oven will not draw 2.99kw continuously. It may draw that while heating up but will then cycle through on and off to maintain the set temperature.

We have had plug in 3kw ovens for decades without a problem.

Description says 2.99kw and fuse rating 13A but that it "requires plug/cable attaching by an electrician".

That to me says that it is suitable to use either on a suitably rated plug and socket or hard wired.

How you define an electrician is open to interpretation. I'm a competent DIY electrician who knows his limitations and doesn't do anything beyond his level of competence. I am quite capable or wiring a 13 amp plug safely.  Are you?  If yes then go ahead.

Will the plug and socket be visible or hidden behind the oven or a cupboard?

Thanks Belenus, this sounds like sensible interpretation/ advice. The plug and socket will be in a cupboard at the side of the oven, so it will be hidden but easily accessed. I haven't needed to wire a plug for years but I remember how to do it, it's very straightforward. I just can't imagine an electrician would even take a job to come out and wire a plug!