Do I really need an electrician for this?

Risteard

neilmcl said:

Risteard said:

Ectophile said:

Risteard said:

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. 

I've just looked at my AEG oven.  Strangely, it says 3.5kW on it.  Yet it came fitted with a 13A plug, and is plugged into a 13A socket.  Nothing has gone bang yet.

In practice, it heats up within about 12 minutes, so is never going to melt a 13A plug and socket in that time.

That will be because the 3.5kW quoted is the "total connected load". This probably cannot be simultaneously energised. It's why power ratings on ovens can be extremely misleading. And also elements will cycle on and off diversifying the load.

As is the oven the OP has got:

• Energy efficiency rating (acc. EU Nr. 65/2014): A
  Energy consumption per cycle in conventional mode: 0.97 kWh
  Energy consumption per cycle in fan-forced convection mode: 0.81 kWh
  Number of cavities: Main cavity
  Heat source: electrical
  Cavity volume: 71 litre
• Total connected load electric: 2.99 KW
• 120 cm Cable length
• Nominal voltage: 220 - 240 V
• Appliance dimension (hxwxd): 595 mm x 594 mm x 548 mm
• Niche dimension (hxwxd): 585 mm - 595 mm x 560 mm - 568 mm x 550 mm
• Please refer to the dimensions provided in the installation manual

The fact is that the manufacturer has deemed that it is likely to exceed a safe rating for a plug and socket arrangement. If it was suitable for a plugtop then they have a legal obligation to sell it with a moulded plug pre-fitted as per the Plugs and Sockets etc. (Safety) Regulations, 1994.

NiceDream

Thanks so much everyone for your input. I'm going to digest these after work and will respond 

droopsnoot

While I have no specific knowledge on this, it might be worth mentioning that just because the manufacturer refers to a plug, that doesn't necessarily mean a standard 13A 3-pin domestic plug - for example there are 16A plugs/sockets available.

George_Michael

droopsnoot said:

While I have no specific knowledge on this, it might be worth mentioning that just because the manufacturer refers to a plug, that doesn't necessarily mean a standard 13A 3-pin domestic plug - for example there are 16A plugs/sockets available.

16A plugs and sockets are meant for industrial and not domestic use so you might find such a plug on a cooker or other appliance in a restaurant kitchen but not in a house.
Also, a 16A plug will be unfused so in the event of a problem with the oven, you may well end up with the cable from the plug to the over catching fire.
It's also remembering that 16A sockets don't have any guards to stop people poking things in them so probably wouldn't be permissible for general household use.

droopsnoot

George_Michael said:

16A plugs and sockets are meant for industrial and not domestic use so you might find such a plug on a cooker or other appliance in a restaurant kitchen but not in a house.

I was thinking of some welders that have 16A plugs, you're quite correct. 

Risteard

George_Michael said:

droopsnoot said:

While I have no specific knowledge on this, it might be worth mentioning that just because the manufacturer refers to a plug, that doesn't necessarily mean a standard 13A 3-pin domestic plug - for example there are 16A plugs/sockets available.

16A plugs and sockets are meant for industrial and not domestic use so you might find such a plug on a cooker or other appliance in a restaurant kitchen but not in a house.
Also, a 16A plug will be unfused so in the event of a problem with the oven, you may well end up with the cable from the plug to the over catching fire.
It's also remembering that 16A sockets don't have any guards to stop people poking things in them so probably wouldn't be permissible for general household use.

There is no reason for plugs for BS EN 60309 (commando) sockets to be fused as the circuit protection will be appropriate for the socket-outlets. Of course this does require an adequate cross-sectional area on the flex supplying it. You are correct to state that they are unshuttered, however, which precludes their use in a domestic dwelling.

NiceDream

Hello all, thanks so much for all your input I really appreciate it. I have to admit I still felt a bit confused but was leaning more towards just attaching a plug taking into account your comments and that most descriptions of the product I have seen state it's a 13A appliance. As it happens I ended up having an electrician over re: sorting out an extractor fan so asked him and he confirmed attaching a plug is fine. I also called NEFF customer service and they also confirmed the appliance is suitable for a 13A plug. So I think that's as much assurance as I can do! Plug attached and oven in place now!

Belenus

Thanks for the update. 

So often threads are left hanging as the OP doesn't post again after resolving an issue so nobody knows what happened.