Can an electric oven plug into a normal socket?

​Some ovens can plug straight into a normal socket outlet and some will require hardwiring. The answer depends upon some factors:

• What the manufacturer specifies in their installation instructions
• The power of the oven
• The capability of your existing electric oven circuit

When wondering "Can an electric oven just plug in?", there are often several considerations to make to ensure that the power source is sufficient, the power cable is capable and no electrical problems will occur as a result of installation.

1) Oven power requirements

​Most UK single ovens are rated between 2kw and 3kw. Some single ovens can be rated at a higher capacity up to around 3.3kw. When considering the electrical wiring requirements of an oven, bear in mind that not all single ovens can be installed on a 13-amp plug.

Most UK double ovens are rated at well above 3kw and will require their own dedicated circuit to be safely powered by electrical systems. The power cord will also need to be carefully selected to ensure that sufficient current capacity is available for the oven without overheating or overloading.

2) Maximum Rating of a Plug

A standard UK 3-prong plug is capable of delivering around 2990-3120 watts of power (at 230-240 volts respectively). There may be issues however, with any appliance wired into a plug top that exceeds 2300 watts or 2.3kw. Whilst a 13 amp fuse in a plug top can handle around 3kw of power, when subject to prolonged and repeated use at this sort of demand, the risk of a burnt plug socket increases to the plug and electric outlet.

A normal plug and 13 amp fuse are not suitable for continued and sustained use at the full 3kw. This also applies to a fused spur. When these loads are presented you may find that the plug socket gets hot.

3) Standard UK electrical sockets and limits

Most 230 / 240-volt outlet sockets in the UK are rated at 13 amps (or around 3kw) maximum. This is the same figure for both single plug sockets and double plug sockets. Despite their seeming ability to power two appliances, when connecting two high powered appliances to a double plug socket, it is highly likely that damage will occur over time.

4) Freestanding VS Built in Ovens

A freestanding oven is normally rated at over 3kw and will therefore require a dedicated electrical circuit in order to perform optimally and safely.

Where a range style oven needs to be installed, these should almost NEVER be installed on a plug socket as in general, most range ovens require their own circuit also.

Whilst many electrical appliances are demanding less power, the modern wall oven still requires a great deal of electrical power in order to cook food thoroughly and properly. 
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Built in ovens come in two varieties:

1. ​Single oven
2. Double oven

​As discussed, single ovens can often simply require plugging but some do require a dedicated electrical circuit as they are too powerful for a plug and regular plug socket. Double ovens almost always require a connection point and more powerful electrical circuit.

5) Single Phase VS Three Phase ovens

​Where a commercial premises has an electric oven, these are often three phase ovens. A three phase oven will require its own dedicated electrical circuit. This circuit should run from the consumer unit or main circuit breaker panel and be correctly designed by a professional electrician to ensure that safety guidelines and manufacturer’s instructions are met. This will limit the risk of electrical fire and damage. 

Most single-phase ovens are either single ovens, double ovens, or freestanding ovens. The voltage ratings should be checked on each appliance before any electrical work is carried out and BS7671 wiring regulations should be followed (UK) or the National Electrical Code (USA).

6) Typical Ovens that Plug in

There are a number of ovens that will simply plug in and these include:

1. Air fryers
2. Worktop toaster ovens
3. Domestic small pizza ovens
4. Some single ovens
5. Microwave ovens
6. Gas hob or oven with electric ignition

As with all small appliances , before connecting to 230 or 240-volt circuits with wiring, the manufacturer’s instructions should be consulted and considered.

7) How to upgrade the power supply

Where you find that the new oven or electric cooker you have purchased is more powerful than the existing outlet can safely supply, it’s a good idea to have a qualified electrician check the total power demand of the appliance and the capability of the electrical circuit. Every electrical cable has a maximum safe electrical current rating which it can handle before overheating and damage occurs. 

When a new cooker circuit is installed, it is common to do so and a 20 amp or 32 amp circuit breaker. Your electrician will design the circuit correctly according to the electrical loading that is likely to take place. It is also common and good practice to have a cooker switch installed at the same time to ensure that there is somewhere safe to isolate the appliance.

8) Portable and Table Top Ovens

Portable and table top ovens commonly sit on top of the work surface in our kitchens. Most of them are designed to plug in and run off the plug socket power supply. There is much less to worry about with overloading cables, sockets, and electrical circuits with a small table top appliance. Care should be taken however, not to use two high-powered appliances in the plug socket as they are not designed to handle this level of demand.

9) Upgrading the breaker panel or consumer unit?

In some cases, it may be necessary to upgrade an old fuse box  and replace with a modern consumer unit when installing a new oven.

Modern consumer units have electric shock protection devices in the form of a Residual Current Device (RCD) and these devices are vital in ensuring electrical safety. You may also require the upgraded consumer unit to provide more modern Overcurrent Protective Devices for your new oven.

10) Summary

Many electric ovens can simply plug in whilst others may require additional measures, more power, or upgrades to the electrical installation before they can safely be installed. The key things to remember when asking, CAN AN ELECTRIC OVEN PLUG IN?​, are to check the manufacturer’s instructions and consult with a professional electrician if further work is needed for safe installation. 
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