Some kitchen appliances use such high power that they require their own group. A well-known example are the electric hobs. But there are more devices that belong to their own group. You can safely combine other devices with each other. It is important to have a good idea of this when you install a new kitchen.
To determine what requirements your new kitchen places on your electrical installation, you need to know what equipment you want to place in your kitchen. In a kitchen you can find different appliances that use large powers and therefore cannot be used together in one group. We list the most common equipment for you. In general, the standard is that a device with a connection value of more than 2000 Watt belongs on its own group.
The hob
Cooking on gas?
With the hob it depends on what kind of hob you take. If you cook on gas, the hob is not relevant for your electrical installation. You will of course need a gas connection close to the place where your hob will be placed. And possibly also a socket, because of the electrical ignition. If your gas hob does not need this, it is wise to make a connection anyway. The hob will probably not last as long as the kitchen. If you have to replace the hob, it is useful that you are prepared.
Cooking on electric
Electric cooking (induction, electric, halogen or ceramic) almost always means that you need a three-phase connection. This is because a hob, when you use all zones, uses more power than a single group can provide. Unfortunately, you cannot just use two groups, when those two groups are on the same phase. The main fuse of the phase is also too light for that. You don’t have that problem with a three-phase connection. You then use two groups, thus dividing the power over several phases.
Electric cooking on a single group?
There are hobs that you can also connect to a single group. This saves the need for a three-phase connection. That sounds ideal, but the practice is different. The hob ensures that too much power is never used. This means that you cannot use all cooking zones at maximum power at the same time. The hob will distribute the power over the cooking zones used and not exceed the maximum. You will have to determine for yourself to what extent this is a problem for you in practice.
Oven, microwave, or both
An oven has long been a standard part of the kitchen. For a long time they were fueled by gas. But nowadays an electric oven is normal. An oven is also a device that uses considerable power. The exact power varies by model. There are ovens with a connection value of 3500 Watt that only belong to their own group. There are also ovens that have half or even less power. You don’t need to have a special group for that, but you have to be careful not to connect too many other equipment to the same group.
In addition to the oven, the microwave is also a popular device in many kitchens. Instead of a solo microwave, you can also go for a combi microwave. Whatever you take, the same applies as with the oven. Some devices need their own group, and others have such a low power that there is still capacity in the group for other things.
Dishwasher
The dishwasher is also one such device that has become very popular in recent years. A dishwasher belongs in a new kitchen, unless you really don’t have space for it. A dishwasher heats, pumps and has moving parts. This also consumes the necessary energy. In terms of connection value, most dishwashers are between 2000 and 2500 Watt. That power is so high that you cannot connect other heavy consumers to it.
Water boiler or Quooker
The boiling water tap or Quooker is one of the most recent new developments for the kitchen. But because this device must keep the water at a high temperature, the necessary electricity is used. The same goes for the regular water boilers that can be found in some kitchens. Both devices contain a heating element with a power of around 2000 to 2500 Watt. As with the dishwasher, these devices cannot be used on the same group as the other large consumers mentioned above.
No bulk consumers
Then there are also the devices that do not have such high powers. Think of a refrigerator, freezer and extractor. These appliances can be divided among the groups you already need for your kitchen. You have to keep calculating to see if you don’t connect too much to a single group. It is better not to add anything more to a group of 3000 Watt or more. To do this, look at the powers that these devices use. Usually these equipment are around 150 – 300 Watt.
Separate equipment and your sockets
You plug individual devices into a socket above your worktop. Appliances such as a kettle, coffee maker and deep fryer are seen as small kitchen appliances, but they still have considerable capacities. Sometimes 2000 Watts or more. That is why it is not wise to put your individual sockets in a group in combination with a device with a high power, such as a dishwasher, oven and the like. The last thing you want is to avoid using certain devices at the same time, otherwise a fuse will go out.
Example of the groups distribution
Every kitchen is unique, but in terms of kitchen equipment it often comes down to the same thing. The consumed powers do vary per device model, but in general you can take an average. You can use this as a guideline. What you should check is whether your devices do not take much more power than the values set here. If not, you can start from the following.
Group | Device | Other | Total Power |
---|---|---|---|
1 (cooking group (three-phase)) | Electric hob | – | 6500 Watt (double group) |
2 | Oven | – | 3000 Watt |
3 | (Combi) microwave) | – | 3000 Watt |
4 | Dishwasher | – | 2300 Watt |
5 | Quooker or Water boiler | – | 2100 Watt |
6 | Loose sockets | refrigerator, freezer, extractor | 2100 Watt |
The table above is a good starting point. Especially when you have to get started because your current installation is not satisfactory, it is wise not to skimp on a group of more or less. An extra group is never in the way, but a group too few can be very annoying. The work and costs involved in work on your installation and kitchen will not increase much if you decide to use one or two extra groups. Always have someone knowledgeable do the work in your meter cupboard.