Why induction is a different league
A gas hob didn't draw any power, and an electric 'two-burner' hob drew a few amps. A modern induction hob, with all zones at maximum, can temporarily draw 7 kW or more. For comparison: the typical contracted power for a flat is 4-6 kW. Manufacturers have anticipated this, and most hobs can be configured with power limitation - but this is a compromise worth knowing about before purchase, not after.
What we check before installation
- Kitchen power supply - whether there is a three-phase circuit (typical for newer flats), or only a single-phase one;
- Cable cross-section and material - in blocks built in the 1960s-80s, 2.5 mm² aluminium was standard, often insufficient for the hob's full power and sensitive to loose connections;
- Condition of the connection box behind the old cooker;
- Circuit breakers in the consumer unit and spare space for a new circuit;
- Contracted power - whether, after connecting the hob, the main circuit breaker will trip at the first simultaneous start of the hob, oven, and washing machine.
Large panel system block: the most common scenario
Estates like Podzamcze or Piaskowa Góra in Wałbrzych, Zawiszów and Osiedle Młodych in Świdnica, or Osiedle Piastowskie in Świebodzice are now several decades old - and so are their installations, unless they have been modernised. The good news is: in most cases, induction hobs can be connected safely. Realistic options:
- existing circuit + hob power limitation configuration - the cheapest option, if measurements confirm the good condition of the circuit; the hob cooks normally, it just won't run all zones at once;
- new dedicated circuit from the consumer unit - full power, and tidies up the kitchen at the same time;
- consumer unit modernisation + increase in contracted power - when the flat is already approaching its limit (induction + dishwasher + air conditioner); how this works is described in our guide on increasing power.
Tenement house: two additional questions
In older buildings, the condition of the internal supply line (WLZ) and risers becomes an issue - even the best new circuit in the flat won't help if the power supply to the entire building is the 'bottleneck'. This is a matter for the building manager, and we write about it in more detail in the guide on WLZ and risers. The second question is the protective conductor: some tenement houses still have ungrounded sockets, and an induction hob requires grounding.
Buying a hob at a DIY store? We are a service partner of Leroy Merlin Polska - installations ordered in-store are carried out by our electricians, with measurements and a guarantee. And if you prefer directly: book an online visit - we will check the circuit before you spend money on equipment.
