Install a separate cable for high power devices. Also on such a line is installed "own" circuit breaker. But some users prefer not to complicate life and grossly violate generally accepted installation rules - just install the plug on the power cord of the hob and use the outlet. Why it is impossible to do this and how such an installation can threaten - read further in the article.
What kind of hobs are there?
What are the criteria for choosing electric hobs:
- Power consumption. A very important factor, since such devices cannot be called economical. 4 simultaneously switched on burners can have a power of 5 to 8 kW. Depending on this indicator, the conductor cross-section and the rated current of the circuit breaker should be selected.
- Working voltage. Electric hobs are of two types: designed for a voltage of 220 V or a combined version - 220/380 V. It is clear that two phases are required to connect to a 380 V network.
These 2 points relate to the electrical performance of the device. There are also dimensions and various features with additions, for example, locking the control panel, but we will not consider them.
Why you can't connect the hob to an ordinary outlet
It all comes down to power consumption. Even 5 kilowatts for an ordinary outlet powered by a high-quality copper wire with a cross section of 2.5 mm2 will be too much. Of course, most cross-section / power tables indicate the opposite: power up to 6 kW is allowed. But finding a really high-quality copper wire today is quite problematic.
You can connect the hob to an ordinary outlet, but not including other consumers on the same line. And no more than one hotplate. But before switching on, make sure that the panel should not be powered from a network with an operating voltage of 380 V.
Advice! Do not use this connection option all the time. Soon someone will forget about the operating rules and turn on an additional consumer. Breakdown of the cable in this situation is inevitable. Or continuous tripping of a circuit breaker.
It should be?
For the hob (water heater, air conditioner, underfloor heating), a separate line must be laid with a wire with a cross section of at least 4 mm2. The circuit breaker rating is determined based on the power consumption. For example, the power of the device is 7.2 kW. This means that you need to install the machine for 40 A (7200 W / 220 V = 32.7 A). You can put a bag for 32 A, but with four simultaneously switched on burners, it can constantly work.
If the standard wire is broken, then installing the plug and connecting to a regular outlet can only be a temporary phenomenon - if there is no way to call a wizard or solve the problem yourself. It is not worth the risk, as excessive heating of conductors is a common cause of fire, even with the protection installed in the shield.