A kitchen renovation is one of the most common reasons people call an electrician. New kitchens require new circuits, relocated sockets and dedicated supplies for appliances — all of which must comply with current regulations.
Why Kitchen Electrics Are Different
Kitchens have specific electrical requirements because they:
- Contain high-power appliances requiring dedicated circuits
- Have proximity to water (sinks and dishwashers)
- Are notifiable under Part P (all electrical work in kitchens must be certified)
Circuits Commonly Required in a Kitchen Renovation
Ring main (or radial circuit) for worktop sockets — kitchen sockets for small appliances, phone chargers, etc. Typically 2.5mm² on a 32A MCB (ring) or 4mm² on a 20A MCB (radial).
Electric oven circuit — a dedicated 32A or 45A radial circuit in 6mm² twin and earth, with a 45A cooker control unit. If you have a separate hob and oven, they can often share a single cooker circuit via a cooker connection unit.
Dishwasher circuit — a dedicated 13A spur (fused connection unit) for permanently connected dishwashers. A socket is acceptable but a fused spur looks neater and prevents the socket being used for other purposes.
Washing machine circuit — as for dishwasher; a dedicated spur or socket.
Fridge/freezer socket — on a separate circuit from the cooking appliances, ideally with its own RCBO so a tripping fault on another circuit doesn't defrost your freezer.
Extraction fan — wired to a switched fused spur, often triggered by the main kitchen lighting circuit.
Under-cabinet lighting — a separate lighting circuit or spur from the existing lighting ring.
Kitchen Socket Positions
All sockets in kitchens must be positioned to avoid the 'zones' around sinks — there must be no socket within 300mm of a sink. Worktop sockets are typically positioned 150mm above the worktop surface.
Induction vs Gas Hob
Induction hobs require a dedicated electrical supply in the same way as electric hobs. Gas hobs typically only need an ignition supply (low-current spur). If you are switching from gas to induction, a new circuit will be needed.
Part P Compliance
All electrical work in kitchens is notifiable under Part P — including socket relocations. Your electrician must be registered with a competent person scheme.
When to Have Electrical Work Done
In a kitchen renovation, first-fix electrical work should happen after the old kitchen is removed but before new units are fitted. Second-fix (fitting sockets, switches and appliances) happens after units are in place.
Onyx Electrical Solutions carries out kitchen electrical installations across Greater Manchester. Call 07000 000000 for a free quote.