How to Switch from a Gas to an Electric Oven

With gas prices skyrocketing, more people than ever are looking to switch from a gas to an electric oven. The cost to run isn’t the only benefit of electric ovens; many favour them for their even cooking, easy cleaning and simple ignition. 

If you’re switching from a gas to an electric oven, here’s everything you need to know. 

Do you have right circuit for an electric oven?  

Many assume that, because their gas cooker plugs into an electrical socket for ignition, a normal socket will suffice for an electric oven. However, electric cookers require a significant current supply to run.  

To see if your home already has a circuit to support an electric oven, check the fuse box. If there’s a circuit labelled ‘cooker’, your home is already equipped for an electric oven. If you don’t see this label, it doesn’t mean that you don’t have the right circuit.

Another key indicator is a large – often red – switch adjacent to the oven, so check if you have one in your kitchen. These are often installed in nearby cupboards, so don’t forget to look there. 

If you still haven’t located a switch, try looking behind your oven to see if there’s a dedicated cooker connection point. 

Is your circuit powerful enough for an electric oven?  

If you find that you do have a cooker circuit, it’s important to check how powerful it is. The majority of cooker circuits are installed at 30/32A which are sufficient for most electric ovens. Your fuse board should be labelled with the power of the circuit. 

When you know how powerful your circuit is, you’ll then know what model of cooker it will support. Here’s a rough guide: 

• 32A Circuit suitable for cooker up to 7.5kW
• 40A Circuit suitable for cooker up to 9.5kW
• 45A Circuit suitable for cooker up to 0.5kW
• 50A Circuit suitable for cooker up to 11.5kW
    

How to switch to electric from gas  

When switching from a gas to electric oven, it’s not essential to have the gas line removed. However, a gas-safe professional must cap the gas pipe and ensure that the valve is shut. 

If your home doesn’t have a suitable electrical circuit for a cooker, you’ll need a qualified electrician to install one. Once your circuit is in place, you’ll need an appliance technician to connect the electric cable to your new cooker and socket. 
 

If you’re looking to switch from a gas to an electric oven in Salisbury, CB Domestics can help. Get in touch with our qualified appliance engineers to book an appointment.