Induction hob connection in Warsaw — dedicated circuit, cable, breaker

An induction hob draws 7–8 kW — more than a kettle, microwave, and washing machine combined. Plugging it into a regular socket is not an option: the cable won’t handle it, the breaker will trip, and in the worst case the wiring inside the wall will melt. Safe operation requires a dedicated line from the consumer unit with the correct cable cross-section and its own circuit breaker. We work across all of Warsaw — from Ursynow to Targowek, arriving with tools and supplies.

Important: connecting an induction hob involves working with electricity. Incorrect wiring can lead to cable overheating, short circuits, or fire. If you are unsure about the condition of your electrical installation — call a professional. Do not connect the hob yourself without verifying the network parameters.

How much does it cost and what affects the price

The cost depends on several factors: whether there is an existing power outlet, whether cable needs to be run from the consumer unit, the connection type (single-phase 230 V or three-phase 400 V), and the distance from the consumer unit to the kitchen. If a power line is already in place, the connection takes 1–2 hours. If cable needs to be run from scratch, wall chasing and installation are added. Fixings are included in the price; cable and breakers are charged separately. Current prices for all electrical work are shown in the table below.

When a dedicated circuit is needed

A dedicated circuit is always needed when the hob draws more than 3.5 kW — and that applies to virtually every induction hob. Here is why:

• A standard socket is rated for 16 A (about 3.5 kW at 230 V). An induction hob at full power draws 32–35 A.
• A regular 2.5 mm² cable cannot sustain a prolonged load of 7–8 kW — it will overheat.
• If the hob shares a circuit with the fridge and lighting, the breaker will trip as soon as two burners are switched on.
• In older Warsaw buildings (Praga-Poludnie, Zoliborz) the wiring is often aluminium — connecting powerful appliances to it is dangerous.

For a single-phase connection (230 V) you need a 4–6 mm² cable and a 32 A breaker. For three-phase (400 V) — a 5×2.5 mm² cable and a 16 A three-pole breaker. Which option suits your apartment is determined by inspecting the consumer unit and the technical specifications of the property.

How the on-site work goes

1. You send a photo of the consumer unit and the spot where the hob will be installed — the technician assesses the scope of work.
2. We agree on a time — usually same-day or next-day visit.
3. On site, the technician inspects the consumer unit: available breaker slots, network type (single-phase or three-phase), wiring condition.
4. Runs the cable from the consumer unit to the kitchen — in a wall chase, cable trunking, or along an existing route.
5. Installs a power outlet or junction box behind the hob.
6. Connects the hob following the manufacturer’s wiring diagram — single-phase or three-phase.
7. Tests: switches all burners to maximum, measures voltage and current, confirms the breaker does not trip and the cable does not overheat.

Common connection mistakes (and how to avoid them)

• Plugging the hob into a standard 16 A socket — the cable overheats, contacts burn, the socket melts.
• Using an extension lead or power strip — a direct route to a fire under a 7 kW load.
• Fitting a 40 A breaker on a 4 mm² cable — the breaker won’t trip on overload, but the cable will overheat.
• Mixing up the wiring diagram: shorting phases on a single-phase hob or incorrectly distributing them on a three-phase one. Result — the hob doesn’t work or only partially works.
• No separate breaker — the hob shares a circuit with kitchen sockets, and the breaker trips during cooking.
• Running cable without conduit in the wall chase — a drill or nail can easily damage an unprotected wire.
• Not checking terminal tightness — after six months the contact loosens and starts arcing.

What to prepare before the technician arrives

• Photograph the consumer unit (open, so the breakers are visible) and send it to the technician.
• Find out whether your apartment has a single-phase or three-phase supply — usually visible from the number of main breakers.
• Ensure clear access to the consumer unit and the hob installation area.
• If the hob has already been purchased — locate the manual with the wiring diagram (it shows the power rating and connection options).
• Check whether there is a socket or cable outlet behind the hob — if not, the technician will need to run a new line.
• Note the condition of the wiring: new build, older property, whether there has been an electrical renovation.
• Clear space along the wall from the consumer unit to the kitchen — the technician needs access for cable routing.
• Provide access details: intercom code, entrance code, parking information.

A real case from Warsaw

A client in Bemowo bought a 7.4 kW Bosch induction hob. The apartment only had a standard socket behind the kitchen units — 2.5 mm² cable, 16 A breaker shared with the kitchen sockets. When three burners were switched on, the breaker tripped immediately. The technician ran a separate 3×6 mm² cable from the consumer unit to the kitchen (approximately 8 metres, partly chased along the hallway wall), installed a 32 A breaker and a power outlet. The hob was connected in single-phase configuration. After testing, all four burners at maximum ran stable, the cable stayed cool, and the breaker held. The whole job took about 4 hours. Takeaway: before buying a hob, check whether the electrics are ready — otherwise the connection costs more because of the new line installation.

Frequently asked questions

Can I plug an induction hob into a regular socket?
No. A regular socket is rated for 3.5 kW, while the hob draws 7–8 kW. You need a power outlet or a direct terminal connection.

What is the difference between single-phase and three-phase connection?
With single-phase (230 V) the entire load goes through one conductor — a 4–6 mm² cable is needed. With three-phase (400 V) the load is distributed — a 2.5 mm² cable is sufficient, but the consumer unit must have three phases.

What breaker is needed for an induction hob?
For single-phase — 32 A (type C). For three-phase — 16 A three-pole. The exact rating depends on the hob power and cable cross-section.

Does the wall need to be chased?
Not always. If there is a free route or cable trunking, chasing can be avoided. The technician will assess on site.

How long does the connection take?
If the line is already in place — 1–2 hours. If cable needs to be run from the consumer unit — 3–5 hours depending on distance and routing method.

What is included in the price?
Labour, fixings, travel within Warsaw. Cable, breakers, and the outlet are charged separately (the technician can bring them or you buy your own).

Will you connect the hob if it is already fitted into the worktop?
Yes, we will connect it to the electrics. If the hob has not been cut in yet — that is a separate service.

Do you offer a warranty?
Yes, on the workmanship. The hob itself carries the manufacturer’s warranty.

Who does the work

Connections are carried out by technicians with electrical installation experience. We work with single-phase and three-phase systems and know the specifics of wiring in both new builds and older Warsaw properties. Minimum order — from 200 zł. To book, call or message us — we reply within an hour.