Ten Myths About Dual Fuel Range Cooker With 13amp Plug That Aren't Always True

· 6 min read
Ten Myths About Dual Fuel Range Cooker With 13amp Plug That Aren't Always True

Dual Fuel Range Cooker With 13amp Plug

Are you a home chef who appreciates the nimble cooking control of gas cooktops but wants an electric oven for baking? Discover a dual fuel range cooker that has the best of both worlds.

Gas cooktops are preferred by many home chefs who have expertise in the kitchen because of their superior temperature control. They also allow them to use advanced cooking techniques such as grilling. These powerful stoves are expensive particularly if they need an additional gas connection as well as an electrician to install them.

What is a 13amp plug?

If you have a dual fuel range cooker (also called a gas and electric oven) is required, you'll need a suitably rated 13 amp plug. The plug will also need to be wired in the cooker circuit ring by a certified electrician.

This ensures the current flowing through the plug will not exceed the safe limit that could result in an electrical fire. The current is controlled by a fuse in the plug. The fuse will blow as soon as it is deemed to be overloaded. This protects the appliance against an overload of electricity.

The fuse is rated at 13 amps as indicated on the top of the plug and this indicates the maximum current that the plug can carry without causing damage to the appliance or overheating the socket. When replacing fuses, it's essential to select the same amperage rating as the original. There is a risk of overheating a socket if you replace a fuse with a different rating.

Ceramic 13 amp fuses are extremely robust and can withstand the high temperatures that can be generated by the range cooker. Ceramic elements are also resistant to fire and thus a better choice over other types.

There are a variety of ways to install a 13 amp plug. The plug can be connected to a live socket by using screws or a plastic jaw cord clamp. The clamp on the cord should be tightened after the plug has been tightly pushed into place.

Some plugs may have a diagram of wiring on cardboard over the pins. These should be removed before connecting the wires. The wires must be trimmed to the proper length, because when they are too long they can get crushed when the plug covers are replaced. The earth wire should be the longest to ensure that it is connected prior to the neutral and line pins.

How do I connect the 13amp plug?

The majority of dual fuel range cookers in the UK are wired to an outlet with a 13 amp rating and this is crucial since ovens draw a considerable amount of current and standard plug sockets are only capable of 10 amps.

Generally speaking new appliances should be fitted with an outlet at the time of sale. This is all in keeping with the Plugs and Sockets etc (Safety) Regulations 1994. However, older appliances may not be connected to an outlet and that is where the problem arises.

The first thing to do when connecting a cooker to an existing plug socket is to ensure that the fuse rating in the fuse box matches the rating of the plug.  commercial dual fuel range cookers  is very important since a faulty sized fuse could pose a risk.

It is also recommended to ensure that the fuse has been fully seated in the cartridge, and there is no excessive movement. The next step is to prepare the flex that will be used. Remove the sheathing to expose the three conductors insulated. Use a utility blade to nick the sheathing just beyond the cord grip at the point of entry into the plug. This will not be able to penetrate the insulated conductors. The nick should be large enough to allow the sheathing to split and expand the nick when it is pulled back revealing the cable underneath. Cut off the excess sheathing leaving a little more than 40mm over the flex.

The flex should be positioned over the plug with the earth terminal on top and the live and neutral terminals on the bottom. The sheathing of each pin is removed using the colored conductors as a reference. The internal cable is then inserted to the terminal by with the help of the cord grip. If the plug is fitted with an screw-type clamp for cords loosen it, and then pull back the insulation to reveal the copper conductors. Connect each conductor that is insulated to the appropriate terminal (starting with the earth, then neutral and finally the live) by using the channel that they run through the plug.

What is the maximum draw of a 13 amp plug?

The maximum current draw of the 13amp plug is 3kw at 230volts. This is a lot of power, but the standard fuse fitted in the UK plug will not fail until the cable has heated to a risky temperature. It is crucial to be aware of the amount of electricity you use in your kitchen, as a faulty plug or socket could cause a fire.

The ceramic fuses used in plugtops weigh around 25mm and are rated for mains voltage of 240V. They will have a BS kitemark or similar marking on the side and will contain sand. There are glass or plastic alternatives, however they should not be used with a live plug, or else you could cause a fire and get electrocuted!

In the UK, most dual fuel range cookers are hardwired. They are not able to be plugged directly into an outlet on the wall. They are usually connected via a separate cooker circuit which is only suitable for appliances using up to 20 amps.

Examine the ring circuit in your home by using the fuse box, or contact an electrician in your area. They should be able to tell you if the sockets within your home are on the same ring, or if they are separate and whether there is a separate circuit for your oven.

The size of your kitchen is an important factor when you are looking to buy a dual fuel range cooker. We have a great selection of cookers to suit any space, including small 50-60cm dual fuel models as well as huge 90cm + double oven models from leading brands like Rangemaster and StovesAreUs.

If you're looking for something different do not worry - we also have a wide selection of electric and gas multifunction cookers. These multifunction cookers allow you to cook a variety meals, such as pasta, casseroles and curries.

Currys offers a broad selection of Cookers. Explore our online selection or visit us in our store to see them. We offer free home installation and delivery on certain range cookers as well as flexible payment options. If you have any queries or concerns, our staff are available to assist by sending us an email or give us a call. Credit is subject to status and terms and conditions apply.

What is the maximum draw of the switch on a cooker?

There is a lot confusion about the maximum current draw for the cooker switch. The truth is that most cookers aren't designed to connect to the standard socket, but rather are wired hard and fed into a dedicated oven ring circuit. This is because they often consume far more than 20 amps of power each time the electric oven and gas hob are used.

Therefore, you will not find a dual fuel range cooker that can be fitted to a standard socket as it could pose a serious fire risk and would be in violation of electrical regulations. A licensed electrician should install new electrics in the kitchen, connecting them to a cooker. They should also ensure that the total load of the oven and the hob does not exceed the circuit's capacity.



The advantages of a dual fuel cooker include the responsive heat of a gas cooktop and the precise operation of an electric oven. They are therefore popular with both chefs and home cooks. If you want to try different cooking techniques, such as searing and grilling, a dual-fuel range cooker is the ideal option.

When buying a new range cooker you'll need to take into consideration various aspects such as size, functionality and cost. You will also need an electrical connection to your home to connect the appliance. If you are unsure then book an appointment with a Gas Safe engineer to inspect your home prior to installation.

The Currys range of dual fuel range cookers includes options to suit a variety of budgets, from affordable models from Indesit and Zanussi to our exclusive Essentials collection. If you are looking for something more sophisticated, we stock a variety of premium JennAir models, that come with many unique features.

When you purchase a new dual fuel range cooker, it's crucial to consult the owner's manual for specific information on the gas and electrical requirements. It is essential to make sure that your home has a gas hook-up suitable and you may have to have a plumber install this for you if it is required. Based on the type of home you live in you'll also have to make sure that you have a dedicated cooker ring circuit that is installed and approved by a licensed electrician.