Oven Installation

Trade: Electrician

⭐ Introduction

An oven installation is the process of fitting a new electric oven into your kitchen, replacing an old one, or installing one in a newly renovated space. You might need this service when upgrading your appliances, after kitchen refurbishments, or if your existing oven is faulty or unsafe.

Installing an oven correctly is important for safety, performance, and compliance with UK electrical regulations. Because ovens connect directly to your mains electricity supply, the installation must be carried out by a qualified electrician or a competent person registered under Part P of the Building Regulations. This ensures the work is safe and, where necessary, properly notified to your local authority.

🔧 What the job involves

Electric oven installation includes fitting the oven into its designated slot, safely connecting it to the electrical supply, and testing it to ensure everything works correctly.

The process typically involves:

Checking the oven's power requirements and ensuring your kitchen’s wiring can support it.
Running or adapting electrical circuits, often via a dedicated oven spur or socket complying with BS 7671 wiring regulations.
Physically securing the oven within a cabinet or frame, ensuring it’s level and stable.
Connecting the oven to the electrical supply, usually a fixed wiring connection rather than a plug and socket, to reduce fire risk.
Testing the oven’s functions, such as temperature control and lighting.
Providing certification or an Electrical Installation Certificate as proof the work complies with UK safety standards.

If the installation includes a new electrical circuit or alterations to your fuse board, the electrician might need to update your RCD (residual current device) protection or install a new circuit breaker.

📝 Step-by-step from booking to completion

Enquiry: Contact a qualified electrician or installation company, providing details about your oven model, kitchen layout, and existing electrical setup.
Survey and Quote: A professional visits to assess your kitchen’s wiring, check compatibility, and discuss your requirements. They then provide a written quote.
Booking the Job: Agree a date and confirm the scope, costs, and any additional works needed (like wiring upgrades).
Day of Installation:
- Electrician arrives and sets up safely.
- Old oven is disconnected and removed (if applicable).
- New oven is secured in place.
- Electrical connections are made, tested, and inspected.
Completion and Certification:
- Electrician hands over any test certificates and user advice.
- Job completion is logged, and your property is left tidy.
Aftercare: Keep the certification and installation details for warranty and future reference.

💷 Main costs to expect

Labour: Typically £100–£200 for a straightforward installation.
Materials/Parts: Cable, fuse, circuit breakers, wall sockets, brackets, and fixings might cost £20–£80.
Extras: Additional rewiring, fuse board upgrades, or extended cable runs can add £50–£150 or more.
Disposal: Removing and disposing of your old oven may cost £20–£40 if requested.
Certification: Electrical Installation Certificates may be included in the labour cost or charged separately (~£30–£60).

Example: Labour (£150) + materials (£40) + disposal (£30) + certificate (£40) = approx. £260 total.

📊 What affects the price

Access: Difficult or cramped locations require more work.
Complexity: Older or non-standard electrical setups may need upgrades.
Regulations and Certification: Compliance with Part P and BS 7671 involves additional time and paperwork.
Remedial Works: Fixing defective wiring or adding new circuits adds cost.
Location: Prices vary around the UK, with London and the South East usually more expensive.
Timeline: Urgent or out-of-hours work typically commands a premium.

⏱ How long does it take?

Straight Swap: Removing an old oven and installing a new one with existing wiring — around 1 to 2 hours.
Complex Installation: New wiring, fuse board work, or recessed oven housings — 3 to 5 hours or more.
Initial Survey: Usually 30 minutes to 1 hour.

🏠 Can you DIY it?

If you’re a competent DIYer with electrical experience and knowledge of UK wiring standards, you may physically fit the oven, but connecting it to the electrical supply should be left to a registered electrician for safety and legal reasons.

Ovens require a permanent, fixed electrical connection under BS 7671, not just a standard plug and socket. Incorrect installation risks electric shock or fire and may invalidate your home insurance or appliance warranty.

Because new electrical work falls under Part P of the Building Regulations, unregistered DIY work must be reported to building control or inspected, which can be complicated and costly.

When to hire a pro: Always use a Gas Safe registered engineer for gas ovens, and a qualified electrician for electric ovens, especially if new wiring is required.

💰 Typical UK price range

Typical electric oven installation costs in the UK range from £150 to £400 including VAT. Simple swaps may be near the lower end, while more complex installs with wiring upgrades push towards the higher end.

Always check if VAT is included in your quote — VAT is normally charged at 20% unless you qualify for a reduced rate under energy-saving rules.

✅ Handy tips before you start

Ensure clear access to the kitchen and the oven’s installation space.
Measure your oven and cupboard space carefully to avoid size mismatches.
Keep your oven’s instruction manual handy for installation specs.
Confirm your electrician is qualified and registered (e.g., NICEIC, NAPIT).
Ask for a written quote and certification before work begins.
Retain all paperwork, certificates, and invoices for future warranty or insurance needs.
After installation, follow the oven manufacturer’s servicing recommendations to maintain performance and safety.
If your kitchen fuse board is older than 10 years, consider asking about an upgrade during the installation for enhanced safety.

Following these steps will help ensure your oven installation is safe, efficient, and meets UK standards.