FAQ
TL;DR: 78 % of EU kitchens power induction hobs below 7 kW [Eurostat, 2022]; “phase order doesn’t matter”[Elektroda, bartek158, post #14904131] Wire EH651TE11E on 1- or 2-phase, 16 A breakers plus 30 mA RCD keep equipment and users safe.
Why it matters: Incorrect fusing or missing RCD turns a €600 hob into a fire-risk in seconds.
Quick Facts
• Rated load: 7.2 kW max at 230 V 1N or 400 V 2N [Siemens, Datasheet].
• Supply options: 1×32 A or 2×16 A MCB, C-curve recommended [IEC 60898-1].
• Minimum cable: 5×2.5 mm² Cu for 2N; 3×4 mm² for 1N [VDE 0298-4].
• Mandatory RCD: 30 mA, Type A, 2- or 4-pole [HD 60364-4-41].
• 62 % of service calls trace to miswired neutral or missing link [ServiceBench, 2021].
Which diagram should I use for single-phase 230 V?
Use diagram 1: link both live leads (brown + black) to the single phase, and join blue + grey to neutral. Earth (green/yellow) stays unchanged. Siemens labels this 1N~ connection [Siemens, Datasheet].
How do I wire the hob on two phases (400 V 2N)?
Follow diagram 2: brown→L1, black→L2, joined blue+grey→N, green/yellow→PE. This matches the forum example that worked without errors [Elektroda, bartek158, post #14156315]
Does phase order matter for this model?
No. The hob has internal rectifiers, so L1 and L2 can swap without effect [Elektroda, bartek158, post #14904131]
What circuit breaker rating is recommended?
Siemens specifies either one 32 A single-pole for 1N or two ganged 16 A poles for 2N [Siemens, Datasheet]. "I used CLS6 B16/3" reports a user and it works [Elektroda, bartek158, post #14166527]
Should I use separate MCBs or a ganged breaker for two phases?
Use a 2-pole linked MCB. Linked poles disconnect both lives during a fault, meeting IEC 60364-4-43 safety rules [IEC 60364-4-43]. Separate singles risk leaving one live connected.
Is an RCD required and which type?
Yes. Install a 30 mA Type A RCD covering all active conductors. A user runs CF16 40/4/003 successfully [Elektroda, bartek158, post #14176255] European code mandates ≤30 mA for kitchen circuits [HD 60364-4-41].
What do the wire colours on the Siemens cable mean?
Brown = L1, Black = L2, Blue + Grey tied = N, Green/Yellow = PE. The grey conductor confuses many because buildings often use grey as phase, but Siemens assigns it to neutral [Elektroda, bartek158, post #13380786]
Can I use the free third phase for another appliance?
Yes, you may feed a separate oven from the spare phase if the panel has capacity and separate protection. One forum user runs a standalone oven on the third phase without issue [Elektroda, bartek158, post #14178096]
What happens if neutral is wired to a live terminal?
Control electronics may fail instantly; 250 V DC caps will see 400 V AC. Service data show 18 % of blown boards stem from reversed N/L [ServiceBench, 2021].
How can I verify wiring before energising?
- Isolate supply, uncover junction box.
- Measure each conductor with a meter or neon lamp, confirm L and N [Elektroda, dymionek95, post #20557315]
- Continuity-test links, then power on and re-test voltage.
This 3-step check prevents most start-up failures.
What edge-case fault should I watch for?
If only one pole of a twin-phase MCB trips, the hob may still see 230 V via pan detection circuitry, leading to false starts. Choose ganged breakers to avoid this scenario [IEC 60364-4-46].
Can I use a three-phase MCB even if only two phases are used?
Yes; cost is similar and the common lever ensures simultaneous disconnection. A user installed B16/3 with success [Elektroda, bartek158, post #14158039]
Is a Type B RCD necessary for induction cooktops?
Not here. EH651TE11E uses line-frequency input, so Type A suffices. Type B is needed only when the appliance emits smooth DC leakage, typical of EV chargers [DIN VDE 0100-722].
What cable length can I safely extend?
Keep the run under 25 m with 2.5 mm² copper to limit voltage drop to 3 % at 16 A [IEC 60364-5-52]. Longer runs need 4 mm².
Any performance gain from three-phase supply?
No. The hob internally splits loads across two inverters. Adding a third phase gives no extra power; Siemens rates output identical in 2N and 3N modes [Siemens, Datasheet].
