FAQ
TL;DR: A 16 A single-phase line tops out at 3.68 kW, so a 10 kW induction range will throttle or trip breakers. “It will work, the question at which holiday…” [Elektroda, A.Gieronimo, post #15563678] [Elektroda, A.Gieronimo, post #15564093]
Why it matters: Knowing your wiring limits prevents nuisance outages—or burnt cables.
Quick Facts
• 16 A × 230 V = 3.68 kW usable power per single-phase circuit [IEC 60364-5-52, 2015].
• Typical 4-zone induction hob nominal rating: 7–11 kW (boost), but ≤3.8 kW when factory-limited for 1-phase [Elektroda, MARCIN.SLASK, post #15563664]
• Minimum cable for 25 A cooker loop: 3 × 4 mm² Cu, surface-mounted [IEC 60364-5-52, 2015].
• Edge-case: 195 V under load forced shutdown despite correct wiring [Elektroda, kot mirmur, #15564431].
• Average induction efficiency: 84–90 % vs. 40–55 % for gas [DOE, 2022].
Can I power a 10 kW Electrolux EKI-54550OX on 230 V single phase?
Yes, but the cooker’s software caps output to keep current ≤ 16 A, so all four zones and the oven can’t run at full power together [Elektroda, MARCIN.SLASK, post #15563664]
How much current would 10 kW draw without limiting?
10.2 kW ÷ 230 V ≈ 44 A. That exceeds typical household breakers (16–25 A) and 2.5 mm² wiring limits [Elektroda, A.Gieronimo, post #15564093]
What happens if the hob exceeds the circuit rating?
The breaker trips; in old aluminium wiring the cable may overheat before tripping, risking fire [Elektroda, MARCIN.SLASK, post #16442543]
Will all four induction zones still work?
They work, yet firmware shares the 3.6–3.8 kW budget; expect slower heating when three or four pans boil together [Elektroda, A.Gieronimo, post #15563678]
Why did my hob shut off when two burners were on?
Voltage sag to 195 V under load confused the control board; many models turn off below 207 V as protection [Elektroda, kot mirmur, #15564431].
Is upgrading to three-phase worth it?
Yes. Three 16 A phases supply 11 kW with balanced load, letting all zones and oven run simultaneously without throttling [Elektroda, MARCIN.SLASK, post #15563664]
What cable and breaker do I need for single-phase use?
Run a dedicated 3 × 4 mm² Cu cable on a B- or C-25 A breaker for up to 5.7 kW; stick to 3 × 2.5 mm² and 16 A if the hob’s limiter cannot be disabled [IEC 60364-5-52, 2015].
Can the oven share the same 16 A circuit with the hob?
It works if you accept never running all burners and the oven heating element (≈ 3 kW) together; otherwise use a second phase or circuit [Elektroda, andrzejlisek, post #15651310]
How do power-limit settings help?
Many hobs let you select a 2.5, 3.5, 4.5 kW ceiling; the CPU time-slices coils to stay under it—handy for 5 kW service contracts [Elektroda, andrzejlisek, post #15574515]
What’s an edge-case I should watch for?
Long cable runs plus thin conductors produce >5 % voltage drop; some inverters misread this as fault and reboot repeatedly [Elektroda, kot mirmur, #15564431].
Is induction really more efficient than gas?
Yes. Lab tests show 84–90 % pot-to-food efficiency versus 40–55 % for open-flame burners, cutting cook energy use nearly in half [DOE, 2022].
Quick 3-step check before purchase?
- Verify a dedicated cooker circuit at consumer unit. 2. Measure cable cross-section; upgrade if < 4 mm² for >16 A. 3. Confirm supply contract ≥ 7 kW or enable hob power-limit mode before first use.
