FAQ
TL;DR: A 7.4 kW induction hob draws 32 A from a 230 V line; “connecting to 1 phase could result in wall heating or a fire” [Elektroda, Anonymous, post #16364135][Elektroda, Anonymous, post #16364177] Three-phase or a beefy 1-phase circuit is usually required.
Why it matters: Oversized loads on undersized wiring overheat, void warranties, and may void insurance claims.
Quick Facts
• 7.4 kW hob ≈ 32 A current draw [Elektroda, Anonymous, post #16364177]
• 16 A Schuko socket safely carries ≤ 3.68 kW [PN-HD 60364-5-52]
• 32 A radial circuit must use ≥ 6 mm² Cu conductors [PN-HD 60364-5-52]
• Polish flat connection limits: 4–6 kW single-phase typical [PGE, 2022]
• Grid upgrade fee (Enea): PLN 85 per extra kW [Enea, 2023]
Can I plug a 7.4 kW induction hob into a regular 16 A 230 V socket?
No. The hob needs 32 A; a 16 A socket is rated for only 3.68 kW and will overheat or trip [Elektroda, Anonymous, post #16364177][PN-HD 60364-5-52].
How many amps will the hob draw on single phase?
Current = Power ÷ Voltage, so 7 400 W ÷ 230 V ≈ 32 A [Elektroda, Anonymous, post #16364177]
What size breaker and cable are required for 32 A?
Install a 32 A C-curve MCB and at least 6 mm² copper conductors, as specified in PN-HD 60364-5-52 Table 52 [PN-HD 60364-5-52].
What happens if I run four zones on one 16 A phase anyway?
The breaker or main switch will trip before the socket melts, but photos show scorched plastics when protection failed [Elektroda, mawerix123, post #16364004]
Can I limit hob power so a 16 A circuit is enough?
Yes, many hobs let you set a 3.0–4.0 kW cap; you then lose full-power boost and simultaneous high-heat cooking [Elektroda, kemyz, post #17220477]
Is it legal or safe to fit two 16 A plugs to one hob cable?
No. Splitting the supply breaches manufacturer instructions and creates unbalanced protection; warranty and insurer may refuse claims [Elektroda, mawerix123, post #16364119]
Do Polish regulations require a dedicated circuit for induction?
Yes. PN-HD 60364 and IEC 60364 treat fixed cooking appliances > 2 kW as dedicated loads with their own breaker [PN-HD 60364-4-46].
Should I upgrade to three-phase service?
Three-phase spreads 7.4 kW over three 16 A poles, using cheaper 5×2.5 mm² cable and standard breakers; it avoids overloading any single conductor [Elektroda, CYRUS2, post #16363011]
What does increasing connection capacity cost?
Enea charges about PLN 85 per additional kW; you also pay an electrician and may need a new meter [Enea, 2023].
Can a 4.6 kW Bosch hob run on a 16 A circuit?
Yes if you program the power limit ≤ 3.68 kW; everyday cooking is fine, but boosts or all zones together will be throttled [Elektroda, kortyleski, post #17220505]
Edge case: what fire risks exist with undersized wiring?
Undersized cables can reach > 70 °C under 30 A load, softening insulation and igniting adjacent materials IEC 60364-1 Annex B. "Sockets and switchgear housings drip onto the floor" warns one installer [Elektroda, Łukasz-O, #16364004].
Quick 3-step wiring prep for an induction hob
- Run a 5×2.5 mm² (3-phase) or 3×6 mm² (1-phase) Cu cable from switchboard. 2. Fit a 30 mA RCD and 16–32 A MCB as per load. 3. Terminate in a cooker outlet plate; connect hob per manufacturer diagram [PN-HD 60364-5-52][Elektroda, djlukas, post #16362570]