When Replacing an Old Electric Cooker Does The Electrician Need to Upgrade The Installation to Comply with Current Standards?

peteru on 10/12/2018 - 02:44

Our electric cooker that dates back to the 70's (or maybe earlier) has died. I'll need to replace it and get an electrician to install it.

I've been doing a bit of homework and I can see that the old installation would not comply to the current AS/NZS standards. Will the electrician be able to just replace the existing appliance or will he have to work backwards to bring the entire installation to current standards?

In particular, the current installation is wired into a dedicated cable that runs directly to the main switchboard and a 32A circuit breaker. No RCD. My Google-fu suggest that these days a 3mm air-gap, all conductor, unobstructed switch is required within 2m of the cooker and that there also should be a circuit breaker with a dedicated RCD.

I'm definitely up for the RCD on the circuit, but unless it's mandatory, I'd rather not have to add a stove switch to the existing kitchen. It would be good to know what the requirement is before I get sparkies in and they start quoting for work that may not be mandatory.

Electrical & Electronics

Comments

  • Halo375 on 10/12/2018 - 06:52
    +5

    Whichever install option is more expensive is normally the law.

  • elgrande on 10/12/2018 - 07:26
    +1

    Check on whirlpool, plenty of electrical opinions there.

  • bigticket on 10/12/2018 - 09:06

    RCD's are not usually installed on electric stoves and are not a requirement.

    As far as a switch is concerned, call a few licensed electricians for quotes and ask about the whether a switch is necessary to comply.

    • [Deactivated] on 10/12/2018 - 09:15

      There is a different laws in each state and this may not be correct for OPs state.

      In WA its compulsory to have 2 RCDs that cover everything. This is checked by an electrician issuing a certificate at sale.

      • bigticket on 10/12/2018 - 09:27

        As far as I am aware, hot water storage systems are not RCD'ed due to inherent leakage that will consistently trip and same applies to electric stoves.
        Maybe and electrician can clarify.

        • altomic on 10/12/2018 - 13:42

          Im in QLD and had my power board replaced 6 years ago and had RCDs placed on both HWS and Stove by the sparky.

  • peteru on 10/12/2018 - 11:05

    This is in NSW.

    I believe that there were changes to the Australian Standard due in late 2017 to require RCDs on fixed stoves in residential installations. However, even if an RCD is not mandatory, I'd still like to have the protection of an RCD. The parts cost is under $50 and the extra labour while the electrician is here should be minimal.

    It's the relatively major works that would be required for an isolation switch that concern me. I'd like to be informed as to whether it is a requirement that the entire system is brought up to current standards when only the connected appliance is being changed.

    • [Deactivated] on 11/12/2018 - 14:29

      Its probably a good idea as the laws will probably change in the future anyway to make them a legal requirement. Eg in WA it used to be just 1 RCD was required but then it became 2. Same with mains smoke detectors it would just be easier to put 1 in every room.

  • Croshema on 10/12/2018 - 14:40

    Some installation manuals state an isolation switch must be installed in a nearby and visible location to the appliance.

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