www.ultimatehandyman.co.uk

I wish to replace an existing electric double oven but am currently receiving conflicting advice concerning the cooker control point. this point is on the other sideof my kitchen and is in excess of 2.5m from the oven. One electrician states that it is best practice to have the oven and cooker control point within 2m of each other but is not legally required as it is an existing electrical installation. A fitter that delivered the oven refused to fit it as it the distance between the two was greater than 2 m and i should look at having the kitchen rewired to comply with regulations.
Which one is correct?
and could I just replace the double oven with a new one in its existing position?

hmm weird one.

yes i am a sparky and have been for 23 years but i havn't come across that b4.
in all honesty, yes the cooker should be within 2m of the point but as stated, your existing installation comes under different rules and unless it is deemed a dangerous installation it is perfectly adequate to simply replace the cooker.

what you may actually be facing is one of two things, a specific rule adhereance by that installation company or a fitter that was looking for an excuse to get out of fitting it. out of curiosity, was it a friday evening last job or a saturday morning one? if so, theres your answer.

as far as i would be concerned: -

is your earthing adequate: - if yes go to next step
does your cooker circuit have an isolation: - if yes go to next step
is it brand new wiring: - if no then todays current distance rules do not apply and do not warrant enforcement of installation alterations: - fit cooker.

do you want to know the stupid thing about all of this?

you are not supposed to have the cooker over 2.5m away from the isolation but you are allowed to remove it, put a joint box in place of it and then refit the cooker switch closer to the oven. to me, thats worse than having it further away with less resistance in the circuit for no joint.