Do You Need an Electrician to Replace an Electric Hob? Here’s What You Really Need to Know

Replacing an electric hob isn’t like swapping out a light bulb. Even if the new unit looks identical to the old one, the wiring, safety rules, and local codes make this a job that’s not meant for DIYers in most cases. In Perth, where electrical safety standards are strict and inspections are common, trying to save a few hundred dollars by doing it yourself could end up costing you far more - in fines, insurance claims, or even fire risk.

Why an electrician isn’t just a suggestion - it’s the law

In Western Australia, any work involving fixed electrical appliances - including electric hobs - must be done by a licensed electrician. This isn’t just a recommendation from a safety brochure. It’s written into the Electricity Act 1945 and enforced by the Department of Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety (DMIRS). If you install or replace an electric hob without a licensed professional, you’re breaking the law. That means if something goes wrong - say, a short circuit causes a fire - your home insurance won’t pay out. And if the council finds out during a property inspection, you could face a fine of up to $10,000.

Even if you’re confident with tools, electrical work behind the wall or under the countertop isn’t something you can eyeball. The hob connects directly to a dedicated 240V circuit, often running through a 32A or 40A breaker. Getting the cable size wrong, misconnecting the earth, or overloading the circuit can cause overheating, melted insulation, or worse. These aren’t hypothetical risks. In 2024, the WA Fire and Emergency Services reported 17 residential fires linked to improper appliance installations - 12 of those involved cooktops or hobs.

What the electrician actually does during a hob replacement

It’s not just about unplugging the old one and plugging in the new one. A licensed electrician follows a clear, step-by-step process:

1. Turns off power at the main switch and verifies it’s dead with a multimeter
2. Removes the old hob and inspects the existing wiring for damage, corrosion, or outdated components
3. Checks if the circuit is properly rated for the new hob’s power draw (most modern hobs need 7.4kW-10kW)
4. Replaces or upgrades wiring if needed - older homes often have 2.5mm² cable, but new hobs require 6mm² or 10mm²
5. Installs a dedicated circuit breaker if one doesn’t exist
6. Connects the new hob using the correct terminal block and torque settings
7. Tests for earth continuity, polarity, and insulation resistance
8. Issues a Certificate of Compliance (CoC), which you must keep for your records and show if you sell your home

That Certificate of Compliance is critical. Without it, your home’s electrical system isn’t considered legally compliant. Buyers and inspectors will ask for it. Banks require it for refinancing. And if you ever need to claim on insurance after an electrical incident, they’ll demand proof the work was done properly.

What happens if you skip the electrician and do it yourself

Some people think, “It’s just two wires and a plug.” But electric hobs don’t plug in - they’re hardwired. If you try to connect it yourself, here’s what could go wrong:

• Wrong cable size: Using 2.5mm² instead of 6mm² causes the cable to overheat, melting insulation and starting fires inside the wall.
• Missing earth: Without a proper earth connection, a fault could leave the metal casing live. Touching it could kill you.
• Overloaded circuit: If the hob shares a circuit with other appliances, the breaker may trip constantly - or worse, fail silently and cause a fire.
• Wrong terminal connections: Mixing up live, neutral, and earth terminals can fry the hob’s control board or create a shock hazard.
• No certification: You can’t prove the work was done safely. This affects home sales, insurance, and legal liability.

One Perth homeowner tried to replace their hob in 2023 using YouTube tutorials. They got the unit working - until three months later, the wall behind the hob started smelling like burning plastic. The electrician who came to fix it found the cable had melted inside the cavity. The repair cost $3,200 - more than double what a professional installation would’ve cost originally.

When you might not need an electrician (and when you still should)

There’s one rare exception: if your new hob is a plug-in model designed for 10A circuits, and your existing outlet matches the plug type and rating exactly. But here’s the catch - most modern electric hobs don’t come with plugs. They’re built to be hardwired. Even if you find a plug-in model, it’s usually underpowered (under 3kW) and won’t cook efficiently.

Also, some people think if they’re replacing the hob with the exact same model, they can reuse the old wiring. That’s risky. Wiring degrades over time. Terminals loosen. Moisture gets in. An electrician will check all of it. You won’t know what you’re missing.

How much does it cost to hire an electrician for a hob replacement?

In Perth, the average cost to replace an electric hob ranges from $350 to $750, depending on:

• Whether new wiring or a new circuit is needed
• The complexity of the installation (e.g., stone benchtops require careful cutting)
• Time of day (after-hours calls cost more)
• Brand and model of the new hob

Most electricians charge $90-$130 per hour. The job typically takes 2-3 hours. If your home is older and the wiring needs upgrading, expect to pay more. But here’s the thing: that $750 job protects you from a $50,000 fire. It also keeps your insurance valid and your home saleable.

Don’t be fooled by cheap “handymen” offering to do it for $200. They’re not licensed. They can’t issue a CoC. And if something goes wrong, you’re on your own.

What to look for in an electrician

Not all electricians are the same. When hiring someone for your hob replacement:

• Check their license on the DMIRS website - make sure it’s active and includes fixed wiring and appliances
• Ask if they’ve done hob replacements before - not just general electrical work
• Request a written quote that includes the CoC
• Confirm they’ll handle disposal of the old hob
• Look for reviews mentioning kitchen installations - not just light switches

Reputable electricians will show you their license on their van or phone. They’ll explain the wiring setup. They won’t pressure you into buying a specific hob - that’s a red flag.

What to do before the electrician arrives

Preparation saves time and money:

• Turn off the power at the main switch before the electrician arrives
• Clear the area around the hob - remove pots, pans, and nearby items
• Have the new hob ready and unboxed
• Know the model number and power rating (usually on a sticker on the back or in the manual)
• Ask if they need access to the cupboard below - sometimes wiring runs through there

Don’t try to remove the old hob yourself unless you’re certain you can disconnect the power safely. Many people damage the wiring or break the countertop trying to pull it out.

What to do after the replacement

Once the job’s done:

• Ask for your Certificate of Compliance - keep it with your home documents
• Test all burners and controls before the electrician leaves
• Check that the hob sits level and doesn’t wobble
• Keep the receipt and warranty papers
• If the hob has a child lock or timer, make sure you understand how to use it

If the hob doesn’t work right away, don’t try to fix it yourself. Call the electrician back. Most offer a 12-month warranty on their work.

Final thought: Safety isn’t optional

Electric hobs are powerful appliances. They use more energy than most household devices. Cutting corners on installation isn’t a smart way to save money - it’s gambling with your family’s safety. In Perth, where summer heat and old wiring are common, the risk is real.

There’s no shortcut that beats a licensed electrician. The cost is predictable. The outcome is guaranteed. And your peace of mind? Priceless.