Perilex or three-phase power for your hob?
A new induction or ceramic hob often requires more power than an ordinary socket delivers. That's when perilex or three-phase power comes into the picture. Here you can read the difference and what you need.
Many induction hobs draw more current than one normal circuit can handle. That's why they're connected to a Perilex socket or three-phase power (3-phase). Which you need depends on the power rating of the hob and what your fuse box can handle.
Perilex versus three-phase power
Two connections for heavy consumers — with a clear distinction.
Perilex (often 1- or 2-phase)
A perilex connection with corresponding socket delivers more power than an ordinary socket. Suitable for many induction and ceramic hobs and some electric ovens. The hob gets its own, heavier circuit in the meter cupboard.
Three-phase power
Three-phase power distributes the load across three phases and delivers the most power. Necessary for heavy hobs or where perilex is not sufficient. Requires that your connection has three-phase power or that this is applied for.
First check your hob
The manual or rating plate on the hob states the required power and connection method. If that doesn't match your current connection, we'll install a suitable Perilex or three-phase circuit — safe and neatly concealed.
- We check what your fuse box and connection can handle.
- We'll install the correct circuit and socket.
- Everything tested, with guarantee on the work.
Important: not a DIY job
A hob connection works with high power levels. An incorrect connection creates fire and electrocution hazards and can damage your hob. Always have this done by a qualified tradesman — for your safety and the appliance warranty.
What's involved in a hob connection
What you can check yourself, and what the installer does.
Connecting a new hob seems like a small job, but it's electrical work with high power. Good preparation prevents the kitchen being ready while the hob still doesn't work.
What you can check yourself (without opening anything)
- The rating plate and the manual. These state the power of the hob and the ways in which it may be connected. Keep the manual for the installer.
- The socket in the kitchen. A Perilex socket is large and round and looks very different from an ordinary power socket. If you only have ordinary sockets, there's probably nothing yet for a heavy-duty hob.
- The labels in the meter cupboard. Just look: is there a group labelled "hob", "cooker" or "perilex"? Don't unscrew anything and don't remove any covers.
- Your plans. Are you also adding an oven, dishwasher, heat pump or EV charging point? Let us know. Then we'll check in one go whether the fuse box can handle everything.
What you never do yourself
Do not connect a high-power hob to an ordinary socket, an extension lead or a multi-socket adaptor. Also do not convert an ordinary socket to a perilex socket. The cable and the circuit in the fuse box are not designed for that. This can cause overheating and fire, and the manufacturer's warranty on your hob may be voided. Work in the fuse box is always a job for a qualified electrician.
What the installer does
- He checks your connection and fuse box: how much power is there, and is there room for an extra circuit with the right protection and RCD?
- He runs a new, heavy cable from the fuse box (consumer unit) to the kitchen, or checks whether an existing cable is suitable.
- They install the correct socket in a location that remains easily accessible, usually in the cupboard under the hob.
- He connects the hob cable according to the manufacturer's connection diagram. Many hobs are supplied without a plug.
- He tests the entire installation and neatly labels the circuits on the schedule in the fuse box (consumer unit).
Old meter cupboard? Then look more broadly
If your fuse box is old, has few spare slots or still contains old fuse wire, then expanding it is sometimes not advisable. In that case it may be smarter to replace the box and immediately take future appliances into account. Read more about expanding or replacing a fuse box. Ideally, plan the connection before the kitchen is fitted, so the cable can be neatly concealed.
Related services
Need help? View the related service or call us directly.
Good to know
Short answers to questions we're often asked.
Lighter models sometimes do, but most powerful induction hobs require perilex or three-phase power. The type plate on your hob will state this. Never connect a heavy hob to a standard circuit — that overloads the installation.
Not every home has that as standard. We check your fuse box and connection. If there's no three-phase power but it is needed, this can be requested (via the grid operator); often perilex is sufficient, however.
To install a circuit we briefly switch off the power. We arrange this in advance and test everything afterwards.
Need help in The Hague or the Randstad?
Feel free to call us for advice or an appointment. In emergencies we're available 24/7.