ᐅ Two ovens on one circuit – electrician installed only a single electrical circuit
Created on: 2 Nov 2025 17:26
D
dergert
Hello everyone,
I need your assessment on something that honestly left me speechless.
During our house construction, the electrical installation was done by the builder’s electrician. The oven outlet had initially been simply forgotten and needed to be redone anyway. During the conversation back then, I clearly stated that we planned to install two ovens instead of one – a regular oven with microwave function and a steam oven – and that these obviously each need to be separately protected.
Now that the kitchen is fully installed (including the granite countertop, everything finished), I operated both appliances simultaneously for the first time and the circuit breaker immediately tripped. When I looked in the breaker panel, I saw there was only one “oven” breaker, so apparently both outlets are on the same circuit.
Yes, I know I should have noticed earlier, but unfortunately I didn’t.
From everything I have researched so far (VDE 0100-430 and 0100-520), this is definitely not allowed, because the combined load of both appliances significantly exceeds the permissible continuous load of a 16-A circuit. Can someone with expertise confirm this?
Now I am wondering if the fault clearly lies with the electrician and whether he must correct it at his own cost. Also, I’m interested in who would bear the costs if parts of the kitchen have to be dismantled for the retrofit. And lastly: What is the best way to handle this without the situation escalating into conflict?
I want to clarify this calmly and objectively with the electrician, but honestly, I find it quite incomprehensible – especially since the wiring had to be installed later anyway and it was clear two high-power appliances would be connected.
I look forward to your opinions and experiences.
Best regards
dergert
I need your assessment on something that honestly left me speechless.
During our house construction, the electrical installation was done by the builder’s electrician. The oven outlet had initially been simply forgotten and needed to be redone anyway. During the conversation back then, I clearly stated that we planned to install two ovens instead of one – a regular oven with microwave function and a steam oven – and that these obviously each need to be separately protected.
Now that the kitchen is fully installed (including the granite countertop, everything finished), I operated both appliances simultaneously for the first time and the circuit breaker immediately tripped. When I looked in the breaker panel, I saw there was only one “oven” breaker, so apparently both outlets are on the same circuit.
Yes, I know I should have noticed earlier, but unfortunately I didn’t.
From everything I have researched so far (VDE 0100-430 and 0100-520), this is definitely not allowed, because the combined load of both appliances significantly exceeds the permissible continuous load of a 16-A circuit. Can someone with expertise confirm this?
| Overload protection | Circuit must not be overloaded by two ovens | VDE 0100-430 (433.1) |
| Dimensioning | Circuit must match operating current | VDE 0100-520 (523.1) |
| Separate circuits | Each high-power appliance on its own circuit | DIN 18015-1 (10.1) |
| Compliance | Violation of VDE = violation of EnWG § 49 para. 2 | EnWG |
Now I am wondering if the fault clearly lies with the electrician and whether he must correct it at his own cost. Also, I’m interested in who would bear the costs if parts of the kitchen have to be dismantled for the retrofit. And lastly: What is the best way to handle this without the situation escalating into conflict?
I want to clarify this calmly and objectively with the electrician, but honestly, I find it quite incomprehensible – especially since the wiring had to be installed later anyway and it was clear two high-power appliances would be connected.
I look forward to your opinions and experiences.
Best regards
dergert
That depends on the kitchen. In my case, the cabinets stand on legs with a kickboard facing the room that can be easily removed. That makes it simple.
Otherwise, it might be more difficult if the cabinets are closed off at the back or bottom, preventing access to the cable.
In that case, I would recommend removing the oven on the left side, which you have to do anyway. The cabinet likely isn’t closed at the back to allow air circulation. You could then try using a pulling aid to get the cable through the opening and somehow connect it from below. Once you have something to pull the cable through, it should be fine.
Perhaps don’t use NYM cable but instead an outdoor-rated cable (NYY?), since if it’s laying on the floor behind the cabinet, something might pass underneath it. Ideally, it would be protected by a flexible conduit.
In an emergency, you can also run the cable inside the cabinet by drilling through the wood where needed. It won’t be visible behind the drawer or dishwasher. That way, you have direct and easy access under the sink.
Otherwise, it might be more difficult if the cabinets are closed off at the back or bottom, preventing access to the cable.
In that case, I would recommend removing the oven on the left side, which you have to do anyway. The cabinet likely isn’t closed at the back to allow air circulation. You could then try using a pulling aid to get the cable through the opening and somehow connect it from below. Once you have something to pull the cable through, it should be fine.
Perhaps don’t use NYM cable but instead an outdoor-rated cable (NYY?), since if it’s laying on the floor behind the cabinet, something might pass underneath it. Ideally, it would be protected by a flexible conduit.
In an emergency, you can also run the cable inside the cabinet by drilling through the wood where needed. It won’t be visible behind the drawer or dishwasher. That way, you have direct and easy access under the sink.
W
wiltshire3 Nov 2025 21:22MachsSelbst schrieb:
The fact is, in any case, that a solution like the one described above—simply connecting the oven together with another appliance to a single outlet—is not(!) permitted(!). Thank you for the important note. Ovens individually, fridge, and dishwasher can be operated together.
Of course: the maximum power consumption on a single outlet must stay under 3.6 kW. I was not aware that there is a general prohibition.
D
derdietmar4 Nov 2025 07:57Hello,
as far as I can see, you basically have enough electrical circuits:
Best regards
as far as I can see, you basically have enough electrical circuits:
- Oven
- Dishwasher
- Sink faucet
- Refrigerator
- Other sockets
Best regards
H
hanghaus20234 Nov 2025 10:30The electrician has admitted the fault. Prepare a record of the meeting and have the electrician sign it. Then, request the builder/developer to carry out the defect repair.
jehd schrieb:
That depends on the kitchen. In my case, the cabinets are on legs with a baseboard facing the room that can be easily removed. That makes it simple.Yes, it’s the same for us.
Joedreck schrieb:
What prevents the electrician from drilling a hole in the basement directly near the ovens and pulling the cables there? Retrofitting through the basement – it couldn’t be easier, right?There is already a ceiling opening 2m (6.5 feet) next to the ovens. Why would it be easier to completely dismantle everything again and do a core drill?
hanghaus2023 schrieb:
The electrician admitted the mistake. Prepare a record of the meeting and have the electrician sign it. Then ask the builder/developer to fix the fault.I’ve done that now. Let’s see what comes of it. I can provide an update once I hear something.
Thank you all very much for your helpful comments and information!
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