Short answer: Most induction cooktops need a dedicated circuit from the switchboard, often larger than an old electric cooktop circuit and much larger than anything a gas cooktop had. Your electrician will check the cooktop’s rated load and installation manual, your switchboard’s spare capacity, your home’s supply, and the cable route. Many Inner West homes switching from gas need a new circuit and sometimes a switchboard upgrade.
Induction is fast, efficient and easy to clean, and plenty of Inner West households are swapping gas for it. The cooktop itself is the easy part. The question is whether your wiring can supply it. Here’s what’s involved.
Step 1: read the cooktop’s specs
Every induction cooktop lists its maximum rated load and the circuit it needs in the installation manual. Common things to check:
- maximum power rating (often several kilowatts for a full-size cooktop)
- recommended circuit breaker size and cable size
- whether it’s designed for single phase or can be connected across phases
- whether it comes with a cord or must be hardwired
Many full-size induction cooktops need a dedicated circuit, commonly around 32 amps, but always follow the manufacturer’s instructions. Some smaller or “plug-in” models are designed for a standard outlet, though they often limit power when several zones are on.
Step 2: check your existing circuit
| What you have now | What’s usually involved |
|---|---|
| Gas cooktop only | A new dedicated circuit from the switchboard; gas disconnected and capped by a licensed gasfitter |
| Older electric cooktop on its own circuit | Check the cable and breaker size; may be reusable if it meets the new cooktop’s specs |
| Combined oven and cooktop circuit | Often needs separating, or upgrading, to supply both safely |
| Freestanding upright cooker | Check the existing circuit size; a new built-in setup may need new wiring |
Your electrician will check the cable size and condition, how it’s protected at the switchboard, and the run length. A circuit that worked for an old ceramic cooktop won’t automatically suit induction.
Step 3: check the switchboard
The new circuit needs a spare space on your switchboard and safety switch protection. Older boards in Inner West homes often have:
- no spare space
- ceramic fuses with no safety switches
- one safety switch covering everything
Any of these can mean a switchboard upgrade as part of the job. If you’re also planning a heat pump, air conditioning or EV charger, plan the board with room for those too. See getting your switchboard ready for solar and a battery.
Step 4: check your supply
Most Inner West homes have a single-phase supply. That’s usually enough for an induction cooktop, but if you’re also adding ducted air, an EV charger and a heat pump, your total load may need assessing. Changing to three-phase supply is network work that needs a Level 2 Accredited Service Provider. Blue Link is not Level 2 accredited, but we can assess the internal load and tell you if a supply upgrade is worth investigating. See what is a Level 2 electrician.
Step 5: plan the cable route
In a terrace with no ceiling access, or a home with double brick walls, getting a heavy cable from the switchboard to the kitchen can be the biggest part of the job. Options include running through the roof space, the subfloor or along a wall in conduit. Doing this during a renovation is much simpler. See kitchen renovation electrical planning.
Gas to induction: the order of trades
- Electrician assesses circuit, switchboard and route
- Licensed gasfitter disconnects and caps the gas
- Cabinet maker or installer adjusts the bench cut-out if the new cooktop is a different size
- Electrician runs the circuit and connects the cooktop
- Testing and compliance certificate, which NSW requires within 7 days of testing according to the NSW Government
Swapping gas for induction? We assess your circuit and switchboard, run the new circuit and connect the cooktop. Learn more about our oven and cooktop installation service or call 0421 772 661.
Running costs and incentives
Induction is efficient because heat is created directly in the pan. If you have solar, cooking in daylight hours can use your own power. The NSW Government’s energy saving pages also note that switchboard upgrades may be needed when you electrify your home. Check current NSW and federal programs before you buy, as they change.
Cookware
Induction only works with magnetic cookware. If a magnet sticks firmly to the base of a pan, it’ll usually work. Budget for replacement pans if yours are aluminium, copper or glass.
For pricing factors, see oven and cooktop installation cost. We install induction cooktops in Croydon, Canada Bay, Haberfield and Summer Hill.
Frequently asked questions
Can I plug an induction cooktop into a normal power point?
Only if the manufacturer designs it for a standard outlet, usually smaller or portable models. Full-size induction cooktops generally need a dedicated hardwired circuit.
What size circuit does an induction cooktop need?
It depends on the model. Many full-size cooktops need a dedicated circuit, commonly around 32 amps. Follow the manufacturer’s installation manual and your electrician’s assessment.
Do I need a switchboard upgrade for induction?
Not always, but often in older homes without spare space or safety switches. An electrician can check your board.
Do I need three-phase power for induction?
Usually not. Most induction cooktops run on single phase. Three-phase may be considered if your total household load is very high.