Electric Hob Has No Power: Causes, Checks & Fixes

Stop if there is heat, burning, arcing, exposed parts or water near electrical equipment

Do not remove covers or test exposed conductors. Leave affected circuits isolated and call a registered electrician or qualified appliance engineer where fixed wiring or internal faults are suspected.

MOST LIKELY CAUSES

Start with these

Dedicated circuit off The cooker breaker, RCBO or isolator may be off.

Child lock or control mode Touch-control hobs may appear dead or unresponsive.

Loose terminal connection High-load connections can overheat.

Power-module failure Induction and ceramic hobs use electronic modules that can fail.

◫ Symptom variations Match the exact behaviour before testing. ⌄

Display is blank
Touch controls do not respond
Oven works but hob is dead
Breaker trips when hob is selected
Cooker switch indicator is off

✓ Quick checks Safe checks using controls and front-panel devices only. ⌄

Check the appliance controls, timer, thermostat, lock and display.
Confirm the local isolator or fused spur is on and undamaged.
Inspect the consumer unit for a tripped breaker, RCBO or RCD.
Look for heat, smell, moisture, buzzing or discolouration.
Attempt one controlled reset only if no danger signs are present.

If operation returns: monitor the appliance and circuit.

If the fault remains: leave the equipment off and arrange testing.

1 Fix 1 — Check cooker isolator and breaker Follow this check without opening live or fixed electrical equipment. ⌄

Process

Confirm the local switch and dedicated protection are on.

Success looks like: The hob powers up normally.

Failure means: If protection trips again, leave it off.

2 Fix 2 — Clear control lock Follow this check without opening live or fixed electrical equipment. ⌄

Process

Use the manufacturer's lock-release method and dry the control surface.

Success looks like: Controls respond normally.

Failure means: If the display stays blank, supply or electronics need testing.

3 Fix 3 — Stop using heat-damaged controls Follow this check without opening live or fixed electrical equipment. ⌄

Process

Isolate the cooker circuit if the switch or outlet is hot or burnt.

Success looks like: The hazard is removed from service.

Failure means: High-current connections require urgent inspection.

⌁ Common causes explained Why the appliance or circuit may fail. ⌄

A powerless electric hob may have a tripped dedicated circuit, failed cooker switch, child lock, loose terminal connection, internal fuse or failed power module.

Fixed appliances often use dedicated circuits, isolators, fused spurs and local controls. The fault may be in the appliance, control accessory, cable or circuit protection.

⌘ Advanced diagnostics Technician-level testing for a competent electrician. ⌄

Verify supply at cooker control and hob terminals.
Inspect terminal links and conductor condition.
Check internal fuses and power modules.
Test insulation resistance and load current.
Confirm correct single- or multi-phase terminal configuration where applicable.

▣ Parts that may need replacing Common components linked to this fault. ⌄

Cooker switch
Terminal block
Power module
Control board
Internal fuse
Cable termination

! When to call an electrician or appliance engineer Conditions that should end DIY troubleshooting. ⌄

The appliance or isolator is hot, burnt, buzzing or crackling.
The breaker, RCBO, RCD or fused spur operates repeatedly.
Water may have reached electrical components.
The appliance is permanently wired or high current.
The fault remains after basic external checks.

? Frequently asked questions Common questions about fixed appliances. ⌄

Can the appliance fail without tripping the breaker?

Yes. Controls, elements, motors and internal connections can fail while protection remains on.

Should I repeatedly reset the circuit?

No. One controlled reset is enough to confirm whether the fault remains.

Can I fit a larger fuse or breaker?

No. Protection must match the cable and appliance design.