Isolation requirements for cooking appliances

ECA Technical regularly receive questions relating to isolation requirements for cooking appliances.  The following requirements apply:

• Electric cooktops (including induction cooktops) - the isolator must be visible and readily accessible within 2 metres of the appliance and not be in a position where the user would have to reach across the cooking surface. Single pole switching is acceptable.
• Combination gas/electric cooktops - as above, however double pole isolation is required.
• Gas-only cooktops and gas ovens - the isolator needs to be accessible with the appliance in the fixed position - double pole isolation is required. Double pole isolation can be achieved by the use of a socket outlet and the isolator may be in a cupboard.
• Electric ovens - no specific isolation requirements. 

It should be noted that the isolator cannot be located in the prohibited zone as defined in clause 4.7.3 of AS/NZS 3000:2018 and shown in Figure 4.17 below.