Share the final appliance schedule
List the oven, hob, dishwasher, fridge, extraction and any other fixed equipment. Product installation information is more useful than a general appliance description because connection and load requirements vary.
If an appliance is still undecided, flag it. The electrician needs to know which decisions could change the circuit design or the connection position.
Place sockets around everyday tasks
Place sockets around everyday tasks
Think about where the kettle, toaster, coffee machine, mixer and occasional appliances will actually be used. Consider islands, breakfast areas and worktops rather than distributing points only by wall length.
Coordinate socket and isolation positions with units, splashbacks and the appliance access plan. Ask how equipment can be isolated and maintained once the kitchen is complete.
Separate worktop, room and feature lighting
Separate worktop, room and feature lighting
Worktop lighting helps with preparation; ceiling lighting serves the room; pendants or other feature lighting can support a dining or island area. Agree which groups should operate separately.
Choose colour temperature, dimming and smart functions deliberately. The products and controls need to work together. Check installation space and access for future maintenance before buying the fittings.
Agree responsibilities for extraction and making good
Agree responsibilities for extraction and making good
An extractor needs more than an electrical connection. Confirm who supplies the equipment, creates openings, installs ducting and makes good. The same applies to chasing, plastering and final decoration.
Coordinate the electrician’s first-fix and final-connection visits with the fitter and builder. Avoid closing up areas before the relevant work has been checked and agreed.
Ask about testing and documentation
Ask about testing and documentation
A kitchen renovation may involve additions to existing circuits, new circuits or a wider rewire. The appropriate certification follows the actual work.
Not all kitchen electrical alterations in England are notifiable. New circuits are. Discuss the certification and notification requirements with the electrician as part of the agreed scope.
Questions answered
What does the electrician need from my kitchen designer?
Provide the current dimensioned layout, cabinet and worktop positions, appliance schedule and any lighting preferences. Include installation instructions for the exact oven, hob, extractor and other fixed equipment. Mark which decisions remain provisional so wiring is not installed around a layout that is about to change.
Ask Max about thisHow many sockets should I plan for a new kitchen?
Start with the appliances used on each worktop, fixed equipment, island use and the places people charge or work. A useful layout follows those tasks rather than a single socket count for every kitchen. The electrician then assesses circuit arrangements, positions and the proposed equipment.
Ask Max about thisCan under-cabinet lights and pendants have separate controls?
They can be planned as separate lighting groups, subject to suitable wiring and products. Explain whether worktop lights, feature lighting and general lighting should operate independently or dim. Settle the switch positions and compatibility before buying fittings or closing the walls and ceilings.
Ask Max about thisShould I buy the induction hob before checking the electrics?
Send the chosen model's connection requirements for assessment before committing to purchase or installation dates. Existing cooker wiring is not automatically suitable for every replacement. The appliance position, associated oven and proposed kitchen alterations should be considered with the hob rather than as separate assumptions.
Ask Max about thisDoes the electrical quote include fitting the kitchen extractor duct?
Do not assume so. Agree who supplies the extractor, provides the ducting and outside outlet, makes openings and handles final connections. A complete kitchen plan needs those responsibilities alongside the electrical supply. Include any existing extraction problem when discussing the proposed replacement.
Ask Max about thisCheck the original guidance.
These sources explain the relevant requirements. The condition and scope of your own installation still need assessment.
Guidance reviewed 24 October 2026.
