Induction cooktops are one of the most common kitchen upgrades we’re asked to wire in Brisbane right now, usually alongside a renovation or when a household is moving off gas. The cooktop itself is simple to install, but the electrical side catches a lot of homeowners out – induction draws far more power than a standard power point can safely deliver, and older Brisbane homes in particular often don’t have the switchboard capacity sitting spare.
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Why induction needs its own circuit
A full-size induction cooktop typically draws 7-7.4kW at peak load across its zones – similar to running several kettles flat out at once. That’s well beyond what a general power circuit is rated for, so induction cooktops always need a dedicated circuit run directly from the switchboard, sized and protected specifically for that load, in line with AS/NZS 3000. Plugging one into an existing kitchen circuit shared with other appliances isn’t compliant and isn’t safe.
Single-phase vs three-phase
Most Brisbane homes run single-phase power, and most induction cooktops are designed to work on a single-phase 32A circuit without issue. Where it becomes a question is larger cooktops (five or six zones, or commercial-style units), homes already running close to the limit of their main switchboard capacity, or larger homes already on three-phase for other reasons (ducted aircon, EV charger, pool equipment). In those cases we check total connected load across the whole property before confirming single-phase is enough – see our guide to three-phase power upgrades if you’re weighing up whether you need one anyway.
Does your switchboard have the capacity?
This is the step that trips up a lot of kitchen renovations. Adding a 7kW+ circuit to a switchboard that’s already carrying ducted aircon, an electric hot water system, an EV charger or a pool pump can push total demand past what the existing board and main supply were designed for. Older Brisbane homes with ceramic fuses or an undersized switchboard are the most common case where an upgrade is needed before an induction circuit can be added safely – see our guide to switchboard upgrade warning signs. We always check total demand across the whole property, not just the new circuit in isolation, before confirming what’s needed.
What a compliant install includes
- A dedicated circuit sized to the specific cooktop’s rated load, run directly from the switchboard
- An appropriately rated circuit breaker and RCD (safety switch) protection, as required for all Queensland kitchen circuits
- Correct cable sizing for the run length, since voltage drop matters more on a high-draw circuit run any real distance from the board
- An isolation switch positioned per AS/NZS 3000 so the cooktop can be safely isolated for servicing
- A load check across the whole switchboard, not just the new circuit, to confirm the main supply can carry it
What it costs
As a rough Brisbane guide, running a new dedicated induction circuit to an existing switchboard with spare capacity typically starts from around $650-$950. Where a switchboard upgrade is needed first to make room, total cost is usually from $1,800-$3,500+ combined, depending on board condition and cable run. We always quote off an actual look at your switchboard rather than a phone estimate, since existing capacity is the variable that changes the number most.
Planning an induction upgrade
If you’re renovating a kitchen or replacing a gas cooktop, it’s worth having the electrical side checked before you commit to a cooktop model, since some larger or commercial-style units draw enough to change the switchboard conversation entirely. See our electrical services or get in touch for a free quote on your induction cooktop circuit.
Related guides
- Switchboard upgrades in Brisbane: costs & warning signs
- Three-phase power upgrade Brisbane: costs & what’s involved
- Why your circuit breakers keep tripping
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