Can I Plug a Cooker Hood into a Normal Socket?

Wondering whether you can plug your cooker hood straight into a standard UK socket? The good news is that most modern hoods run on a low wattage, meaning they can usually be powered safely from a normal 13A plug — but there are important rules to follow to stay compliant with UK electrical standards.

So, Can You Plug One In?

Yes — in many cases, a cooker hood can be plugged into a standard 13A mains socket. Most hoods are low-power appliances, typically between 60W and 250W. This is well within the limit of a normal socket.

The key requirement is that the socket must be placed safely and legally. A socket cannot be directly behind the hob, above the hob, or anywhere exposed to heat, grease, or steam.

This is why many kitchens use a fused spurA fused connection unit (FCU) that provides a fixed, switchable power point with a replaceable fuse. instead — it’s neater and safer.

When a Fused Spur Is the Better Option

Your socket location is too close to the hob
You want a more integrated, hidden installation
Your installer prefers a permanent connection
Your hood manual specifically recommends an FCU

Where Should the Socket Be?

For safety, regulations require the power point to be:

Outside the hot zone above the hob
Inside an adjacent cupboard or high on a wall
Easily accessible for maintenance

If your hood includes features like LED lighting or recirculation modeAir is filtered and recirculated through carbon filters rather than vented outside., the installation requirements remain the same — low power, safe distance, and appropriate connection point.

Do Cooker Hoods Come with a Plug?

Most modern cooker hoods arrive with a moulded plug already attached. If yours doesn’t, your installer can either add a plug or wire it into a fused spur.