Head scratcher with gas hob - will only spark when routed via a long extension cable.

[mint2016]

Hi. Im hoping someone may be able to offer some ideas on the above, as I've run out!

A 4 burner gas hob will not spark if plugged directly into the wall socket, bit if I route it via a 30m extension cable into the same wall socket it works a treat!

The instructions say the hob should be hardwired, but I have had a electrician say that this should not make a difference, and it should still spark with a plug fitted.... which it does, but only via the 30m cable!! The socket has been tested with no faults..

Has anyone ever heard of a situation like this as I am keen not to install the kitchen with a 30m cable stuffed down the back of the base units :-/

Regards,

Ches

 

[sparkydaryl]

Bit of a long shot but I have noticed before that the plug pins are sometimes shorter on some plugs. Normally not a problem but if the socket has blades a bit further back may not make contact.
Plug on ext lead may have slightly longer pins getting good contact.
Like I said long shot...

 

[sparkydaryl]

Bit of a long shot but I have noticed before that the plug pins are sometimes shorter on some plugs. Normally not a problem but if the socket has blades a bit further back may not make contact.
Plug on ext lead may have slightly longer pins getting good contact.
Like I said long shot...

 

[mint2016]

Thanks.. I thought it maybe something to do with the actual plug also, so took the one from the extension and put it on the hob.. still no joy. I have now tried taking various plugs from other appliances and trying them, still with no effect unless the extension is used between hob and wall. Very strange.

Im now thinking that it must be something to do with the additional resistance from the extra cable, but I have no idea why it should work with increased resistance (and therefore a lower voltage supplied to hob?). I'm leaning towards a fault with the actual hob now..

Thanks again for the idea though..

 

[Wilko]

Hi Mint - for my sins I've had to fix a few non sparking cooktops, but yours is a new one to me. I don't think the sparker is clever enough to know about cable impedance of an Ohm or two, so I reckon you are having a continuity problem. Perhaps bypass the spark switch so it sparks continuously while on the extension lead and see if that helps you find it.

 

[Octopus]

Best get somebody round who knows what they are doing

 

[Pat H]

What's the voltage going into the hob when plugged in direct and via the 30m extension?
Its possible the volt drop down the extension is allowing the hob to work. Which would indicate a fault with the sparker when presented with the higher correct voltage.

 

[Octopus]

Hum.... what was the voltage at the "hob" socket? what was the Zs? and what happens if you plug something else into the hob socket?