Gas Safe Engineer RequiredAll gas hob installations must be carried out by a Gas Safe registered engineer. DIY gas work is illegal and dangerous.
Hot Zone Clearances – Built-in Gas Hob
🔥 Hot Zone – Side View
Clearance Measurements – Built-in Gas Hob
| Location | Minimum |
|---|---|
| Hob surface to cooker hood (A) | 750mm Mandatory |
| Hob surface to overhead cabinet / ceiling (no hood) | 760mm Mandatory |
| Hob edge to flammable material either side | 300mm Mandatory |
| Rear of cut-out to rear wall | 70mm Min |
| Hob to side wall | 150mm Min |
| Worktop thickness (above drawer) | 20mm Min |
| Worktop thickness (above oven) | 30mm Min |
| Gap: hob base to oven top (ventilation) | 5mm Min |
| Drawer running length (above-drawer install) | 480mm Min |
| Gap: drawer top to worktop underside | 65mm Min |
Socket PositionNo electrical sockets may be positioned within or above the hot zone. Manufacturer's instructions take precedence if they specify a greater clearance than the regulation minimum.
Manufacturer Always WinsIf the regulation states 600mm but the manufacturer states 700mm, you must use 700mm. Always check the installation manual for the specific model before sign-off.
Cut-out & Niche
Cut-out length and width must be shorter than the appliance dimensions so the hob lip sits on the worktop and holds it in place. Always refer to the model-specific installation sheet.
A radial (rounded) cut-out is preferred over angular corners — structurally stronger and reduces the risk of worktop cracking.
Gas Safe Engineer RequiredAll gas cooker work must be completed by a Gas Safe registered engineer. Gas Safe No. must be recorded on all job documentation.
Hot Zone Clearances – Freestanding Gas Cooker
🔥 Hot Zone – Front View (Freestanding Cooker)
Clearance Measurements – Freestanding Gas Cooker
| Location | Minimum |
|---|---|
| Above high-level grill (clear space) | 610mm Mandatory |
| Hob surface to cooker hood | 750mm Mandatory |
| Either side of cooker to adjacent units/surfaces | 20mm Mandatory |
| Wall units either side of hood (above hob level) | 366mm above hob Min |
| Overhead cabinet directly above (no hood) | 760mm above hob Min |
| Electrical socket to cooker | Within 1.5m Required |
Electrical SupplyA 3-pin socket or cooker point must be within 1.5 metres of the cooker. Some gas cookers need electricity for ignition or oven lighting — always confirm before the job. A qualified electrician must handle any new electrical connection.
Flame Supervision Device (FSD)All modern gas cookers must have an FSD. This cuts the gas if a flame is extinguished. The engineer must confirm the FSD is functioning correctly before sign-off.
Quick Reference
Items marked 🔴 are mandatory — the job must not proceed if these cannot be met.
Site & Ventilation
- Room has direct ventilation to outside (permanent vent or openable window). GSIUR 1998 Reg 30.
- Adequate air supply for combustion per BS 5440-2:2023.
- No risk of combustion products accumulating — room volume and ventilation confirmed adequate.
- CO alarm present or to be fitted in the kitchen.
- Mechanical extractor fan or cooker hood present (recommended).
Gas Supply
- Existing gas supply confirmed present and accessible.
- Gas meter accessible. Pre-payment meter: sufficient credit for testing.
- No existing gas leak. Soundness test passed before and after installation.
- Appliance gas type matches supply (Natural Gas G20 or LPG). Never connect LPG appliance to mains gas.
- Flexible gas connector is within its service life — not kinked, corroded or stressed.
- Appliance working pressure checked against manufacturer's specification.
Hot Zone & Clearances
- Minimum 750mm between hob surface and cooker hood (760mm to cabinet/ceiling with no hood).
- Hot zone is free from electrical sockets, switches and flammable materials.
- No combustible materials (wallpaper, wooden backboards, shelving) within hot zone.
- Minimum 300mm either side of built-in hob to any flammable material.
- Freestanding cooker: minimum 20mm clearance either side to adjacent base units.
- High-level grill clearance: minimum 610mm clear space above grill.
- Wall units beside hood are at least 366mm above hob surface.
Electrical Requirements
- 3-pin socket or cooker point within 1.5m of appliance position.
- Electrical connection type matches appliance requirement (check installation manual).
- Any new electrical wiring confirmed carried out by a qualified electrician.
Appliance & Safety Checks
- Flame Supervision Device (FSD) present and functioning on all burners.
- All burners ignite and produce correct blue flame.
- No smell of gas after installation — final soundness test passed.
- Appliance is level and stable. Anti-tilt device fitted where required (freestanding).
- Manufacturer's installation instructions read and followed for model-specific clearances.
- Customer briefed on safe use and FSD operation.
- Gas Safe engineer details recorded. Declaration of Safety issued if required.
Key Regulations & Standards
The primary legal framework for all gas work in the UK. All gas work must be carried out by a Gas Safe registered engineer. Covers ventilation (Reg 30), pressure testing and appliance safety. Outlines duties for installers, landlords and occupiers.
British Standard covering installation and maintenance of domestic gas cooking appliances including freestanding cookers and built-in hobs. Defines hot zone clearances and safety requirements. Manufacturer instructions take precedence where they specify a greater clearance.
Covers design, installation and testing of domestic gas pipework (natural gas). Applies to all internal gas supply pipework up to the meter isolation valve and appliance connections.
Applies where LPG (propane or butane) is used. Covers domestic LPG systems in permanent dwellings. Never connect an LPG appliance to a natural gas supply or vice versa.
Covers ventilation requirements for gas appliances including cookers. Specifies air supply requirements for combustion and guidance on permanent ventilation openings, and natural and mechanical ventilation systems.
Guidance on heat-producing appliances and ventilation for combustion. For standard gas cookers and hobs (flueless), notification to Building Control is not required. Exception: gas range cookers with a flue require notification to the Local Authority.
Certification & Notification
| Appliance Type | Notification Required? |
|---|---|
| Standard gas hob (flueless) | Not Required — Declaration of Safety optional |
| Built-in gas oven (flueless) | Not Required — Declaration of Safety optional |
| Freestanding gas cooker (flueless) | Not Required — Declaration of Safety optional |
| Gas range cooker (with flue) | Required — Notify Local Authority. Building Regs Cert needed. |
| Rental property (any gas cooker) | Required — Annual Gas Safety Check + CP12 Certificate. |
Gas Safe RegistrationAlways carry your Gas Safe ID card on every job. Present to customer on request. Ensure gas cooking appliances are included in your licence categories.
Manufacturer Instructions Always Take PrecedenceWhere manufacturer's installation instructions specify a greater clearance than the relevant British Standard, the manufacturer's instruction must be followed. Document the model number and confirm compliance on your job record.