The electric hob in my rented flat burned out when no-one was there, producing smoke from inside the hob, melting the control knobs and blowing a fuse at the consumer unit. The cleaner had cleaned the hob earlier in the day and is sure that it was switched off. He was also the first person back in the flat and he cut the cable to the hob and replaced the fuse. As it is unclear what caused the fire, I (tenant) agreed to replace the hob at my own expense. But I refused to connect it because I believe the wiring is not safe, based on my recent research prior to having a hob installed in my own property. I had an electrician inspect the landlord's wiring and comfirm in writing that it is sub-standard. I've sent this to the landlord who is still refusing to upgrade the wiring.
I need some advise.
This is what I found.
A 2.5mm^2 cable into a standard double socket lying on the floor under the oven. A 2.5mm^2 cable wired into this outlet supplying the old hob (cut by cleaner). The oven was plugged into the one of teh sockets with a 13A plug. The oven is rated at 2400W and the new hob (which looks just like the old hob) is 5kW. The rating sticker on the old hob was melted by the fire. There is no isolator switch and the electrician said that the supply was a spur from the ring main.
I have a copy of the brown on site guide and I can find places in the guide where the wiring doesn't meet recommendations. But is the wiring actually illegal, and can I make the landlord fix it? Specific refs to the onsite guide might help my case.
Another question, and less important, but could the wiring have caused or contributed to the failure of the hob itself? The electrician thought so, but I don't see why.
many thanks, Duncan