Can You Replace an Electric Oven Yourself? Here's What You Really Need to Know

Most people think replacing an electric oven is just a matter of unplugging the old one and plugging in the new one. It’s not. If you get it wrong, you could fry your wiring, trip your circuit breaker, or worse - start a fire. But if you know what you’re doing, it’s totally doable without calling a pro. Thousands of homeowners in New Zealand do it every year, especially when upgrading from an old 1990s model to a modern energy-efficient one.

Is it legal to replace your own electric oven in New Zealand?

In New Zealand, the Electrical Regulations 2010 say you can replace a fixed appliance like an electric oven if it’s a direct swap - same voltage, same plug type, same circuit. But you can’t modify the wiring, add a new circuit, or change the fuse box. If your oven is hardwired (no plug), you need an electrician. Most modern ovens come with a 13-amp plug, so if yours has one too, you’re in the clear.

Check your old oven’s back panel. If there’s a plug and socket, you can do it yourself. If you see bare wires connected to a terminal block inside the wall, stop. That’s hardwired. You’ll need an electrician to disconnect it safely.

What tools and materials do you need?

You don’t need fancy gear. Here’s what’s actually necessary:

• Insulated gloves (not kitchen gloves)
• Flathead and Phillips screwdrivers
• Measuring tape
• Level
• Power drill (optional, for mounting brackets)
• New oven with matching dimensions
• Electrical tape (for securing wires if needed)

Don’t skip the gloves. Even when the power’s off, old wiring can hold a charge. And never use duct tape or masking tape - use proper electrical tape rated for 600V. You can buy it at any hardware store like Bunnings or Mitre 10.

Step-by-step: How to remove your old electric oven

Start by turning off the power. Go to your switchboard and flip the breaker for the oven. If you’re not sure which one, turn off the main. Better safe than sorry.

1. Open the oven door and remove the racks. You’ll need space to pull it out.
2. Unplug it if it’s plug-in. If it’s hardwired, skip this step - you’ll need an electrician to disconnect it.
3. Locate the mounting screws. Most ovens are secured to the cabinet with two screws on the top front edge, hidden behind the door frame. Use a screwdriver to remove them.
4. Have someone help you. Electric ovens weigh 50-70kg. Even with wheels, they’re awkward to move alone.
5. Slowly pull the oven out. Watch for the power cable. If it’s a plug, gently unplug it from the socket. If it’s hardwired, don’t touch it.
6. Slide the oven onto a dolly or cardboard. Move it out of the way.

Take a photo of the wiring before you disconnect anything. Even if you’re just swapping for the same model, it helps later.

How to install the new electric oven

Before you bring the new oven home, measure the cavity. Old ovens were often 60cm wide, but newer ones can be 58cm, 59cm, or even 61cm. Measure the width, height, and depth of the opening. Compare it to the specs on the new oven’s box. If it’s too tight, you’ll need to adjust the cabinetry.

1. Slide the new oven into the cavity. Use a dolly or have someone help. Don’t drag it - the floor can scratch, and the door hinges can bend.
2. Check if it’s level. Place a spirit level on top. If it’s tilted, adjust the front feet. Most ovens have screw-in feet you can turn with a wrench or pliers.
3. Secure it with the mounting brackets. Reattach the screws you removed from the old oven. Tighten them, but don’t overdo it - you don’t want to crack the cabinet.
4. Plug it in. If it’s a plug-in model, make sure the socket is clean and dry. Don’t force the plug. If it doesn’t fit, you have the wrong voltage or plug type.
5. Turn the power back on. Test the oven: set it to 180°C and wait 10 minutes. Check if the heating element glows red and the fan turns on.

Common mistakes people make

Here’s what goes wrong - and how to avoid it:

• Ignoring the clearance rules. Ovens need 20mm of space on each side for airflow. If you squeeze it in too tight, it overheats and fails early.
• Using the wrong socket. Don’t plug a 13-amp oven into a 10-amp socket. It can melt the plug. Check the rating on the socket and the oven’s label.
• Forgetting to level it. A tilted oven causes uneven cooking and can strain the door hinges. You’ll notice this when the door doesn’t close properly.
• Not testing before finalizing. Turn it on before you put the back panel or trim back in. If the fan doesn’t spin or the display flickers, you’ve got a wiring issue.

When to call a professional

You should absolutely call an electrician if:

• Your oven is hardwired (no plug)
• You need to install a new circuit or upgrade your fuse box
• The wiring looks frayed, melted, or corroded
• You’re replacing a 240V oven with a 415V commercial model
• You’re unsure about any step

In Wellington, licensed electricians charge between $120-$180 to disconnect and reconnect a hardwired oven. It’s not expensive compared to the cost of a damaged appliance or a house fire.

How much can you save?

Professional oven installation costs $150-$300 depending on complexity. If you do it yourself, you only pay for the oven. A basic 60cm electric oven starts at $500. A high-end model with pyrolytic cleaning can cost $2,000. That means you can save up to $300 on labor - which is enough to buy a new set of oven racks or a good thermometer.

But remember: saving money shouldn’t mean cutting corners on safety. If you’re not confident, pay for the electrician. It’s not a sign of weakness - it’s smart.

What to do if it doesn’t work after installation

If your new oven doesn’t turn on:

• Check the circuit breaker. Did it trip again?
• Test the socket with another appliance - like a kettle. If that doesn’t work, the problem is the outlet.
• Look at the oven’s display. If it’s blank, the control board might be faulty. Contact the manufacturer.
• If the oven turns on but doesn’t heat, the element might be broken. Most ovens have a replaceable heating element. You can buy one online for $40-$80.

Most manufacturers offer a 12-24 month warranty. Keep your receipt. If the oven fails within that time, they’ll fix or replace it - even if you installed it yourself.

Final thoughts

Replacing an electric oven yourself is perfectly doable - if you respect the electricity. You don’t need to be an electrician, but you do need to be careful. Take your time. Double-check everything. And never rush the power test.

Many people avoid DIY because they’re scared. But fear isn’t the enemy - ignorance is. Once you’ve done it once, you’ll realize it’s not magic. It’s just following steps, paying attention, and knowing when to stop.

If you’re ready to swap your oven, go ahead. Just make sure your power’s off before you touch anything.