Can two ovens rated at 16A each be wired into a circuit with a dedicated...

[marc 1959]

...circuit with a 30A fuse
We are looking at installing two single ovens rated at 3.6kw each and 16A.

We currently have a double oven which is on a 30A fuse at the fusebox and is rated a max 5.1kw. A builder who will be doing some general works in the kitchen has said we need to have each oven separately wired to the fusebox and cannot use the existing cabling. Putting in new cabling would involve pulling up floorboards, new decorations, carpets etc, etc. and is simply something we do not wish to contemplate.

Is the builder correct or is there a way of using the existing cabling?

Any help appreciated - I don't intend doing the work myself but would like to know what needs to be done.

Many thanks

[Paul in San Diego]

I wouldn't do it. The ovens might take 16A each when on. That's 32 amps on a 30-amp circuit, which can cause overheating or the fuse will blow.

Also, there's probably a good starting surge when first powered on that exceeds that 16A considerably. So, if you had one on and turned the other one on, the current surge would surely blow the fuse.