An induction hob not turning on will seem like a disaster, especially when it’s dinner time.
However, there’s no need to panic just yet as there is often a very simple explanation.
Try one of these easy fix remedies and you’re sure to get your induction hob back to its brilliant best.
[lwptoc min=”1″]
Induction Hob Not Turning On – Fixes and Troubleshooting Tips
1. Individual Burners Won’t Turn On
One of the most common problems is if the ignition light is on, but your induction hob won’t start. Without any heat coming through to a pan you’ll never cook anything.
Solution
The first thing to check is that you’ve picked up the right pan, as only magnetised metal bases can activate the system. However, if your cookware’s in order, your induction hob probably needs a thorough clean.
Small splashes of grease or starchy gravy can easily build up on the control panel without appearing obvious. Wipe the hob with a cotton cloth that’s been dipped in soapy water and wrung out.
Try white vinegar to remove any soapy residue. Your induction hob should then work fine. If not, check your fingers aren’t greasy from food preparation.
Related: How to clean an induction hob
2. Control Panel is Inactive
When there isn’t any activity whatsoever on a scrupulously clean control panel, there’s often a very simple explanation.
Solution
Nearly every induction hob is fitted with a childproof safety lock. However, it can easily be switched on accidentally without you noticing.
Typically, a lock only needs pressing for a couple of seconds to set it. You usually have to press a key symbol or padlock symbol for at least four to five seconds to release the mechanism.
Check your instruction manual for the exact procedure regarding unlocking the panel.
3. Hob still Appears Frozen
If the touch screen is not locked, but the hob still remains frozen, there’s an easy fix trick you can try.
Solution
An induction hob not turning on can indicate the electronic circuitry is in a spin. Sometimes, it behaves exactly like your laptop when it has been overworking.
The only action to take at this stage is to try a hob ‘re-boot’. Turn the hob off at the socket, then leave it to rest for around thirty minutes.
It’s usually enough time for the electronics to sort themselves out. Your hob should then behave as usual.
4. Connecting Cables may be Loose
One reason for failed ignition can be loose cables. However, from now on, the possible solutions when your induction hob won’t start tend to become a bit technical. You may need to seek professional help as electricity should not be tampered with by anyone who is unqualified.
Solution
The cables usually connect to a piece of equipment called a terminal block. This distributes the power supply to the components of the induction hob such as the touchscreen panel and the burners.
Induction hobs are famous for having masses of wiring beneath the glass and it all needs to be connected properly. Occasionally, the main block just needs to be tightened up to keep all the wires in place.
5. Possible Fault with the Installation
If your induction hob is fairly new, a problem may have occurred during the installation that has only just become apparent.
Solution
The wires may need checking to see that each one has been hooked up to its allocated connector. Perhaps the installer didn’t tighten the screws sufficiently, and they are preventing the alternating current (AC) from flowing properly.
A qualified electrician will easily check the current and voltage with a gadget known as a multimeter. The result should indicate where the induction hob’s problem might be.
Related: Do I need an electrician to install an induction hob?
6. Worn Part
If your induction hob does not turn on after a considerable amount of use, it could be a component that has simply worn out.
Solution
A faulty fan can cause the hob to gradually overheat and damage other working parts, particularly the terminal block. If it’s not too badly damaged, it may need realigning and the connecting screws tightening up.
Otherwise, if your hob has been in action for a few years, the terminal block may have completely burnt out and might need replacing.
7. Faulty Circuit Board
If the components in your induction hob appear in working order, but your induction hob still won’t switch on, the problem may be in the main circuit board.
Solution
The circuit board is the brain of your induction hob, much like a computer’s microprocessor. If there doesn’t appear to be anything else wrong, it could be a fault within this complex component.
The only solution is often replacement. Unfortunately, it’s an expensive section to replace due to the structure of the part and the work involved.
It’s not the type of repair anyone would consider unless they had professional experience with this type of advanced electronic circuitry.
Related: 10 Common induction hob problems and fixes
Conclusion
When you find your induction hob not turning on, consider the problems I’ve outlined above. Very often, there’s an error such as an activated safety lock you can solve yourself.
As the problems become more complicated, a great deal depends on the age of your induction hob.
If it’s relatively new, it should be covered by the manufacturer’s guarantee, although you can still receive a bill depending on what’s in the small print.
Replacing a major component such as the circuit board might not make good economic sense if your induction hob is nearing the end of its estimated lifespan of ten to fifteen years.