An induction hob not working on one side can seem puzzling as well as annoying. However, there are a few reasons why your induction hob won’t turn on on one side or the other.
There are always a few problems, even with the most reliable of brands, but there are also solutions to help your hob get back to operating at full capacity.
5 Reasons why an Induction Hob Might Not be Working on One Side
1. A faulty installation
A faulty installation is usually the first thing that comes to mind when trying to diagnose why an induction hob that is not working on one side. This can be caused by a variety of issues, such as incorrect wiring or poor grounding.
Solution
If you think your induction hob has been incorrectly installed, you should have it checked out by a qualified repair technician.
They will be able to determine if the installation is faulty and advise you on what needs to be done to get your induction hob up and running again. If the issue is more serious, they may even need to replace some parts or rewire the entire unit.
2. The power board on “one side” has failed
An induction hob(4 burners) is usually designed with two power boards, each power board powers half of the hob. It’s not uncommon for one of these boards to malfunction and cause your induction hob to stop working on one side.
Solution
Firstly, this type of fix should only be carried out by a qualified electrician or engineer, as it involves working with electrical components.
The failed power board needs to be identified and replaced, if for some reason the electrician cannot get a replacement then the whole hob may need to be replaced. Some manufacturers offer a warranty for this type of fault, so it’s worth checking to see if you are covered by such a policy.
3. The entire power board might be faulty
The entire main board itself might be faulty, causing your induction hob to malfunction on one or both sides. It’s possible that a component on the power board has failed and is no longer regulating the current correctly.
Solution
This is obviously a more serious problem, but fortunately, it’s also one that can be easily fixed by a qualified technician. In most cases, they’ll simply need to replace the power board in order to get your induction hob up and running again.
If your induction hob is nearing its lifespan it might be more cost-effective to purchase a new one than to replace the faulty power board. It’s also worth checking if your hob is still covered by any warranty policies, as some manufacturers will offer free repairs or replacements under certain circumstances.
4. A copper wire has burnt out
In some cases, a burnt-out copper wire can cause an induction hob to stop working on one side. This is usually caused by an overload of electricity or a short circuit in the wiring.
Solution
The first step you should take is to unplug your induction hob from the wall socket and switch off any power connected to it. Then, have an electrician or engineer inspect the unit and check to see if any of the copper wires have been burnt out. If they have, they’ll need to be replaced with a new set of copper wiring.
5. The ceramic top has worn out
Sometimes a ceramic top can wear out over time due to frequent use or age. This can cause the hob to malfunction on one side, as the heat produced by the coil is not being evenly distributed across the top.
Solution
If you think that your ceramic top has worn out, then it needs to be replaced with a new one. This is usually a fairly straightforward job and can be done by a qualified technician.
However, it’s worth noting that the cost of replacing a ceramic top can vary depending on the make and model of your induction hob. So, it’s always a good idea to shop around for quotes before you commit to having a new one installed.
Wrapping up
Your induction hob not working on one side usually has a practical solution. The best way to deal with such a potentially expensive repair is to arrange for a qualified electrician to sort it out for you. Attempting to do it yourself is dangerous for you and your family.
You can also make the problem worse than it is. DIY installations are often the cause of induction hob problems through loose or faulty connections in the wiring.
Your induction hob is a valuable kitchen appliance. It’s always worth choosing a professional installation as it should prevent problems from occurring later on.