My Hotplate Is Stuck On High!

If your electric hot plate only has one speed – flat out – then you have a problem with the simmerstat control.

The simmerstat is the part that regulates the cooking temperature when you turn the knob on the front of the stove. Each hotplate has its own simmerstat. A common fault occurs when the internal contacts malfunction and weld themselves together, making the hotplate run on high all the time. So even if you turn the knob down to a low setting, the hotplate will still run at the highest temperature.

This makes cooking difficult and leads to burnt food and general aggravation.

Luckily it’s usually an easy repair and spare parts are available for all but the oldest stoves or the occasional exotic imported oven.

If you find that the hotplate will not turn off no matter where you turn the simmerstat, then you will need to turn it off at the switchboard to shut it down. Your stove will have a 32 amp circuit breaker or a 30 amp fuse and be on it’s own separate circuit. Hopefully all items on your switchboard are clearly identified.

Turning off the stove circuit breaker will only cut power to the stove. All other electrical circuits will still work fine. In newer homes you may have a dedicated stove isolation switch in the kitchen, somewhere close to the stove, and this can be used instead of having to go outside to the switchboard.

If you have a wall or under bench oven with separate hotplates the isolation switch will only turn off the hotplates, so you can still use your oven.

As usual, if you are having a problem please give us a call and we’ll answer any questions and advise you on the best course of action to get things working properly again.

Frequently asked questions

Can lightning damage my home even without a direct strike?

Yes. Your home can still be damaged even if lightning does not strike the building directly. A nearby strike can send energy through electrical wiring, plumbing, power lines, or the ground, which may damage your switchboard, appliances, and internal electrical systems.

How does lightning enter a house?

Lightning can enter a house through several pathways, including electrical wiring, switchboards, plumbing, phone and data lines, antenna cables, and ground current. This is why homes can be affected by nearby strikes as well as direct ones.

What happens when lightning strikes near your home?

When lightning strikes nearby, it can create dangerous power surges, trip circuits, damage appliances, affect your switchboard, and in some cases start electrical fires. Some damage is immediate, while other faults may remain hidden until later.

Can lightning really damage my computer, TV or appliances even if it doesn’t strike my house directly?

Yes, an indirect lightning strike, for example to nearby power lines, ground, or trees, can send powerful surges through wiring, data lines, or plumbing into your home and damage electronics. If a storm is approaching or thunder is heard, unplug non-essential devices immediately.

Is it safe to shower, wash dishes or use water during a thunderstorm?

No, plumbing and water conduct electricity, so using water during a storm is risky. Avoid showers, baths, sinks, washing machines, or other plumbing-connected appliances whenever there is thunder or lightning.

Are surge protectors enough to protect my home and devices from lightning?

Not necessarily. Surge protectors help with ordinary surges, but they are typically insufficient against the massive energy of a nearby or direct lightning strike. For better protection, consider grounding, whole-home surge arresters, or a full lightning protection system.

If lightning strikes nearby, but not my house, could my home still be at risk?

Yes. Ground current, soil conduction, or nearby strikes can transmit dangerous current through plumbing, wiring, or foundations, even when your home was not directly hit. Treat any thunderstorm seriously, unplug devices and avoid water or conductive contact until the storm passes.

Is it safe to use cordless or mobile phones during a thunderstorm?

Yes, as long as the phone is not plugged in or wired to the home’s electrical or phone system. Avoid using corded landline phones during storms.

How far away can lightning still be dangerous?

Lightning can still be dangerous even when the storm does not seem directly overhead. If you can hear thunder, you are close enough to be at risk and should move to proper shelter immediately.

Can lightning cause a house fire?

Yes. Lightning can overload wiring, damage switchboards, and ignite building materials, especially in homes with older electrical systems or inadequate surge protection.

Do I need lightning protection for my home?

Not every home needs a full lightning rod system, but many homes benefit from proper grounding, whole-home surge protection, and an up-to-date switchboard. A licensed electrician can assess your level of risk and recommend the most suitable protection.