What exactly has electrician said? Can you not have an extractor with lights set in it?

Just that it can't be ducted to the existing vent.

The extractor would have lights however looking at reviews some are naff (if mentioned at all). Given the lack of ceiling lights and the fact the aga is enclosed I don't want to run the risk of just having extractor lights and I can't see to cook

He needs to say more than that! In a new house it wouldn’t meet regs, but you don’t need to. I’d insist on all the details. You could, alternatively just use a carbon filter one?
Kitchen showrooms are good places to look at extractors and lights. Remember you can out better, higher output LED bulbs in them too.

Hi Victoria, TBH, it was part of a long electrical list of you can't do that to the point I've forgotten half of it! All I know is the vent isn't the right size or the place (would need to be filled as it's huge, I don't get that either?!) and a new one put in. It doesn't make sense, not that I know what they are but I am aware rules exist re ducting size, direction etc and from a logical perspective I can appreciate it wouldn't work efficiently at certain angles. He did mention a carbon filter but that's a recirculating one? If so, I am not overly keen given the age of the house and agas (or mine!) can create a huge amount of smoke and grease depending on what's being cooked.

Good point, I could try a showroom to see what the lights are like. I just thought if the lights were heat resistant and sufficiently IP rated it wouldn't be an issue? Most built in ranges are quite a bit lower than mine would be.

All to change a splashback lol!

I think asking an electrician is possibly the wrong person. I'd ask building control, they are usually very helpful and great problem solvers. They also know all the rulings.............they may just have a helpful suggestion.

I don't know all the rules ( especially with regards listed buildings ). However, the vent is existing and I don't know what the electrician can be finding fault with.

If you put in a false ceiling, I don't see why you can't use the existing vent. This canopy for instance goes in to a 6" square vent, yours looks to be around that size.

We installed a carbon filter extractor - recirculating 3 years ago. Dreadful decision. We changed it last year. We now have a Falmec flipper. It’s fantastic. So powerful we now need more ventilation for the wood burning stove as the extractor pulls so much air. Great extractor, but now we need the stove people back to install a permanent airflow directly into the wood burner ..... it never ends.
Ours clearly won’t work for you - but IMHO don’t buy recirculating!

Thanks Hugh. The air outlet for the one I'm looking at is also 15cm (the bigger the better as I understand it) and the current vent is 23cm. THe canopy height would be 90cm and the bottom of the existing vent is 120cm. I'd get flexible ducting, not sure where the outlet is on the back of the extractor but there would obviously be a small incline. I don't understand the issue as many people have to duct up through ceilings and this would have a very short journey?!

Maybe I should just see if I can find any manufacturers instructions for the position of the vent

Yes Minnie101 i'd do that.

One of the electricians that came round to my daughter's house ( when i wasn't available ), told her that he couldn't replace a light switch, as there was no earth strap in the property and it had to be sorted out before they all got electrocuted ! I despair. He was a kid straight out of college and apparently had not yet encountered an older property (60's ) with an earth rod and strap next to the consumer unit, poor wee man. My daughter ( well trained ) , rang me in a panic with the photo that she'd taken of said rod, and asked, isn't this it? Yes, I replied, wait for me, and give him the elbow right away before he causes any real damage.

Perhaps look for a ceiling extractor instead of a canopy-unit (to build into the canopy)? These often require less height and the pipe can be placed on the side (left, right, back). Some have only remote control, others have buttons too. But plenty of build-in/undermount units have the option to place the motor max.3m away from the unit (please do regard accessibility though).

A 15cm pipe would be sufficient. If the canopy is wider then the stove, you could add two leds on either side of the extraxtor unit. They could have their own switch, but a good electrician (that works with kitchen appliances often) can hook them on the on-switch of the unit (but then you can only use them with the unit on).

Sidenote: A recirculation unit needs to be installed together with an exteractor fan to remove moist from the home. We use them in modern homes that have ventilation systems.

Just an example: Novy Mini Pure'line

Thanks Hugh, I'm none the wiser after looking at their guide, I will plough through the building regs next!

this guy wasn't young and is highly recommended locally although I did have a somewhat strange unrelated conversation re joists.

i know what you mean though even with my limited building knowledge I have had a couple of bizarre conversations with tradespeople. I then call someone else in and it's all perfectly feasible. Your daughter is lucky to have you to bring some common sense!

Thanks Brandler. You saved me from a gripping read!

i spoke to them who advised, ducting essentially a rulers length at max is no issue at all, if the ducting is x feet then there may be an issue with condensation getting into the motor but in my case a condensation trap is definitely not needed.

she did wish me luck with the electrician though so now to find a new one :)

@ minnie101 - unfortunately, in the UK, finding good electricians and plumbers is as rare as finding hen's teeth! I am glad that I was able to help.

We look after London, Essex, Hertfordshire - if you need woodburning Stove advice please get in touch 🔥 (we also have Everhot Range cookers in our showroom)