how to check the connection between a washing mecahine and an FCU?
Anonymous user 09/03/2024 - 3.06 PM
We're replacing our washing machine with a washer dryer, and i want to figure out where our washing machine gets its power from (i couldn't move the washing machine myself but i believe it's not plugged in to a socket). There is a FCU above the kitchen counter near the washing machine, and when i switch it off it also switches off the washing machine. However I also discovered a box in the kitchen cupboard unit right next to the washing machine (with nothing on the front of the box), and when I looked inside, it also has 6 wires connected to it. So could it be that the washing machine is wired into this box (as it's closer), and the wires from this box gets its electricity from the FCU? How could i check this? Thank you!
Are you a tradesperson and able to answer this question?
Legally you cannot carry out any of the work your asking for as it’s unsafe to do so and should only be carried out by a qualified electrician but by the sounds of it, your washing machine could have a plug behind it as this is normally where there located with the fcu above, the box you have described is a intermediate switch which just means it is there for easier access if anything was to need changing etc
More than likely you will have a connection plate underneath your cupboard. this will have a feed from your FCU and a load from your washing machine. If you have a voltage tester you should switch the FCU on and test between L&E on the load side off the connection plate you should have voltage there. Then turn the FCU off and repeat the test. you should not have voltage now. if not then it is safe to disconnect the washing machine and re-connect your washer dryer.
Hope this helps.
EIR
In a kitchen the regulations state that all appliances should have a local point of disconnection. It's difficult without seeing your installation but it is not uncommon to have the washing machine plugged in to a socket behind or near to and a fused spur which disconnects the socket incase of emergency usually above the work top. Testing for voltage when you are unskilled is dangerous however the rules state anyone can carry out work on electrical installations as along as you follow the rules, i.e BS 7671 which on most cases people don't. Much better to call in an expert.
Answered15 January 2020
0
Anonymous user
Plug a socket tester into the connection plate and turn the fused spur on. The socket tester should show power. If not then repeat the process until you find the correct one.
Simple!
