Is it safe to plug a washing machine and a tumble dryer into an extension lead?
Anonymous user 03/03/2024 - 3.47 PM
I've had a new kitchen fitted in December and had my washing machine and tumble dryer moved to the other side of the kitchen. I used to have proper double sockets under the worktop for the appliances and expected the same thing to be fitted when I had the new kitchen fitted. Washing machine showed an error message earlier and I had to pull the machine out to unplug it. I discovered that my washing machine and tumble dryer are plugged into a four plug extension lead. Is this safe? I don't know where the extension lead is plugged in because it comes from behind a cupboard and I can't get access. I bought my kitchen from a well known company and they arranged the fitters. What should I do?
Are you a tradesperson and able to answer this question?
Unplug it. This is not a good set up. Tumble driers and washing machines are 2 of the highest power users in the house and should have their own designated fused spur or at least their own socket. Extension leads are rated at 10 amp that's if you're lucky and those with 4 sockets are really only any good for low energy things like lights and phones.
Get a qualified electrician to check out your kitchen and don't trust part P Kitchen fitters to do the electrical work.
Answered2 February 2024
2
Anonymous user
I know that's not safe. You should have access to a point of isolation if needed this is normally about the counter with a fuse spur and a socket outlet below behind the appliance. I suggest that you contact the kitchen fitters and get them to rewire the kitchen correctly. Did you get an eic or minor works with the works done in the 1st place . Probably not.
From a quick Google search, typical washing machines and tumble dryers run at 2.1 kw (4.2kw total) the standard rating of a 13amp fuse is 3kw (which is in an extension lead plug) so if both are running at full power that is where you'll have an issue.
I've seen a tumble dryer and a washing machine plugged in to a extension lead in the past which caused the front of the plug to melt.
I would call out your installer and get this rectified as is a potential fire hazard if the fuse doesn't operate. (13amp fuses are known to blow at 1.66 times there rating)
Iv suggest getting a electrician in all appliances need to be on a fuse spur
Although its working alright its not within regs
Answered2 February 2024
1
Anonymous user
To be honest it is not unsafe because a 13A fuse is taking all the load. It will 'pop' well before any problems occur. It is not good practice to substitute a fixed double socket with an extension lead, but, unfortunately, extension leads are an easy and cheap convenient fix. If shops sell them people will buy them. They all have multiple sockets capable of plugging in multiple appliances. It is a solution often adopted by DIYers but its shameful for a professional kitchen fitter to have used it. Just don't use both appliances at the same time.
