Question:
advice on electrical extensions please..?
miss star
2008-06-09 00:53:03 UTC
is it safe to run an extension lead, plugged into another extension lead.?,
and then to plug an washing machine plug into that..?
this is how it works in my new house..
i didnt think this was a safe thing to do,but i need some one to answer this who has a bit of knowledge on this (like an electrician)...thanks in advance
Ten answers:
Shade
2008-06-09 02:20:10 UTC
It should be safe enough. As long as you don't have joints in the cable or water on the floor. Also switch off at the wall socket before plugging in and out. If you have no plugs close you can install a new plug. If it is in an outside room and you don't mind a plastic or metal conduit running down the wall then you can use that on a seperate circuit breaker. Otherwise get Surfix 2.5mm^2 two core and earth cable and run it from a wall socket to the washing machine on the skirting if you have. The washing machine runs on universal motors and if you have a slight volt drop it will load the cable a bit and run slightly slower.
anonymous
2008-06-12 09:24:38 UTC
Do it once for this wash cycle and never do it again.



Apart from the bad practice of mixing water and extension leads (they are very rarely waterproof, especially when the plug fits into the socket). Extension leads are not designed for 'daisly chaining'.



Very few of them are 'heavy' enough to carry the current demand that a washing machine needs when it is heating water and/or running a power-hungry spin.



You would need two leads each rated for 13A and they would have to be fully extended or they'll get warm and risk softening or melting the internal conductor insulation.



Also, the mid-way plug and socket connection is a potential weak point that will almost certainly have very localised heating. If you splash water on this you may have other unwanted effects too.



Also, copper wires have electrical resistance. Unlike a domestic ring-main, which uses two sets of 2.5mm wiring, an extension lead is a "spur" which means that the total washing machine current has to be carried by the single lead.

This may not be significant if the total length is very small but if your leads are long (>3 metres total) with conductors smaller than 4mm then it may be an issue. You could get heating effects and voltage drop.



If the voltage drops much below 220V then the machine's motor won't work very efficiently and it'll try and draw more current. This will cause overheating, possible circuit breaker trip, and the associated problems.



Your best solution is to get a properly installed fused spur in your utulity area so that the washing machine can guzzle electricity to it's hearts content in safety.
udo1fire
2008-06-09 01:19:47 UTC
Running a Extension cord for any appliance should be short term, One the extension cord must be able to carry the load of the washing machine, Not a cheap extension cord. Connecting multiple cords together is not the best thing to do either. I would call an electrician to install a receptacle next to my washing machine.
tony h
2008-06-09 01:17:34 UTC
It is not a very good way to do it. Having a long run on extension leads can cause a voltage drop due to the resistance in the leads, so the voltage where the washing machine is may be less than at the outlet.
Stephen L
2008-06-09 01:05:55 UTC
Strictly speaking, no. You really need to get another permanent socket installed for the washing machine.



As a temporary measure, as long as both extensions have a 13 amp (brown) fuse and nothing else plugged into them , everything should be working well within its safe limits.
?
2008-06-09 01:19:46 UTC
No !!, as the leads with not have the correct resistance over a long distance and you are using them to their maximum capacity with such a device as a washing machine, you really should have a plug socket fitted and preferably one JUST for the machine
?
2016-10-21 11:53:19 UTC
i'm particular the voltage drop is amazingly little (little or no!) accross the style of small circuit. No result. basically be particular you inulate the extension for electric powered marvel, and hearth chance. journey with the wind bro!
Jigs1_69
2008-06-09 07:19:49 UTC
yeah but don't forget to unwind all the cable out of the extensions as coiled up wire with current running through it will overheat , why not get a socket fitted near your washer
kyaw rudy
2008-06-09 01:05:22 UTC
it is safe as long as nothing drop (water) in extentions board and these extention must be cover for at least 10 amps .extentions must pull out all the ways if they are wind upproducts
bigg_dogg44
2008-06-09 03:11:35 UTC
no, plus every time u plug one cord into another u loose voltage.......have it wire by a elect. the right way.....



lic. gen. contractor


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