Socket at fault?

[jhowells]

Hello,

Problem just developed in a plug socket in the garage today. (10 year old house, recently moved in and had electrics checked out, okay).

We went in to the garage where we have one double socket, which we have the tumble drier and washing machine plugged in to (via a 4 way extension reel) to find that them both off. The 4 way reel had blown its fuse.

A spare 4 way reel also blew when either the washer or the drier was plugged in. This reel has a reset switch, though, hence us being able to test each machine.

The reel and plugs felt very warm when they had blown.

We're Currently using another socket (We have a convenient wall-hole through from the kitchen, straight into the attached garage) with the 4 way. The washing machine is running as I type and has been going longer than any of the attempts we had made with it using the garage socket.

Does this sound like the socket in the garage, or does it sound like a deeper issue?

I am not in a position to fix this myself, if it involves more than turning off the power and checking/fixing the connections in the socket, or a straight socket replace - Hence me asking.

Prior to today, the socket has worked perfectly and has had daily use.

Any help/advice will be really welcome.

 

[SLIPSHOD & SLAPDASH]

Nothing wrong with the socket, the extension lead/reel can take up to a total of 13 Amps. The drier probably runs on 13 Amps & the washer takes 13 when on the heat cycle, work out the maths ?

The reels must be fully unwound or they will heat. Many of these leads can not take even 13 Amps, some 10A & i have seen one rated at 5A. Why cant you plug the appliances directly into the socket

 

[ParkySparky]

If you have a double socket why are you using a four way extension for 2 appliances? Is the socket not in right position? If not, I suggest getting a sparky to see what he can do for you as the washer and dryer will use as said near enough 13A a piece when on heating cycles hence 13A fuse blowing in extension reel!!!

 

[jhowells]

Distance from the socket is the reason for the extension lead.

It's a 13A fuse and even fully extended, trips out when plugged in to the garage socket with only one appliance plugged in.

When the same extension is plugged in to a different socket, it works fine with the same appliance.

Which is why I thought it could be the socket.

 

[SLIPSHOD & SLAPDASH]

How long is the extension reel ? Many are not designed for continuous use & some are not rated as high as 13A

 

[kme]

For two loads of that size; I`d install 2 x single sockets - the propensity to overload the capacity of the double socket (which, generally, is NOT 2 x 13A) can cause a problem - if you MUST use an extension; I`d recommend a short, purpose made one, for each appliance separately.

 

[SPECIAL LOCATION]

Hello,Problem just developed in a plug socket in the garage today. (10 year old house, recently moved in and had electrics checked out, okay).

We went in to the garage where we have one double socket, which we have the tumble drier and washing machine plugged in to (via a 4 way extension reel) to find that them both off. The 4 way reel had blown its fuse.

A spare 4 way reel also blew when either the washer or the drier was plugged in. This reel has a reset switch, though, hence us being able to test each machine.

The reel and plugs felt very warm when they had blown.

We're Currently using another socket (We have a convenient wall-hole through from the kitchen, straight into the attached garage) with the 4 way. The washing machine is running as I type and has been going longer than any of the attempts we had made with it using the garage socket.

Does this sound like the socket in the garage, or does it sound like a deeper issue?

I am not in a position to fix this myself, if it involves more than turning off the power and checking/fixing the connections in the socket, or a straight socket replace - Hence me asking.

Prior to today, the socket has worked perfectly and has had daily use.

Any help/advice will be really welcome.

My thoughts

1/ Electrics checked out ok???

what exactly does this phrase mean..

A full formal test & inspection of all circuits and outlets..

or just a quick visual look at the fusebox??

Have you got a test report either 4 or 6 A4 pages with a bunch of test results for the cables??

2/ A lot of tumble drier / washing machine manufactures actually say in their instructions..

This appliance must be plugged directly into a wall socket or Do not use any extension cords..

or something similar..

what do your instruction books say?

3/ As a general rule it is best for ALL laundry appliances to be plugged directly into their own dedicated wall socket due to the power they consume when on full heat settings..

4/ How is the garage socket wired??

Is it part of a 32A ring final circuit??

Is its a 16A or 20A radial circuit?

Is it wired in cable or flex?

5/ It is almost certain that there has been some significant overheating overloading of the extension lead and its plug..

also the wall socket internal connections have probably had excessive loads running over a period of time gradually heating and cooling as and when the appliances have been running until eventually they have given up..

6/ I would suggest the wall socket is opened up to check the condition of the supply cable..

then replace the wall socket with a pair of individual sockets..

possibly repositioned to avoid the need to extension leads.

To replace the existing socket & add a new on in the garage assuming the cable lengths are not too great,

I guess the average electrician could probably do the job for approx

 

[ProDave]

I've seen this before.

A long COILED UP extension lead WILL OVERHEAT AND MELT when powering a washing machine and tumble dryer.

Stop using an inappropriate lead. you have 3 choices:

1) move the appliances nearer to the sockets.

2) get an electrician to fit extra fixed sockets where they are needed.

3) get an APPROPRIATE extension lead, one made of decent thick cable, that's just the length needed so you don't have to have part of it coiled up.

 

[jhowells]

Cheers. Thanks all. Much appreciated.