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View Full Version : Washing machines and women - they're not safe!! Mains cable replacement needed!


Oldpinkman
13-09-2013, 10:35
You couldn't make this up could you? Clearly the division of domestic chores isn't as I remembered it. Mrs S has been doing most of the washing - and lived to tell the tale!:eek:

Had a cry for help this morning from Mrs S. Some while back I had reluctantly agreed to bring her old banger of a tumble dryer into the house, as an alternative to making her organise herself properly to dry stuff using sunshine or radiators. (Apologies for the utility - its where the dogs stay, and we haven't de-toxed after the 5 weeks away leaving the teenagers running things.) There were some "wrong" - loud&"wrong" noises coming from the room

http://i1315.photobucket.com/albums/t582/oldpinkman/DSC_00013_zps1ffd320c.jpg (http://s1315.photobucket.com/user/oldpinkman/media/DSC_00013_zps1ffd320c.jpg.html)

I had also just found an old 2-way plug adaptor so she could use the machines ALTERNATELY without having to plug in and out.. Unlike Katie Melua on my Pink T spindle, it clearly wasn't a tight fit!

http://i1315.photobucket.com/albums/t582/oldpinkman/DSC_00033_zps1a758f69.jpg (http://s1315.photobucket.com/user/oldpinkman/media/DSC_00033_zps1a758f69.jpg.html)

http://i1315.photobucket.com/albums/t582/oldpinkman/DSC_00023_zps7743c833.jpg (http://s1315.photobucket.com/user/oldpinkman/media/DSC_00023_zps7743c833.jpg.html)

I should point out the machine still worked, to the accompaniement of the fireworks at the plug, and nothing tripped our hair-trigger RCD's Steadman, which I have tested are working properly;)

This is IEC weakness taken to extremes - touch of arcing I believe its known as. Should I hardwire the washing machine to the ring main?



Calls for a trip to B&Q for a new socket I think. And I'll replace that flaky 2-way with a block on a lead. And obviously, if the plug and socket are a poor fit, I'll put a big fat cable on it too - must make sense for the last metre . It's going to be carrying a lot more current than the HiFi and I don't want any of it spilling on the floor where the dogs sleep.

Stay safe! :D
Gordon Steadman
13-09-2013, 11:02
Oops! Never did trust that kind of adaptor.

I bet the washing machine sounded a bit liquid but with a 'spark'ling top end.
Oldpinkman
13-09-2013, 11:16
Oops! Never did trust that kind of adaptor.

I bet the washing machine sounded a bit liquid but with a 'spark'ling top end.

I must get this training. You can tell what it sounds like just by looking at it!

Mrs S is looking forward to "inky blacks" - in the coloured wash of course. I shall be up **** ***** without a paddle if she gets them in the whites wash :lol:
bobbasrah
13-09-2013, 11:17
Replacement socket Richard, fit a double....
Oldpinkman
13-09-2013, 11:34
Replacement socket Richard, fit a double....

That is undoubtedly good advice. Maybe one day. Not in September, cos it involves taking a hammer to a wall made of the stuff they used for Orthanc in Lord of the Rings. And I can't just leave it - needs a 5 minute fix. Hopefully by the time I remember the double socket we will be in the Languedoc. ;)
Andrew B
13-09-2013, 11:40
Might be better to use a surface mounted twin socket and Pattress rather than a flush mount with a back box. It looks a bit clunky, but it saves major excavations.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/13A-230V-TWIN-SWITCHED-WHITE-MAINS-WALL-SOCKET-SURFACE-PATTRESS-13-AMP-/330974322185?pt=UK_DIY_Material_Electrical_Fitting s_MJ&hash=item4d0f9b5e09
bobbasrah
13-09-2013, 11:47
Since you were talking B&Q... 10 quid solution?
http://www.diy.com/nav/fix/electrical/switches-sockets/white-switches-sockets/sockets/MK-Surface-Mounted-Switched-Double-Socket-DP-13A-White-9289609
NRG
13-09-2013, 12:09
I wouldn't trust those 3 way adapters for such a heavy load. A dishwasher/washing machine can consume 2~3Kw or 8 to 12 amps, much better to either hardwire or use a quality MK plug and socket.
Oldpinkman
13-09-2013, 12:14
Might be better to use a surface mounted twin socket and Pattress rather than a flush mount with a back box. It looks a bit clunky, but it saves major excavations.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/13A-230V-TWIN-SWITCHED-WHITE-MAINS-WALL-SOCKET-SURFACE-PATTRESS-13-AMP-/330974322185?pt=UK_DIY_Material_Electrical_Fitting s_MJ&hash=item4d0f9b5e09

Ah yes - but have you heard of sods law? There isn't enough stretch on the cables left in the wall. Maybe I'll take the SDS to it - but we've lived through that dodgy connection, the blocks are rated at 13 amp and fitted with a 13 amp fuse, it is a short uncoiled length of wire running to it, and I am a lazy sod! :rolleyes:
Audioman
13-09-2013, 14:09
Ah yes - but have you heard of sods law? There isn't enough stretch on the cables left in the wall. Maybe I'll take the SDS to it - but we've lived through that dodgy connection, the blocks are rated at 13 amp and fitted with a 13 amp fuse, it is a short uncoiled length of wire running to it, and I am a lazy sod! :rolleyes:

Get an angle grinder will cut a larger hole in minutes.
Oldpinkman
13-09-2013, 15:06
Oh you lot bloody nag

Happy now ? http://i1315.photobucket.com/albums/t582/oldpinkman/DSC_0004_zps01abee34.jpg (http://s1315.photobucket.com/user/oldpinkman/media/DSC_0004_zps01abee34.jpg.html)

(Only because you can't see what's behind that face plate)

The sad thing is, with no flying lead to a block, I don't get a chance to put a donkey's walloper in anywhere to improve the flow. I did use one of the MCRU fuses I had left over to see if that helped, but both appliances are hardwired double insulated - no scope for something really impressive looking. But hopefully it'll shut you lot up :ner:
Stratmangler
13-09-2013, 15:40
Seeing as how your new power cable didn't work on your hamplification setup, why don't you try one on your kettle, and see if it improves the taste of your tea?
Oldpinkman
13-09-2013, 16:23
Seeing as how your new power cable didn't work on your hamplification setup, why don't you try one on your kettle, and see if it improves the taste of your tea?

I'm burning them in on the amps. Do you think they'd burn in quicker on the kettle?

(They haven't got the notch have they - not getting me to fall for that one!):ner: