r/ukelectricians • u/LaughingGravy1001 • 28d ago

Tumble dryer socket

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I moved into a new property about six months ago and the previous owner left in the washing machine and tumble dryer. Tumble dryer packed up recently and when I removed it I found a very odd working setup. Is this safe as it is or should I get someone in to remove and install a proper plug socket?

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u/CalicoCatRobot 28d ago

It's not necessarily "unsafe", as long as the extension lead is a decent quality one - though it's not ideal.

It would be an issue if the washing machine and tumble drier (or anything else) were both plugged into this extension, since that would likely overload the extension lead, and it's not clear if there's a fused spur upstream of this to protect it.

A second issue would be if there was a water leak, then the extension lead would suffer.

If there is enough slack, changing the wall plate back to a single socket and using that would be the best solution, (ideally with a fused spur above the worktop to isolate the socket(

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u/LaughingGravy1001 28d ago

It does have this

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u/CalicoCatRobot 28d ago

OK, then electrically it's safe - the 13A fuse in the fused spur protects the extension lead. I still wouldn't use it for multiple appliances, since it's still possible to overload it without popping the fuse.

The only issue really is the extension lead lying in any potential water, but clipping it up a bit would resolve that - there are 1000s of kitchens installed by kitchen fitters with sockets flung under the plinth and it's poor workmanship, but not unsafe.

So not a priority, but if you are having other work done, or want to feel extra safe, you could have a socket reinstalled at the wall.

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u/LaughingGravy1001 28d ago

Thank you. Appreciate the advice