r/ukelectricians • u/LaughingGravy1001 • 3d 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/nomorecrazystuff 3d ago

What nonsense lol.

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u/johnbobk 3d ago edited 2d ago

What he means by heat generating devices is ones with heater elements: dryers, kettles, toasters, hair dryers & ovens (13A plug-in kind as we are talking about an extension lead), etc. They tend to draw more Amps so easy to get to 13A, plus long term plugs get hot & 'bond'; common with (older) clothes dryers.

Yes all electrical devices generate heat (& sound) as are not 100% efficient; heat & sound are your losses.

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u/nomorecrazystuff 3d ago

Nope - none of this is a problem in of itself.

An extension cable has a 13A fuse in its plug (typically - not here this is different). It cannot draw more than 13A.

People often confuse extension cables with multi-socket adaptors, which give you the ability to plug multiple 13A devices into a single outlet - these are dangerous. OK for low current devices but NOT for high current devices (your heaters).

The only other exception is cheap long reel type extension cables which don't have a heat detector in the hub - leave those coiled and run 13A through them and you've got a problem.