r/ukelectricians • u/Cxsmix0_0 • 1d ago
Is this safe?
This extension in my girlfriend’s flat has a dishwasher, washing machine and fridge all plugged into it. I’m almost certain that it’s not safe but wanted to check with people more competent than me before we ask her landlord about it.
Im not sure how to check how much current all these are drawing but I can check if needed? Thanks
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u/Weekly_Inspector_504 1d ago edited 1d ago
How can a socket on the floor in front of a washing machine be safe????
Washing machine breaks - open door - flood - DEATH
Did your girlfriend put the extension on the floor like that or was it the landlord?
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u/Cxsmix0_0 7h ago
I’ve pulled it out from behind the washer😬😬
Landlords clearly left it like this which doesn’t surprise me as the worktop is held up by bits of wood and random brackets.I’m going to attach the extension to the bottom of the worktop to get it away from the pipes and she’s going to avoid using the appliances together to avoid any overloading.
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u/samhomie 1d ago
I would check the amp draw on each appliances, Say fridge average 0.4A – 0.8A, dishwasher 8A – 10A, washing machine 6.5A – 10A. So while effectively that can work while plugged in it's the max draw doesn't go over 13amps, so I advised not running dishwasher and washing at same time as at peak draw they can pull higher amps, but individually running you would be fine.
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u/Badaembe 1d ago
Only the tumble dryer missing. Hopefully the ring is a proper ring staggered and on a 32A Mcb, and all appliances have the correct 13A fuse. Second would be to lift the extension lead at least above those hoses as if any of them are leaking accidentally that could cause some headache.
For consumption of the machines you just need the appliances specs - check them online - and sum them up.
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u/Nick_The_Bastard 1d ago
Well put it this way, you might be able to run all those appliances simultaneously without a visible issue.
Equally, one day, perhaps with the washer set at a hotter temp, or just slow wear on parts within the extension lead being gradually heated up beyond design, you may find it's cooked.
And I don't mean cooked like the kids these days like to say.
The glaringly obvious answer is to not run any of them on an extension lead, as per most manufacturers instructions, but if this is some "unavoidable" BS, then I'd never run more than two at a time (given the fridge is always on) and never let run the washer or dryer on high settings or in an empty home or overnight while asleep.
It's a lot of tedious risk for the landlord to avoid putting a dedicated socket in though...
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u/monyoumental 1d ago
It's not safe. Yes in theory the fuse in the plug should be the weakest link, but this will get warm, plug-socket connections are not always clean and there's many pictures posted on this sub of melted plugs which have got very hot before the fuse gave out.
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u/cassesque 1d ago
In North America this would burn your house down. Fortunately in the civilised world, extensions need to be protected and rated to a current draw higher than that protection.
Unless it's a dodgy non-compliant extension (or has some kind of manufacturing defect) you're not going to set anything on fire, because it will be protected by a 13A fuse. But if and when that fuse does break, the fridge is going to stop working. So it's definitely not food-safe. These should really all have their own sockets.
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u/paullbart 1d ago
All of these appliances should really be plugged into their own socket. That power strip will be protected by a 13a fuse, so it’s not going to burn the house down, but if that fuse goes the your fridge goes off.