Washing machine and dryer supply

Electron · Jan 10, 2018

A washing machine (Hotpoint Aquarius WMAQF 641 P) and a tumble dryer (Candy GCC 590NB-80), which are well used in a hair salon, have a problem that the RCD regularly trips. The machines are plugged into a double socket which is supplied as a spur through 1.5mm flex cable in mini trunking. However, this is connected to a socket on the ring by a plug. I can't easily find the manufacturers power usage (2.1 and 5.2Kw?), which probably fluctuates a lot, depending the machine cycles. I plan to change the flex to the spur or extend the ring to the spur with 2.5mm T&E. Has anyone any other suggestions and a reason why the RCD trips?

buzzlightyear · Jan 10, 2018

have you disconnected the appliances to see if it is that ,has the appliances been pat tested.

Octopus · Jan 10, 2018

Dare I ask if you ir'ed the circuit? The plugged in spur to a double socket supplying these two items doesn't sound sensible either. I doubt one of them is 5kw as that would take out a 13a fuse quite quickly ....

buzzlightyear · Jan 10, 2018

hot point 196 kwh
candy 617 kwh
total 811 kwh
where do you get the 5kw ?

buzzlightyear · Jan 10, 2018

Murdoch said:
I doubt one of them is 5kw

may be in industrial laundrette .

Octopus · Jan 10, 2018

buzzlightyear said:
may be in industrial laundrette .

It may be, but a 13A fuse wouldn't last long ...

PEG · Jan 10, 2018

Hi,if it is the RCD which is letting go,you need to get a earth leakage meter,and maybe be prepared to power up the machines individually,and sit through the FULL cycle,remembering that each separate component,heater,pump,valve,etc,is capable of causing a problem.

This is academic,if the problem is the RCD or circuit itself.

buzzlightyear · Jan 10, 2018

some times me thinks ,that people come on this forum with a fishing rod ,to see he can catch a big fish, to give him the answers .

buzzlightyear · Jan 10, 2018

he should pat test the appliances first ,before he starts ripping things apart .

Strima · Jan 10, 2018

A failing element of a washer or dryer will trip the RCD.

buzzlightyear · Jan 10, 2018

PEG said:
and sit through the FULL cycle,remembering that each separate component,heater,pump,valve,etc,is capable of causing a problem.

yeah .like levis 501 adverthttps://youtu.be/Q56M5OZS1A8?t=7

PEG · Jan 10, 2018

buzzlightyear said:
some times me thinks ,that people come on this forum with a fishing rod ,to see he can catch a big fish, to give him the answers .

...Well all he's had up to now,are 3 crayfish,a lamprey and an eel

dmxtothemax · Jan 11, 2018

The most likely explanation is that one of these appliances has developed a small electrical leak to ground,
This is not unusual for laundry type appliances.
Especially ( well used ) !
An electrician with a megger type meter can test and verify.

Electric Magic · Jan 11, 2018

Simon Linton said:
A washing machine (Hotpoint Aquarius WMAQF 641 P) and a tumble dryer (Candy GCC 590NB-80), which are well used in a hair salon, have a problem that the RCD regularly trips. The machines are plugged into a double socket which is supplied as a spur through 1.5mm flex cable in mini trunking. However, this is connected to a socket on the ring by a plug. I can't easily find the manufacturers power usage (2.1 and 5.2Kw?), which probably fluctuates a lot, depending the machine cycles. I plan to change the flex to the spur or extend the ring to the spur with 2.5mm T&E. Has anyone any other suggestions and a reason why the RCD trips?

Simon, why don't you come up with some thoughts on why the RCD trips and we'll give you some feedback.

Electric Magic · Jan 11, 2018

Electric Magic said:
Simon, why don't you come up with some thoughts on why the RCD trips and we'll give you some feedback.

After all, someone's paying you to come up with the answers and if your electrical competence is sufficient to enable you to be doing this basic fault finding work then you should be able to provide them.

If it isn't, then you should limit yourself to only doing jobs that you have the knowledge and experience to complete safely or get yourself a job with someone who is competent so you can learn - I am sure you can understand why people on here might be reluctant to provide you with a whole answer as I'm sure you won't be telling your customer you are looking on forums for answers to stuff as basic as this (after all they are employing you for your 'expertise').