Extension of Washing Machine Power Cable

[John White]

Our new washing machine came with a power cable that is not long enough to reach the power socket which has been installed under the kitchen sink (that's where it was when we first moved in.)

I called Indesit and they told me they come like that because regulations state that the power socket should be directly behind the appliance.

What's the best thing to do? Is there a cheap but safe/legal solution where I wouldn't have to get a new power socket installed behind the washing machine?

 

[Pete999]

Employ an Electrician to move, or install another Socket closer to your W/M would be the safest method.

Extension leads left in situ as a permanent wiring installation is not recommended, OK for a temporary short term fix, as long as you don't use them whilst they are coiled up, they are susceptible to damage.

Shouldn't be that expensive, post your location in London one of the Forum members close to you may be able to help you out, good luck.

 

[Squid]

Short single socket extension lead for a temp fix then get the socket moved or additional one added.

 

[littlespark]

Behind an appliance isn’t best nowadays. Adjacent cupboards are better.
It makes PAT testing easier if you can get to the plug of the appliance.

 

[Deleted account]

I can't believe indesit have said this considering they design washingmachines that don't give enough room behind the machine for a plug.

Ideally a socket in an adjacent cupboard like littlespark says, but many kitchens are designed with washing machine, dishwasher, tumble drier all lined up next to each other. The only solution is an extension or extend cable with a joint box.

 

[Spoon]

I called Indesit and they told me they come like that because regulations state that the power socket should be directly behind the appliance.

Out of curiosity, can anyone name this reg?

 

[Squid]

Peasants, work harder and have the white goods in the utility room apart from maybe the dishwasher if you can't afford staff......

 

[*-jester-*]

I agree with 'littlespark', do it right and get the socket moved or an additional socket added.

Behind the washing machine isn't ideal for access. Building Regs recommend easy access to isolate kitchen appliances and as previously mentioned it's good practice to make the plug accessible.

 

[Squid]

Wire in the white goods on a separate circuit to the CSU all then can be isolated at once.

 

[Shoei]

From an Indesit washing machine manual (IWC71452)..
! When the washing machine is installed, the mains socket must be within easy reach.
Shoved behind the machine doesn't sound like easy reach, they just made up that regulation to cover their shame at the tiny cable. The manual has a whole load of stuff in case a Martian that had never seen a mains cable before was doing the installation. Nothing about socket location.

Extending the cable with a joint box or replacing the cable with a longer one sounds like the way to go.

 

[Andy-1960]

If you do happen to use an extension lead, make sure it is fully uncoiled before using the machine.

 

[Dave OCD]

I'd extend the lead using at least the same size and type of 3 core flex and something like this.

 

[Deleted account]

I'd extend the lead using at least the same size and type of 3 core flex and something like this. View attachment 45993

Use these all the time. Really good.

 

[Dave OCD]

Yes very handy Pete, but just a bit pricey.

 

[Taylortwocities]

Or one of these

 

[telectrix]

chock block joint behind the machine. then when it leaks, the RCD will trip to alert you.

 

[Deleted account]

Yes very handy Pete, but just a bit pricey.

Agree, but I bought a job lot of 36 for £100. But normally about £6-£7 each

 

[freddo]

Out of curiosity, can anyone name this reg?

LOL, the only reason they come with short flexes as it makes them slightly cheaper to manufacture.

 

[Shoei]

chock block joint behind the machine. then when it leaks, the RCD will trip to alert you.

Chock Block? bit extravagant, whats wrong with insulating tape?

Good suggestions for jointing above, fwiw I like the Wago kit, easy to make up, reliable and clear certifications.

 

[Spoon]

Chock Block? bit extravagant, whats wrong with insulating tape?

Good suggestions for jointing above, fwiw I like the Wago kit, easy to make up, reliable and clear certifications.

If the OP is going to cut the plug off to extend the cable they might as well replace the whole cable with one the correct length, if possible/suitable.