Converting Tube Heater Socket into Mains Socket

Tom.A · Mar 5, 2019

We have a working tube heater in a cupboard which we do not use. We would like to put a tumble dryer in the cupboard but there is no mains socket, as the tube heater is wired directly into mains, and controlled by a fused switch on the wall.

Is it okay to simply swap the tube heater wiring/panel (see photos) for a normal socket which we would then plug the tumble dryer into?

Photos attached.

Thank you in advance for any help.

Tom

[ElectriciansForums.net] Converting Tube Heater Socket into Mains Socket

westward10 · Mar 5, 2019

That Tumble Drier switch is broken

westward10 · Mar 5, 2019

If the protective device at the consumer unit is adequate and if additional rcd protection is provided then yes. Don't forget replace that broken switch.

Barnaby Stedman · Mar 5, 2019

Basically it depends what mcb it is on in your consumer unit. If you can work this out then you may be able to. It appears to be a fused spur off the ring main so it should be fine.

Tom.A · Mar 5, 2019

Thank you

The circuit is on the RCD protected side of the fusebox.

How would one know if the protective device on the consumer unit is adequate? Can we assume so as it's a new Beko mode?

Just to clarify, when you say the tumble dryer switch is broken do you mean the wall switch labelled 'Tube heater' which is missing the plastic cover over the LED in the switch?

Thanks again,

Tom

Tom.A · Mar 5, 2019

Photo of circuit board as follows. Labelled 'panel heater' 2nd MCB from right.

Barnaby Stedman · Mar 5, 2019

Yes ok - it would be fine to replace it with a socket then. As long as the cable is 2.5mm. And yes it does have the right protection

Tom.A · Mar 5, 2019

Thanks Barnaby. Much appreciated.

Lucien Nunes · Mar 5, 2019

It should be fine, although note that the tumble dryer will require the full load of 13A, whereas the tiny 55W background heater requires less than 0.25A. One would hope that the installer did not take advantage of that fixed, low current consumption to install the cable with heavy derating factors, that will cause it to overheat when presented with a 13A load. Unlikely but just worth a mention.

GeorgeCooke · Mar 5, 2019

Put the socket where the FCU (tube heater switch) as a FCU will not be required. Pull out the wire to the lower plate.

Tom.A · Mar 8, 2019

Thanks all for the help and advice. All working nicely.

GeorgeCooke · Mar 8, 2019

But you didn't take the advice did you? That FCU is not necessary as the tumble dryer plug has a fuse.

rsgaz · Mar 8, 2019

GeorgeCooke said:
But you didn't take the advice did you? That FCU is not necessary as the tumble dryer plug has a fuse.

Who cares? Why would he want the socket up at light switch height? (And probably outside this cupboard). Putting it where the flex outlet used to be is spot on.

Blissof89 · Mar 8, 2019

You can clearly see its not directly above from the architrave.

GeorgeCooke · Mar 8, 2019

rsgaz said:
Who cares? Why would he want the socket up at light switch height? (And probably outside this cupboard). Putting it where the flex outlet used to be is spot on.

But he does not need a FCU, nor a switch there. Join the cables inside and put a blanking plate on.