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?

 

[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.

 

[Shoei]

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.

Always be best option but can require a bit more skill and a bigger tool box.

 

[*-jester-*]

One point to notice is that if you cut the plug off the washing machine to extend the flex or if you renew the flex completely then you can invalidate the warranty on a new washing machine!

As i mentioned previously, the best option is to move the socket.

 

[MFS Electrical]

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.

I still like the behind appliance and DP switch or gridswitch arrangement I don’t do PAT though so that will be why

 

[Shoei]

One point to notice is that if you cut the plug off the washing machine to extend the flex or if you renew the flex completely then you can invalidate the warranty on a new washing machine!

As i mentioned previously, the best option is to move the socket.

You sure about the warranty jester? the Indesit manual I quoted above contains instructions for cutting off and replacing the plug, I doubt the warranty is invalidated by following the user manual.

 

[*-jester-*]

You sure about the warranty jester? the Indesit manual I quoted above contains instructions for cutting off and replacing the plug, I doubt the warranty is invalidated by following the user manual.

Maybe not with the Indesit in your case but with many manufacturers it does, yes. This applies to many if not most appliances with mould on plugs. Don't forget they will often come up with any excuse not to pay up where warranties are concerned.
I recommend the OP, John checks the fine print before getting the pliers out.

 

[123]

Maybe not with the Indesit in your case but with many manufacturers it does, yes. This applies to many if not most appliances with mould on plugs. Don't forget they will often come up with any excuse not to pay up where warranties are concerned.
I recommend the OP, John checks the fine print before getting the pliers out.

Nonsense. It's nothing more than an old wives tale, or perhaps an idiot engineer that has had to do the service call. Cutting off a moulded plug is NOT going to invalidate warranty.

 

[Colin Jenkins]

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?

Hello John.
Your original set up with the socket in the adjacent cupboard is fine. If this were mine I would replace the new machine's flex with a longer one: 2- 3 metres of 1.5 sq. mm 3-core domestic flex to reach the existing socket. This will need a PAT test on completion - a local sparks will be pleased to do this job if you are unhappy to tackle it. A much smaller job than moving or adding a new socket, and putting one behind the machine itself will give access problems. I can't comment on the warranty angle.

Regards,

Colin Jenkins.

 

[telectrix]

it's not just access. fitting socket behind machine usually means that the machine will not push back enough unless a 610mm worktop is fitted.

 

[Squid]

Modern Snowflake, men should not be talking about washing machines, thats the woman domain, what is the world coming to, extinction?

 

[*-jester-*]

Nonsense. It's nothing more than an old wives tale, or perhaps an idiot engineer that has had to do the service call. Cutting off a moulded plug is NOT going to invalidate warranty.

Try telling that to my friend's father, Mr Hutton, because the exact same thing happened to him, not with a washing machine, but a fridge freezer.
...absurd maybe but true!