Wattage query

Sweetsparrow · Mar 20, 2016

Hello

from the UK here. Hoping to get some advice please.

In my cellar I only have a dual socket, one of which is used by a washing machine. I use the other part of the cellar for a studio, and have a 250w modeling light (I think it has an inbuilt ballast, I'm not sure, I assume it does), that I wish to run off the same socket as the machine. Also my laptop for editing, will be plugged in and my small music speakers, both I gather are quite low wattage.

Can I plug it all into the dual socket without causing fires and damage? Please find attached to this post a picture of the washing machine specs.

A second question, can I run a power surge protected extension lead from the socket, to plug my light in and laptop etc? Again, with no threat of a fire and damage?

Thank you all very much for taking the time to look at and hopefully offer me any advice!

Pete999 · Mar 20, 2016

If I'm reading your post correctly you have a washing machine, the kit that is 2.2 KW a lamp and other bite of small wattage, probably a bit to much for that particular socket, do you know how it is wired, what size cable etc?

Richard Burns · Mar 20, 2016

Generally a double socket can take a total load of about 4600W, though this is pushing it for a continuous load.
So long as your loading on the non washing machine side is less than, say 2000W, you should be OK, there would also be no problem with using a surge protected extension lead so long as you were not powering a heavy heating load, such as a fan heater or kettle from it.

telectrix · Mar 20, 2016

what he says. ^^^^^. washing machine is 9A, but only when on a heating part of the cycle. a surge extn. lead powering low current devices in the other half of the twin socket should be fine. if the circuit is a radial fed from a 16A MCB, you may possibly get occasional trips.

Sweetsparrow · Mar 20, 2016

Thanks very much for all of your replies. I'm not sure about the wiring, I'm pretty clueless. But here's a pic of the socket and the wiring around it. The bottom wire leads to a switch for an outdoor light that I don't use or ever have on. And the top just leads around the cellar and back up into the house. So using the light extensively every day, and having the washing machine on at the same time would be okay? The plug in the socket at the moment is the washing machine.

amlu · Mar 20, 2016

that socket looks like a poor quality rough job. if you are really worried get an electrician in for a quick inspection (loose connections, incorrect protection devices etc).

Sweetsparrow · Mar 22, 2016

Hey thanks for your reply! From that picture of the socket, is anyone able to distinguish the wire size someone mentioned earlier? Not sure if you can od not. Why does it look like a rough job? Will it not be able to handle the washing machine and the light and my laptop all at the same time?

telectrix · Mar 22, 2016

looks like 2.5mm T/E. that should handle up to 25A assuming it's not buried in insulation. your plug top fuses will cope with any overload. if the socket is fed from a ring final and it's the only one spurred off, then you should have no problems. if in doubt, get a local spark to check it out for you.