Extension cable issues.....tumble dryer

LisaB85

My parents use a tumble dryer which is in a dry water tight shed, to use this they use an extension cable.

However they are away and today I used the tumble dryer.

The plug end in the socket got warm but not hot.

The socket where the tumble dryer is plugged into got boiling hot! I immediately stopped using it and unplugged it all. No fuses blew anywhere but it doesn't seem right to me.

The cable near the socket was warm but the rest was ok.

Any ideas on the problem and how it can be fixed?

Owain_Moneysaver

Poor connections in the plugs and sockets.

The overheating may have damaged the cable too.

A tumble dryer is a high load appliance and really shouldn't be used on an extension lead, and extension leads to sheds aren't very safe.

A proper permanent supply should be installed by a competent electrician.

boogiemaster

Extension cables unless stated are not recommended for heavy duty appliances and if your drier uses 3 kilowatts and your extension cable is certified for 2 then you are drawing to much power.

You can get an electrician to fit a dedicated feed to your shed and this would be a lot safer than your extension.

Also get him to check your fuse box at the same as it might need testing upgrading.

ormus

you should get the shed wired up properly.
if you really must use an extension cable for appliances like this at least get a heavy duty one.
not the cheap chinese rubbish, for a quid or two.
a HD one will cost you 15/25 quid ish.
try screwfix etc...

LisaB85

ormus wrote: »

you should get the shed wired up properly.
if you really must use an extension cable for appliances like this at least get a heavy duty one.
not the cheap chinese rubbish, for a quid or two.
a HD one will cost you 15/25 quid ish.
try screwfix etc...

Since them getting the stuff wired up properly is out of the question I think that is the safest option.

Is this one http://www.wilkinsonplus.com/extension-leads/eurosonic-13-amp-4-way-reel-25m/invt/0180599/ the type you mean?

I have mentioned it to them before, they really don't have the space in the house for one unless they used the porch which then creates a fire hazard in itself because it will block an exit to the house completely.

It is only used when someone is at home and the shed is away from the house and it seems to be the shed end that gets hot.

victor2

As said, get a heavy duty extension if you can't get the shed properly cabled in. Also make sure there isn't part of the extension coiled up as that will generate heat. 13 amp fuses won't blow at a load just below that and they don't protect against a continuous high load overheating it.

LisaB85

victor2 wrote: »

As said, get a heavy duty extension if you can't get the shed properly cabled in. Also make sure there isn't part of the extension coiled up as that will generate heat. 13 amp fuses won't blow at a load just below that and they don't protect against a continuous high load overheating it.

Could you link me to one on screwfix?

or is the one I linked ok?

greatgimpo

Make sure the whole of the extension reel is unwound even if it's too long - don't leave the surplus wound up.

ormus

yes that one will do it. 3kw at 13 amps.

make sure its fully unwound. very important.


or


http://www.screwfix.com/p/masterplug-switched-4-socket-cable-reel-work-power-30m-13a/67915

victor2

LisaB85 wrote: »

Could you link me to one on screwfix?

or is the one I linked ok?

I'd rather someone with more experience in household electrics recommend one, but IMO the Wilkinson one is probably typical of the quality of stuff they sell - mass produced and while conforming to the required standards, not the best of quality.

Edit:
See you've been given a link already.
Don't get one too long (and definitely not too short!:)) as there's a danger you'll end up with the excess coiled.

TimBuckTeeth

It is really not a good idea using an extension for a high powered appliance as there is potential fire risk, although that can be minimised by choosing a suitable heavy duty extension.

I would not recommend a reel type as there is always the chance of it not being fully unwound and would overheat.

This type of lead is good, the socket is has more heavy duty contacts than others :
http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B001T0HEUO

If the fusebox is not a modern type with a RCD then a plug-in adaptor is essential for safety : http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B002SPF9AQ