Can you put a timer on an extenstion lead?

kippers

I want to put a timer on my dishwasher and unfortunately the dishwasher plug is hard to get at and I was going to put an extension lead on the plug and then put a timer into that,.... but I have just read on my timer instructions that you should not plug the timer into an extension lead?....does anyone know why this is?

Niv

I use a timer plugged into an extension lead to regulate my fish tank light. Not had an issue with it and am not aware of any reason why there should be an issue with doing it. I am sure an electrician will be along in a minute to tell me that I am about to electrocute myself!

rochja

Just make sure the timer is rated for the current the appliance will draw and that everything has the correctly rated fuse.

Prothet_of_Doom

Because a normal socket is on a ring main, and an extention is effectively a spur ?????? Effectively you have halfed the wire thickness ? I think. Maybe.

I have a timer that says not to use it with an electric heater. I assume that it's to do with a) the current draw or b) becuase you need to ensure that nothing is covering it, and if you physically have to turn it on, you are present in the room, and can see that the cat has dragged a blanket over the vents. (or whatever)

kippers

rochja wrote: »

Just make sure the timer is rated for the current the appliance will draw and that everything has the correctly rated fuse.

How on earth do I find that out?:question::question::question: (sorry i'm a dim blond)

rochja

Visual inspection. The timer is likely to have its rating somewhere on it. If not you might be able to match it to one for sale online and see what it is rated at. The dishwasher will have an information plate on it giving you its rating, or it is likely to be easier to read its handbook. The extension lead should contain the smallest fuse compatible with carrying this current. If it is the fuse supplied with the lead, or you are fitting a fuse with a lower rating you know you are safe against the risk of fire.

retepetsir

It should be fine

keithu

kippers wrote: »

I want to put a timer on my dishwasher

You don't say why you want to do this but if it's to make the dishwasher start washing at a pre-programmed time you might be disappointed. Just switching the mains on won't generally make the wash cycle start - you still need to physically press the 'start' button.