Washing machine connected to junction box - HELP please :)

bb69

Hello

Need some advice, new washing machine arriving tomorrow

Had forgotten it is connected to a junction box (didnt know what a junction box was until 15 minutes ago, thanks Google)

So I would prefer to disconnect it myself, as I really need them to take washing machine away tomorrow - no space

Here is a pic of box (excuse the mess) - So plan to wake up very early and switch off electric and get to work

Just after some advice - Do they generally screw off? Also when I have taken cover off, will there be screws like a normal plug

Any advice appreciated!!

maninthestreet

I don't believe that complies with the latest wiring regulations.

ashleypride

Personally, I wouldn't be touching any cable a until known working meter proves it is not live.

But you would need to isolate the power, remove the center screw, open the box, unscrew the flex wires. There are various designs but google image search "30amp junction box".

The new washing machine should not be connected back to the junction box - it should be replaced with a fused connection unit.

bb69

maninthestreet wrote: »

I don't believe that complies with the latest wiring regulations.

Uh ohh!
Can I ask why not?

ashleypride wrote: »

Personally, I wouldn't be touching any cable a until known working meter proves it is not live.

But you would need to isolate the power, remove the center screw, open the box, unscrew the flex wires. There are various designs but google image search "30amp junction box".

The new washing machine should not be connected back to the junction box - it should be replaced with a fused connection unit.

Yes I plan on switching of electric from the fuse box.
Thanks very much

Can I ask, if I do not connect back to the junction box and plug in a normal socket for the time being will the junction box be ok until I can get an electrician?

Thanks for taking the time to answer both of you

phill99

ashleypride wrote: »

Personally, I wouldn't be touching any cable a until known working meter proves it is not live.

But you would need to isolate the power, remove the center screw, open the box, unscrew the flex wires. There are various designs but google image search "30amp junction box".

The new washing machine should not be connected back to the junction box - it should be replaced with a fused connection unit.

But it may well have a fused connection unit above the worktop. This may be where the white cable is going.

bb69

phill99 wrote: »

But it may well have a fused connection unit above the worktop. This may be where the white cable is going.

I have a fused connection unit (I presume that's the on off plug in a cupboard?)
I think..

Ben84

maninthestreet wrote: »

I don't believe that complies with the latest wiring regulations.

Probably not. However, many houses have many things that don't comply with the latest regulations, and it's not usually a problem if they were done properly to the regulations at the time. I don't really like the look of this thing though. Whoever put it right down at floor level obviously didn't consider what would happen if the machine sprung a leak and started flooding the floor. The random use of trunking and then just trailing the cable out the end makes me wonder too. I can't tell either way if it's fused properly either, but it may be connected right in to the mains circuit without an appropriate fuse (normally provided by the plug). Looks like it might have been a bodge from day one and could be best investigated by an electrician.

bb69

Ben84 wrote: »

Probably not. However, many houses have many things that don't comply with the latest regulations, and it's not usually a problem if they were done properly to the regulations at the time. I don't really like the look of this thing though. Whoever put it right down at floor level obviously didn't consider what would happen if the machine sprung a leak and started flooding the floor. The random use of trunking and then just trailing the cable out the end makes me wonder too. I can't tell either way if it's fused properly either, but it may be connected right in to the mains circuit without an appropriate fuse (normally provided by the plug). Looks like it might have been a bodge from day one and could be best investigated by an electrician.

Thanks. I will get electrician, but in the meantime, I am wondering if nothing is connected to the junction and its plug switched off whether will be ok for a day or so?

I did have a slow leak at some point from washing pipes, so have been fortunate

Thanks

wealdroam

bb69 wrote: »

...I am wondering if nothing is connected to the junction and its plug switched off whether will be ok for a day or so?

Yes, that's fine.

Ben84

bb69 wrote: »

Thanks. I will get electrician, but in the meantime, I am wondering if nothing is connected to the junction and its plug switched off whether will be ok for a day or so?

I did have a slow leak at some point from washing pipes, so have been fortunate

Thanks

In general terms, removing just the appliance lead should be fine - provided the junction box is isolated before any work, and all the other wires remain secured inside the junction box terminals in their original positions, and the cover is replaced securely before the power is turned on again. However, I have a couple of concerns. I think combining unfamiliarity with household electrics with working on something that potentially may not have been right in the first place is a less than ideal combination. Quite what is going on with the junction box and how it might be connected elsewhere is unknown right now, which may make it challenging to be sure it's isolated before you open it up, and increase the risk of adversely affecting the wiring in other ways. I can see a number of wires in the area in the photo, so I'm not sure the box is just for the washing machine. We also don't know about the condition inside, so opening it may damage it somehow if it's fragile. All of these issues are worst case scenario things, but they are possibilities to consider. If there's a way to avoid having to do anything with it at the moment, I think your safest option is to leave it turned off at the switch and get some help.

bb69

Thanks disconnected ok, had a screw in middle, and then screws inside.
The plug is switched off and hopefully someone will come over next week to sort it - probably disconnect the junction completely, so I can use a plug - much easier

Thanks for the advice all. Love this forum