Tumble Dryer - Extension Lead

iwb100

Ok, so I’ve just picked up a new tumble dryer for our utility room. The new one comes with a ridiculously short lead that will not reach the plug - I’d never considered that the new lead would be half the length of the old one. Anyway, I’m going to ask our electrician to come round and fit a new plug. However, in the meantime can I use the machine with a suitably rated extension lead? I know this is genuinely frowned upon but I have a 13A certified lead and cable and the total power draw of the tumble dryer is only 800W. Historically these machines used to draw close to 3000W which is why I understand extension cables were not recommended at all as that was max power draw in a device that could overheat. 

However, in this case is there an issue with doing this as a short term measure to keep my wife happy?

Jeepers_Creepers

Yes, you can use your extension lead.

Even if the drier were 3kW, the 13A-rated lead should be cable of carrying this; 13A x 240V = 3120W. But, it's not good practice to run such a heavy load on an extension cable...

Are you SURE your drier is only 800W? That seems incredibly low - I'd have thought 2kW would be usual for current machines?

Important: Is your extension cable a straight length or a coiled reel? If the latter, and if the rating is anything approaching 2kW or more, then fully unreel the cable first or it could overheat. 

If your drier is genuinely only 800W, then I can't see any problems. Except your clothes will take ages to dry... 

FreeBear

Jeepers_Creepers said: Yes, you can use your extension lead.

But certainly not recommended.

Have a ready of the user's manual - You may well find it says not to use an extension lead. If you do, and it results in a fire, the manufacturer will not cover for any losses and your household insurer may well refuse to pay out.

iwb100

Jeepers_Creepers said:

Yes, you can use your extension lead.

Even if the drier were 3kW, the 13A-rated lead should be cable of carrying this; 13A x 240V = 3120W. But, it's not good practice to run such a heavy load on an extension cable...

Are you SURE your drier is only 800W? That seems incredibly low - I'd have thought 2kW would be usual for current machines?

Important: Is your extension cable a straight length or a coiled reel? If the latter, and if the rating is anything approaching 2kW or more, then fully unreel the cable first or it could overheat. 

If your drier is genuinely only 800W, then I can't see any problems. Except your clothes will take ages to dry... 

It’s a heat pump dryer. And on the door it lists total power as 800W. As does user manual. It’s a straight length 1m cable. 

This is the user manual that lists total power as 800W on page 25. https://www.electrolux-ui.com/DocumentDownLoad.aspx?DocURL=2020%5C136%5C963642umEN.pdf

I was surprised it was so low so I hope I’m not misunderstanding something. Though heat pump dryers use less energy but take longer...

Homer_home

800w is about right for a heat pump dryer , you will be fine using an extension lead , save yourself the cost of a spark

xyz123

If its 800w then no problem at all. A lot of scare mongering on the Internet but if you use good quality extension lead and use it properly, risk is no higher than plugging something in socket. As pointed out, if it's a reel type extension socket, make sure you uncoil it fully before using. 

FreeBear

iwb100 said: This is the user manual that lists total power as 800W on page 25. https://www.electrolux-ui.com/DocumentDownLoad.aspx?DocURL=2020%5C136%5C963642umEN.pdf

Page 6

2.2 Electrical connection
Do not use multi-plug adapters and extension cables.

But at only 800W, and with a short good quality extension lead, you should be OK.

Make sure you turn it off at the socket when not in use.

iwb100

FreeBear said:

iwb100 said: This is the user manual that lists total power as 800W on page 25. https://www.electrolux-ui.com/DocumentDownLoad.aspx?DocURL=2020%5C136%5C963642umEN.pdf

Page 6

2.2 Electrical connection
Do not use multi-plug adapters and extension cables.

But at only 800W, and with a short good quality extension lead, you should be OK.

Make sure you turn it off at the socket when not in use.

Yeah I read the whole thing. But I don’t know of any electrical product I own that doesn’t say plug directly into mains only. I wouldn’t fancy doing this at all with a higher consumption dryer but when I saw 800W I thought it might be ok. Thanks for advice.

clive0510

I had a tumble dryer in my shed for god knows how many years. that was on a extension lead, because when the shed was new, the electrician put the electrics at the opposite end of the shed to where I wanted the dryer. 
that shed is gone now and got a new brick built one and I made sure the electrics were put where I wanted them. he also cut a hole in the brickwork for the vent pipe.

RobM99

Slightly on a tangent - the washing machine lead here is too short to be of any good.
Also I use stage lighting with the band - stands are 7 feet tall, leads 5 feet long - so I have to grab a chair/table to put an extension on. Just daft.

knightstyle

Just a warning to everyone.  Fully unroll extension leads when using.  I have seen several which have melted as they were left rolled up in the cassette thingy.