Never had a Tumble Dryer before - Can I put one in a shed?

moneysavvy35

Hi
I would like to get a Tumble Dryer.  Thing is there is no space in the house. I was thinking of putting one in my shed and using it when I need it.  The shed is not wired so I would have to use an extension lead the times I use it. I would leave the door open when using it too! I have been reading about the different types you can get and just wondering what one would be best for the circumstances I just explained above.  My budget is £250.
Can you advise please?

FaceHead

You could get a second hand condensing one for £50 and see how you go. I have one going here if you happen to be SW London (joke, sort of).

Obviously the electrics getting wet is the main concern, so is your shed nice and watertight? Both from above and below. Make sure the extension cord you use is earthed (I have an 'outdoor' one here, which I discovered wasn't when the wires came loose inside). Also make sure the circuit you plug the extension cord into is RCD protected (which should be the case if the house wiring is remotely modern). I think it'd be fine with some sensible precautions. 

Alanp

You can’t use a heat pump dryer if the ambient temperature is very low, they wont work, if you use an extension lead, Make sure it’s fully unwound,an rcd is also a good idea..

FreeBear

First point - Most (all ?) appliance manufacturers tell you not to use an extension lead (and for good reason).

Second point - Very few appliances are designed for use in a shed. Sheds are cold damp places prone to condensation during the colder months. Damp inside the machine is going to shorten its life considerably.

Jeepers_Creepers

One of the walks we regularly do goes through a large farm which has a large open carport for everything - vehicles, stored logs, and a washing machine and tumbledrier (almost always running...)

So, yes, as long as the place you have it kept is well ventilated, you should have no issues with rust or anything like that.

Buy a normal venting TD (cheapest and most efficient of the usual types) and either have the hose draping out the open door whilst in use, or else drill a suitable 4" hole in the shed side.

If you must use an extension lead, make is a good quality one and able to handle a full 13A. And don't have it coiled - always fully extended, but get one as short as possible that'll do the job.

Slinky

We had a tumble drier in a shed but shed had a proper electricity supply. OH cut a hole in the back for the vent pipe. It was an old one given to us, I wouldn't have put a brand new one in a shed.