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Condenser tumble dryer questions

Hi everyone, noob questions incoming.

I am thinking about getting a condenser tumble dryer but I am stuck as to where to put it. I'd be grateful if anyone knows the answer to the following questions:

1) I am fortunate enough to have a good sized box room (approx 6m^2), however, it is windowless. There is a Vent Axia fan which was installed prior to my purchasing the property which starts when the light is turned on, I am not sure how effective it is but it seems to work. I don't leave the door to the box room open. I have read that condenser dryers need adequate ventilation, so will the fan be sufficient for this or should I place the dryer in another room altogether?

2) My second choice would be the kitchen however the only space I have there would be about 60cm away from the fridge. Is this too close? I have read that condenser tumble dryers should not be placed close to refrigerators.

3) How bad is it to place the tumble dryer directly in front of the socket which it plugs into? Is this a hazard?

Thanks.

Comments

  • Carrot007
    Carrot007 Posts: 4,534 Forumite
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    1. I have never needed extra ventalation for my dryer. Fan maybe enough or leave the door open when drying?

    2. Sounds far enough away. It would only cause fridge inneficiency though heat. My oven is one standard unit away from my fridge, so that's 60cm also. (as is the gas hob).

    3. You mean use the socket behind it? Did this at last place. No issues. It's in a unit nearby though in this house. Causes more problems as have to remove averything from that cupboard and unplug it first if I want it out!

    Mine is hidden in a cupboard (depper than usual kitchen top). So has a plynth in front and I often only partially open the doors when in use.

    Best thing is to get one with a top drawer that collects the water. Unless you plan to plumb a waste pipe in (I could actually plumb mine in but never got aroudn to getting a pipe long enough! The top drawer is easy enough anyway!).

  • grumbler
    grumbler Posts: 58,629 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 10,000 Posts Name Dropper Photogenic


    3) How bad is it to place the tumble dryer directly in front of the socket which it plugs into? Is this a hazard?

    Thanks.

    If the socket becomes difficult to access it's better to add a socket with an accessible switch - like for all kitchen appliances. Otherwise, there is no any hazard.
  • Carrot007 said:

    3. You mean use the socket behind it? Did this at last place. No issues. It's in a unit nearby though in this house. Causes more problems as have to remove averything from that cupboard and unplug it first if I want it out!

    Hi, thanks for the reply. Yes, this is exactly what I mean. By placing the tumble dryer in front of the plug is it likely to cause any electrical safety issues, given the close proximity of the plug to the condensation?
  • GDB2222
    GDB2222 Posts: 25,710 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 10,000 Posts Photogenic Name Dropper
    Carrot007 said:

    3. You mean use the socket behind it? Did this at last place. No issues. It's in a unit nearby though in this house. Causes more problems as have to remove averything from that cupboard and unplug it first if I want it out!

    Hi, thanks for the reply. Yes, this is exactly what I mean. By placing the tumble dryer in front of the plug is it likely to cause any electrical safety issues, given the close proximity of the plug to the condensation?
    No, it's not the condensation that's a problem. 

    Suppose, however, that the dryer develops an electrical fault. You'd really want to switch it off at the wall before moving it. 

    The best solution is to get an electrician to fit a remote switch for that socket.  Second best solution, but much cheaper,  is to get one of these:
    https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B07Z942YWS


    No reliance should be placed on the above! Absolutely none, do you hear?
  • My tumble is upstairs in my office, I have a condensing one also and have no issue with it behind the door. 

    If I had my way I would have my washing machine upstairs in the house as well in the bathroom, But thats not the norm in british houses.
  • Doozergirl
    Doozergirl Posts: 34,020 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 10,000 Posts Name Dropper Photogenic
    The point of a condensing tumble dryer is that os condenses, and does not create condensation in the same way that a venting drier does in bucket loads.  

    Yes, you need movement of air. An extractor is more than enough, a trickle  vent is plenty adequate - our last house didn't even have that and the dryer was in a cupboard!  
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