Tumble Dryer Through Extension? Or Cut & Extend Wire?

bear in mind a tumble dryer will cost a lot more to run in a shed in winter due to the incoming air being freezing. I would jcut & join the cable with a proper UK kitemarked connector.

Silhouette

run a short extension cable (set to the right power load) to the socket

This. Don't both attempting to "set to the right power load" of a cable. Just use a 13amp extension with appropriate fuse.

chocci

I would cut & join the cable with a proper UK kitemarked connector.

What would this sort of cable be called to google/screwfix etc?

Cable connecter? Then check the details for the kite mark? Is there a particular 'load' I need to buy. Someone on an old thread mentioned to get 3 and not 2. But I have no clue what unit of measurement they are referring to in the 3.

AndyRoyd

Just use a 13amp extension with appropriate fuse.

Some forums with similar threads have stated the socket/plug get hot - and that this is dangerous due the power of the unit being extended.

Silhouette

Some forums with similar threads have stated the socket/plug get hot - … Some forums with similar threads have stated the socket/plug get hot - and that this is dangerous due the power of the unit being extended.Read lessRead more

A 13A extension cable is more than capable of safely powering a domestic drier that is shipped with a 13A plug and only involves one variable: 13A extension quality (where quality = rating & regualtory spec). But consider the option of cut-and-extend, there are four variables: the quality of the electro/mechanical inserted joint, the quality of the additional cable, the quality of the new plug, the skill of the person cutting / joining / wiring plug.

link here



2mtr - £3.28

5mtr - £5.98

10mtr - £10.98 (@ Toolstation, see above link)

All rated at 13amps, which is what you require.

I dont want to blow up the tumble dryer or burn out the socket... But do any of these scaremongering websites (including The Cable Forum!? Who knew?!) hold any water?

theiet.org/for…cfm?catid=205&threadid=7332
cableforum.co.uk/boa…php?t=33633897
http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/showthread.php?t=3595135

Also, why does it have to be unwound fully? That seems strange. Can electricity not handle corners?

Do I need an "RCD Adapter"? Is that something that measure the heat of the plug or the power or something?

I need to be 100% super safe - as I wont live it down if I burn down the shed!

This seems to be recommended elsewhere...

amazon.co.uk/Mas…AKY

Too long?

For the last 5 years, I've run my condenser dryer on a 5m extension lead with not issues, due to my drier being in a pantry with no sockets. I never heard of any issues before with doing this and just did it.
The extension lead us just a standard roll one like you'd use for a lawn mower. This I paid about £5 in wilkinsons for it.

Silhouette

I dont want to blow up the tumble dryer or burn out the socket... But do … I dont want to blow up the tumble dryer or burn out the socket... But do any of these scaremongering websites (including The Cable Forum!? Who knew?!) hold any water?http://www.theiet.org/forums/forum/messageview.cfm?catid=205&threadid=7332http://www.cableforum.co.uk/board/showthread.php?t=33633897http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/showthread.php?t=3595135Also, why does it have to be unwound fully? That seems strange. Can electricity not handle corners?Do I need an "RCD Adapter"? Is that something that measure the heat of the plug or the power or something?I need to be 100% super safe - as I wont live it down if I burn down the shed!Read lessRead more

If extension is not unwound fully it will melt the cable

Silhouette

I dont want to blow up the tumble dryer or burn out the socket... But do … I dont want to blow up the tumble dryer or burn out the socket... But do any of these scaremongering websites (including The Cable Forum!? Who knew?!) hold any water?http://www.theiet.org/forums/forum/messageview.cfm?catid=205&threadid=7332http://www.cableforum.co.uk/board/showthread.php?t=33633897http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/showthread.php?t=3595135Also, why does it have to be unwound fully? That seems strange. Can electricity not handle corners?Do I need an "RCD Adapter"? Is that something that measure the heat of the plug or the power or something?I need to be 100% super safe - as I wont live it down if I burn down the shed!Read lessRead more

Long extension reels, like this ;



available from Toolstation £7.98 seen here

This, in simple terms, detects a fault, and switches the power off, ensure this is plugged into the supply socket, not the extension lead.

But, you have stated that the shed has been professionally wired, so 'should' have RCD protection anyway.

Silhouette

I dont want to blow up the tumble dryer or burn out the socket... But do … I dont want to blow up the tumble dryer or burn out the socket... But do any of these scaremongering websites (including The Cable Forum!? Who knew?!) hold any water?http://www.theiet.org/forums/forum/messageview.cfm?catid=205&threadid=7332http://www.cableforum.co.uk/board/showthread.php?t=33633897http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/showthread.php?t=3595135Also, why does it have to be unwound fully? That seems strange. Can electricity not handle corners?Do I need an "RCD Adapter"? Is that something that measure the heat of the plug or the power or something?I need to be 100% super safe - as I wont live it down if I burn down the shed!Read lessRead more

An unwound extension reel can create undesirable magnetic and heating effects. Your original post mentioned "short extension cable" which presumably would not involve a wound extension.

Summary: if you buy a respected-brand 13A extension lead of the required length (or a little over): all should be well and you should not need any other kit. If you want belt and braces you could consider fitting an appropriately rated respected-brand fuse to the extension lead mains plug (and / or the extension lead if fitted with fuse).

Thank you all!

Ive put a lot of the scare mongering down to the fact they are super old posts and that modern day dryers with modern day wiring etc is a lot safer. A number of reviews for the heavy duty extensions have people stating they are using them with tumble dryers.

Sounds like im onto a winner.

Thanks all again.

Similar to post above from andynicol ... Buy an extension lead, (not reel,) but one that is the correct length or as close as you can get. It is far safer.

If you look at any extension reel you will see they have two ampage and watt ratings on the label, one for wound, one for fully unwound.

You should only ever use a reel wound if the item is very low ampage and watts, and then only for very short periods. However ALWAYS best to unwind.

As a general guide, the unwound will take about 3x the amps/watts of a wound cable.

Another safety point .... these days extension reels and leads should be restricted to 25 metres maximum length.

Just check how many kilowatts your drier is rated at, and check that the lead you buy is also rated at least the same. Normally 13a.

Another point..... always remove the card diagram from any plugs. Obvious I know, but you would be amazed how many people leave them on.

Unless your shed is wired to a modern fuse board, I would also suggest the use of an rcd.

Silhouette

I dont want to blow up the tumble dryer or burn out the socket... But do … I dont want to blow up the tumble dryer or burn out the socket... But do any of these scaremongering websites (including The Cable Forum!? Who knew?!) hold any water?http://www.theiet.org/forums/forum/messageview.cfm?catid=205&threadid=7332http://www.cableforum.co.uk/board/showthread.php?t=33633897http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/showthread.php?t=3595135Also, why does it have to be unwound fully? That seems strange. Can electricity not handle corners?Do I need an "RCD Adapter"? Is that something that measure the heat of the plug or the power or something?I need to be 100% super safe - as I wont live it down if I burn down the shed!Read lessRead more

​An extension cable needs to be unwound fully so the cable does not generate heat. You must always fully extend any extension cable when its plugged in.

Also condenser tumble dryers, the ones where you have to empty a container don't work too well in the cold. In fact neither dies the other type.

As you seem bit bewildered by all this, I would suggest contacting an Electrician and buying and installing a shed smoke alarm and fire extinguisher suitable for electrical fires.

Good luck.

If you buy a wound extension cable pay the extra for one with a thermal cut out.

Dont see a problem with a long extension cable.

Why is so many folk mentioning long extension leads/reels?

The OP, in the opening post said 'Can I run a short extension cable (set to the right power load) to the socket?'

Speaking of thermal cut-outs, amps/watts/kw is just confusing the OP IMHO.


The OP has this (or similar) ;



plugged in to ;



plugged in to ;



ensuring each plug has a ;

[img]encrypted-tbn3.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcRSAeaGRgDSkZY8vF9h-WSonnigKZCfVREiiaxaXQREiNTaqZNR[/img]

andynicol

Why is so many folk mentioning long extension leads/reels?The OP, in the … Why is so many folk mentioning long extension leads/reels?The OP, in the opening post said 'Can I run a short extension cable (set to the right power load) to the socket?'Speaking of thermal cut-outs, amps/watts/kw is just confusing the OP IMHO.The OP has this (or similar) ;plugged in to ;plugged in to ;ensuring each plug has a ; [img]https://encrypted-tbn3.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcRSAeaGRgDSkZY8vF9h-WSonnigKZCfVREiiaxaXQREiNTaqZNR[/img]Read lessRead more

​It's just bad practice not to calculate circuit load. OP should do the revelant training on electrics. This socket could a spur off a spur. Only with the right training will he know it's safe to do so.

I would just plug it and give it a test run and see if anything gets warm besides the dryer

kester76

​It's just bad practice not to calculate circuit load. OP should do the r … ​It's just bad practice not to calculate circuit load. OP should do the revelant training on electrics. This socket could a spur off a spur. Only with the right training will he know it's safe to do so.I would just plug it and give it a test run and see if anything gets warm besides the dryer Read lessRead more

Relevant training on electrics, really?, to use a socket in a shed which, as the OP states, was professionally installed?

andynicol

Relevant training on electrics, really?, to use a socket in a shed which, … Relevant training on electrics, really?, to use a socket in a shed which, as the OP states, was professionally installed?Read lessRead more

​Yes You should always go that extra mile

amazed by how hopeless people are.

kester76

​Yes You should always go that extra mile

So you would suggest what?
Going to college to 'train on electrics' as opposed to asking on a public forum about an electrical question your not sure of..?

andynicol

So you would suggest what? Going to college to 'train on electrics' as … So you would suggest what? Going to college to 'train on electrics' as opposed to asking on a public forum about an electrical question your not sure of..?Read lessRead more

​Yes, finish the course and then run another line closer to the tumble dryer. Check all wiring and bring it all to code

kester76

​Yes, finish the course and then run another line closer to the tumble d … ​Yes, finish the course and then run another line closer to the tumble dryer. Check all wiring and bring it all to code Read lessRead more

So you advise against asking a very simple electrical (sorry OP) question on an online forum, and instead advise the OP to take a college course, to enable them to have a better understanding of the task in hand?

andynicol

So you advise against asking a very simple electrical (sorry OP) question … So you advise against asking a very simple electrical (sorry OP) question on an online forum, and instead advise the OP to take a college course, to enable them to have a better understanding of the task in hand?Read lessRead more

​Yes, OP will have a good understanding of electrics and electrical installation. What's not to love.

kester76

​Yes, OP will have a good understanding of electrics and electrical i … ​Yes, OP will have a good understanding of electrics and electrical installation. What's not to love.Read lessRead more

Strange that you would say the OP in this case 'should do the revelant training on electrics' and not ask on an online forum for advice, when all it involves is a short extension lead, no wiring required whatsoever?

And yet, in your own thread hotukdeals.com/tag…142, you are asking for advice on an electrical installation which involves installing an exterior light, which involves adding to an existing fixed wiring circuit, undoubtably more technical than the OP here is asking advice on...?

andynicol

Strange that you would say the OP in this case 'should do the revelant … Strange that you would say the OP in this case 'should do the revelant training on electrics' and not ask on an online forum for advice, when all it involves is a short extension lead, no wiring required whatsoever?And yet, in your own thread seen here, you are asking for advice on an electrical installation which involves installing an exterior light, which involves adding to an existing fixed wiring circuit, undoubtably more technical than the OP here is asking advice on...?Read lessRead more

Yeah that got scrapped due to time constraints, it didn't even get past the theory part and still not checked if I could run a spur off that double socket Would of worked fine though with some chasing, running a steel channel, replastering and is probably something I will get round to when we come to extend the home.

So have you done this sort of job yourself and do you have any hints ?

You just got to love this site. X)

Kester hasn't got a clue - ignore the twit.

DaveTaylor

Kester hasn't got a clue - ignore the twit.

Probably know as much as you then :P lol

kester76

Probably know as much as you then :P lol

Exactly - that's why I don't post nonsense. Every thread that you are involved in is devalued by your ridiculous comments.

DaveTaylor

Exactly - that's why I don't post nonsense. Every thread that you are … Exactly - that's why I don't post nonsense. Every thread that you are involved in is devalued by your ridiculous comments.Read lessRead more

The thread is daft on it's own.

1) The average tumble dryer uses 11amps so it's under 13amps so it won't blow the fuse but high current drain could cause the extension the to get warm depending on age/damage even if it's unwound.
2) The mains socket should be connected to a RCD if it's outside the home anyway so an additional one isn't needed. If the shed is connected to the main consumer box without a RCD then the consumer box needs updating as a short before a socketed RCD probably won't trip it.
3) OP could have the cable replaced by a service engineer to achieve the correct length for a small price.

I myself would replace the cable with a longer cable more suitable for a shed and not create protential problem later on.

P.S. I am certified to replace both the cable and wire a mains plug

kester76

Yeah that got scrapped due to time constraints, it didn't even get past … Yeah that got scrapped due to time constraints, it didn't even get past the theory part and still not checked if I could run a spur off that double socket Would of worked fine though with some chasing, running a steel channel, replastering and is probably something I will get round to when we come to extend the home. So have you done this sort of job yourself and do you have any hints ?Read lessRead more

As it involves an exterior light, and may fall under Part P, then I'd suggest you take advice from a fully qualified electrician

kester76

The thread is daft on it's own. 1) The average tumble dryer uses 11amps … The thread is daft on it's own. 1) The average tumble dryer uses 11amps so it's under 13amps so it won't blow the fuse but high current drain could cause the extension the to get warm depending on age/damage even if it's unwound. 2) The mains socket should be connected to a RCD if it's outside the home anyway so an additional one isn't needed. If the shed is connected to the main consumer box without a RCD then the consumer box needs updating as a short before a socketed RCD probably won't trip it.3) OP could have the cable replaced by a service engineer to achieve the correct length for a small price.I myself would replace the cable with a longer cable more suitable for a shed and not create protential problem later on.P.S. I am certified to replace both the cable and wire a mains plug Read lessRead more

1/ the OP isn't looking for a long extension that would require being unwound, a short 2 or 5mtr single extension lead is all that is required.

2/ The shed was professionally wired according to the OP, so we can assume it was up to standard at time of installation, if this was before RCD protection was required then it is not a requirement to upgrade, a recommendation but not a requirement, thus the use of an RCD adaptor is advised, and perfectly safe.

3/ That small price could well be in the region of £100 - as opposed to a short extension lead and an RCD adaptor, materials requiring no wiring knowledge whatsoever, and be perfectly safe, done at the OP's convenience for around £10-15?

andynicol

1/ the OP isn't looking for a long extension that would require being … 1/ the OP isn't looking for a long extension that would require being unwound, a short 2 or 5mtr single extension lead is all that is required.2/ The shed was professionally wired according to the OP, so we can assume it was up to standard at time of installation, if this was before RCD protection was required then it is not a requirement to upgrade, a recommendation but not a requirement, thus the use of an RCD adaptor is advised, and perfectly safe.3/ That small price could well be in the region of £100 - as opposed to a short extension lead and an RCD adaptor, materials requiring no wiring knowledge whatsoever, and be perfectly safe, done at the OP's convenience for around £10-15?Read lessRead more

​It's not a good idea to run high load white goods off a power extention lead in a humid environment. You wouldn't run a cooker, kettle, vacuum cleaner off one. It's in a shed where it's not monitored and could be a fire hazard. OP is better off moving the socket or lengthing the cable.
I wouldn't feel comforable running an external cable without an RCD on the consumer box but that's up to the individual.

kester76

​It's not a good idea to run high load white goods off a power extention l … ​It's not a good idea to run high load white goods off a power extention lead in a humid environment. You wouldn't run a cooker, kettle, vacuum cleaner off one. It's in a shed where it's not monitored and could be a fire hazard. OP is better off moving the socket or lengthing the cable. I wouldn't feel comforable running an external cable without an RCD on the consumer box but that's up to the individual.Read lessRead more

'It's not a good idea to run high load white goods off a power extention lead' - agree in principle, but there are safety precautions which the user can install to eradicate potential problems.

'humid environment' - a factor I've neglected, OP please ensure tumble dryer is adequately vented from the shed.

'You wouldn't run a cooker, kettle, vacuum cleaner off one' - Disagree, (the cooker aside, which is a ludicrous point really IMHO) as stated above there are precautions which can be put in place to make the use of an extension lead perfectly safe, whilst it wouldn't be advisable to supply a kettle on an extension lead, it 'could' be safe, same for the vacuum cleaner, I've yet to see anyone vacuum a vehicle without using an extension lead..

'not monitored ' - Again I've neglected this area - OP pleas ensure the appliance is monitored whilst in use.

'and could be a fire hazard' - Agree, it 'could' be, but the use of an RCD would lower the risk.

'OP is better off moving the socket' - Agree, it is an option, spur off the socket, IF its been wired as a ring main, or if its a radial circuit, the supply cable can cope with the extra socket...

'or lengthing the cable' - Again, yes thats an option, BUT a costly one, I'd guess £100 for a service engineer to install a longer cable on the appliance, but you seem against long extensions and yet it would be okay to lengthen the cable..

'I wouldn't feel comforable running an external cable without an RCD on the consumer box but that's up to the individual.' - Thats your choice, the OP's shed was wired professionally, we can assume it was to the relevant standard at that time, we are unsure if that included provision of RCD protection, so the recommendation of an RCD adaptor has been made.