Issue with sockets/appliances help needed please

[DIYfan]

Hi, first post here, I've got an issue with my home electrics and need a bit of advice as to what may be causing it please. Bear with me as I know very little about electrics, anything more than wiring a plug or changing light fittings and sockets is beyond me.

So the issue is with appliances in the garage starting to blow fuses, the appliances being washer, tumbler and fridge freezer

They have all happily been plugged into a 4 gang extension cable in the internal garage for a few years, often all being switched on at the same time (fridge freezer constantly on, the others plugged in all the time and switched on when in use.
A few months ago the downstairs sockets went off and the fusebox switch had tripped and needed the switch flipping back on. I realised the garage appliances didn't come back on and I swapped the extension cable for a similar one (as I didn't have a fuse handy) The new extension worked fine, I assumed it was a blown fuse

Everything was fine until the other day when the same thing happened, extension cable fuse blown again.

I plugged in an extension I use for gardening(4 gang 25 m reel extension with safety cut out button) and plugged all 3 appliances into that and that tripped after 10 mins or so.

I reset and tried it in different sockets and it kept tripping so I ruled out the sockets and thought it must be a dodgy appliance.

I unplugged the tumbler and it seemed to sort it out, The tumbler was old anyway so I decided to replace it and the washer and freezer have been running fine for 2 days, I actually bought another 4 gang 10m reel cable with safetey cut out and plugged them into that.

Today the new tumbler arrived which I plugged into the extension where the washer and freezer are plugged in and it's started to cut out again, I've now tried the new tumbler in the new extension by itself and it's cutting out.

Any idea what's going on? Thanks

 

[Strima]

You have two large appliance running off an extension lead, you're overloading the lead causing the fuse to blow as they are not intended for this type of use. Please stop using this set up before you set fire to something.

You need to have these appliance running off separate socket outlets, what sort of power set up do you have in your garage? Separate fuse board or just a socket powered from your house socket circuit?

 

[Pete999]

Hi, first post here, I've got an issue with my home electrics and need a bit of advice as to what may be causing it please. Bear with me as I know very little about electrics, anything more than wiring a plug or changing light fittings and sockets is beyond me.

So the issue is with appliances in the garage starting to blow fuses, the appliances being washer, tumbler and fridge freezer

They have all happily been plugged into a 4 gang extension cable in the internal garage for a few years, often all being switched on at the same time (fridge freezer constantly on, the others plugged in all the time and switched on when in use.
A few months ago the downstairs sockets went off and the fusebox switch had tripped and needed the switch flipping back on. I realised the garage appliances didn't come back on and I swapped the extension cable for a similar one (as I didn't have a fuse handy) The new extension worked fine, I assumed it was a blown fuse

Everything was fine until the other day when the same thing happened, extension cable fuse blown again.

I plugged in an extension I use for gardening(4 gang 25 m reel extension with safety cut out button) and plugged all 3 appliances into that and that tripped after 10 mins or so.

I reset and tried it in different sockets and it kept tripping so I ruled out the sockets and thought it must be a dodgy appliance.

I unplugged the tumbler and it seemed to sort it out, The tumbler was old anyway so I decided to replace it and the washer and freezer have been running fine for 2 days, I actually bought another 4 gang 10m reel cable with safetey cut out and plugged them into that.

Today the new tumbler arrived which I plugged into the extension where the washer and freezer are plugged in and it's started to cut out again, I've now tried the new tumbler in the new extension by itself and it's cutting out.

Any idea what's going on? Thanks

Do theses extension leads come on a reel, if yes are you using them still coiled up? no recommended. Where, in the UK are you based? Also using an extension for multiple appliances is also no recommended. A visit from an Electrician may help, buying and replacing stuff, is a false economy. Posting your location may illicit an offer of help from a Forum member.

 

[DIYfan]

Thanks, I've just done a bit of reading around the internet and it does seem I've been a bit naive here in running 3 big power items on the same extension. How the heck I've got away with it for years is amazing.
It's a normal double socket in the internal garage
I only have this one double socket in the garage and those 3 appliances, could/should I run a short 2 gang extension to run 2 appliances at the same time and have the other plugged in the wall?

 

[DIYfan]

Do theses extension leads come on a reel, if yes are you using them still coiled up? no recommended. Where, in the UK are you based? Also using an extension for multiple appliances is also no recommended. A visit from an Electrician may help, buying and replacing stuff, is a false economy. Posting your location may illicit an offer of help from a Forum member.

Yes the extensions I've started using are coiled up, I used to use the normal flat white extensions but they blew so only had the coiled garden extension 25m, I thought the safety cut off would be a good safety feature so bought a 10 m one too. I'm based in NE England

 

[Pete999]

Thanks, I've just done a bit of reading around the internet and it does seem I've been a bit naive here in running 3 big power items on the same extension. How the heck I've got away with it for years is amazing.
It's a normal double socket in the internal garage
I only have this one double socket in the garage and those 3 appliances, could/should I run a short 2 gang extension to run 2 appliances at the same time and have the other plugged in the wall?

Would be a abetter option to have some extra socket outlets added, to avoid using extension leads.

 

[DIYfan]

Would be a abetter option to have some extra socket outlets added, to avoid using extension leads.

I'll certainly look into this however in the short term I'm going to try and get the fridge freezer turned so the cable plugs straight into the wall.
The washer and tumbler won't reach so would it be ok to get a short extension and run them one at a time so as not to overload things?

 

[telectrix]

as the other old git says ^^^^^^. get an electrician to add 1 or 2 more sockets. (assuming the supply to the garage will handle the load.). the reason you've got away with it before is that maybe the appliances were coincidentally not all on heat cycle at the same time. bear in mind that washers and dryers each pull around 10A when heating.

 

[Strima]

If these appliances are also quite old they may well be drawing more current than they did originally as things start to wear out.

 

[telectrix]

If these appliances are also quite old they may well be drawing more current than they did originally as things start to wear out.

so that's why my leccy bills have gone up. i must be drawing more current as i wear out. .

 

[DIYfan]

If these appliances are also quite old they may well be drawing more current than they did originally as things start to wear out.

Good point, the fridge freezer is over 10 years old, the washer about 3 years and the tumbler was well over 5 years, looks like I've replaced that for nothing though it was getting tatty

 

[Pete999]

as the other old git says ^^^^^^. get an electrician to add 1 or 2 more sockets. (assuming the supply to the garage will handle the load.). the reason you've got away with it before is that maybe the appliances were coincidentally not all on heat cycle at the same time. bear in mind that washers and dryers each pull around 10A when heating.

I'll certainly look into this however in the short term I'm going to try and get the fridge freezer turned so the cable plugs straight into the wall.
The washer and tumbler won't reach so would it be ok to get a short extension and run them one at a time so as not to overload things?

Stop wasting Money and get your Garage sockets sorted, Agree with what the first old git said

 

[telectrix]

was this our last night out, pete? when we picked up those 2 slappers?

 

[Toneyz]

Are you two arguing who is top old git again?

 

[Toneyz]

was this our last night out, pete? when we picked up those 2 slappers?

Who is who?

 

[Pete999]

Are you two arguing who is top old git again?

No Ant

 

[DIYfan]

Whilst I'm here I may as well ask about another strange electrical thing I've had intermittently for a couple of years.

When I switch the garage light off it sometimes disconnects the sky Q box in the living room. Though I was going crazy but it definitely does it.
It doesn't put it into standby, the box still has the green light on but my TV brings up the "no source check connection" screen as though the box had gone into standby. I have to press the power button to actually put it in standby (yellow light) then again to put it back on for it to work again.

This only happens with Sky Q source and only when the garage light is switched off not on, it never happened when I had Sky HD and must happen 20% of the time, it also sometimes nearly does it, ie flickers if that makes sense.
I contacted sky but they're not really interested.
Thanks.

EDIT I've actually had the Q box swapped but no joy

 

[DIYfan]

https://www.NoLinkingToThis/p/masterplug-13a-4-gang-switched-surge-protected-extension-lead-1m/1601g

Would that be acceptable to have the washer and tumbler plugged into if I only run 1 at a time?

 

[Deleted member 26818]

I had a similar situation with a touch light switch and a TV.
Turning on the light, could cause the TV to change channel.
Standing between the switch and the TV prevented this.

I assumed the spark produced by using the switch, caused a burst of IR which matched the code from the TV remote to change channel.

 

[James]

If you have a medium wave radio, tune it into a weak Chanel and listen when you turn the light off.
You might hear a crack or a pop, this would suggest the light fitting (possibly an old fluorescent light) is generating some electrical noise that can cause strange thing s to happen with electronic devices and computers.

 

[remedial]

https://www.NoLinkingToThis/p/masterplug-13a-4-gang-switched-surge-protected-extension-lead-1m/1601g

Would that be acceptable to have the washer and tumbler plugged into if I only run 1 at a time?

You dont need a new extension lead. You need more sockets. Your problem is that your double socket is rated at 13A. I believe you said that the fuse in your orignal extension lead blew. That would have also been 13A. So basically you are still overloading your socket if you run all the appliances.

 

[Deleted member 26818]

In order to comply with BS1363, double sockets should be rated at 20A.
MK sockets and I assume other manufacturer’s double sockets are rated at 26A.

 

[DIYfan]

You dont need a new extension lead. You need more sockets. Your problem is that your double socket is rated at 13A. I believe you said that the fuse in your orignal extension lead blew. That would have also been 13A. So basically you are still overloading your socket if you run all the appliances.

Ah ok thanks. I think I'll be getting extra sockets but in the meantime what's the best way to manage a permanently running fridge freezer from one socket of the double and either a washer or a tumbler in the other, neither the tumbler or washer can reach the socket without a metre extension

 

[DIYfan]

This is the socket, standard double one says fenby on it, house is 18yr old

 

[DIYfan]

If you have a medium wave radio, tune it into a weak Chanel and listen when you turn the light off.
You might hear a crack or a pop, this would suggest the light fitting (possibly an old fluorescent light) is generating some electrical noise that can cause strange thing s to happen with electronic devices and computers.

Thanks, it is a fluorescent light in the garage, this may explain it

 

[telectrix]

i'm the handsome one.

 

[pirate]

That's a matter of a crownwheel, Tel...

Sorry, a pinion...doh!

 

[Deleted member 26818]

Handsome is as handsome does.

 

[remedial]

Just do as you suggested. Fridge on one socket and the other 2 on the other socket

 

[Pete999]

was this our last night out, pete? when we picked up those 2 slappers?

Not sure Tel which one am I? memory is not what it used to be, who are you again?

 

[Pete999]

The OP seems content in buying numerous extension leads, and new appliances, rather than spending his hard earned on employing a decent sparky to install some extra sockets, seems hardly worth trying to help some folk doesn't it, if they won't listen to the right advice?

 

[remedial]

In order to comply with BS1363, double sockets should be rated at 20A.
MK sockets and I assume other manufacturer’s double sockets are rated at 26A.

fair play, i jumped the gun on that one. i deserve a dumb for that lol.

 

[DIYfan]

The OP seems content in buying numerous extension leads, and new appliances, rather than spending his hard earned on employing a decent sparky to install some extra sockets, seems hardly worth trying to help some folk doesn't it, if they won't listen to the right advice?

No, what I've said is thanks, I realise I need to organise getting some more sockets which I'll be doing however in the meantime what's my best option to use the washer and tumbler. I'm going to need to be using these tomorrow, I doubt sockets can be organised so quickly.

 

[remedial]

in fairness, most ppl never really consider stuff like this. if its got space for 4 plugs why not put 4 plugs in it! just for clarity, the main problem here is that you were overloading your extension lead. however it should be noted that its considered good practice for each of these appliances to have its own socket. have you checked the power rating of each appliance? it might be overkill, but personally i would want to check the wiring at the back of that socket for signs of overheating.

 

[pirate]

To get full rating from extension reels they have to be fully unwound, plus many of them are rated at 10A only, even though many of those have 4 sockets on them.

 

[l4urence]

Funny thread - old gits on steroids! To the OP, the answer is clear from previous posters get sockets added where they need to be. Choosing an electrician will ensure the current circuit is tested, safe and able. He/She will add the additional sockets needed. Everything will be tested and certified correctly.

 

[Pete999]

No, what I've said is thanks, I realise I need to organise getting some more sockets which I'll be doing however in the meantime what's my best option to use the washer and tumbler. I'm going to need to be using these tomorrow, I doubt sockets can be organised so quickly.

Funny thread - old gits on steroids! To the OP, the answer is clear from previous posters get sockets added where they need to be. Choosing an electrician will ensure the current circuit is tested, safe and able. He/She will add the additional sockets needed. Everything will be tested and certified correctly.

Young git, but he is correct

 

[pirate]

Recently examined a garage where there was a freezer and a washing machine, both running off an extension lead plugged into the only, single wall-mounted socket. Chap wanted another socket so he could use his electric lawnmower and hedge trimmer without unplugging the freezer. OK, let's look at swapping that single for double...it was a metal-clad box fed via steel conduit. Took socket off, checked at CU, yup...1.5 t&e, under floor, out through an air-brick, into garage...
suggested he got an electrician in.

 

[Pete999]

Most house holders I have come across would rather spend umpteen amounts of Pound coins replacing unwanted bits and bobs, rather than pay a Professional to sort their problems out, a false economy, and if I may be so bold a rather stupid approach to the problem, still as rt//the saying goes "you can lead a Horse to water, but you can't make it drink it, the Horse that is. Hi Ho Silver away.

 

[DIYfan]

Most house holders I have come across would rather spend umpteen amounts of Pound coins replacing unwanted bits and bobs, rather than pay a Professional to sort their problems out, a false economy, and if I may be so bold a rather stupid approach to the problem, still as rt//the saying goes "you can lead a Horse to water, but you can't make it drink it, the Horse that is. Hi Ho Silver away.

Most householders would probably be like me and not give much thought to what would overload an extension. It's got 4 holes it must be safe to use them all right? Well I've now learnt that's wrong and it's been an eye opener.

1 plug in 1 socket is always going to be the ideal way of doing things, I just didn't think 2 sockets and 3 appliances was going to be an issue, not even 3, just 2 at a time though 1 needs to be extended by a metre until I can organise some new sockets.

I've also been assessing my son's plugs in his room, he's got 4 in one extension but they're TV, Q box and games consoles which I'm sure use little power so should be safe (I hope)

 

[Charlie_]

You could probably get an extra socket installed for 50 quid

 

[GeorgeCooke]

The tumbler was old anyway so I decided to replace it and the washer and freezer have been running fine for 2 days, I actually bought another 4 gang 10m reel cable with safetey cut out and plugged them into that.

Today the new tumbler arrived which I plugged into the extension where the washer and freezer are plugged in and it's started to cut out again, I've now tried the new tumbler in the new extension by itself and it's cutting out.

Any idea what's going on? Thanks

Replacing items when you don't know they are faulty is stupid and expensive if it does not fix the problem.

 

[GeorgeCooke]

https://www.NoLinkingToThis/p/masterplug-13a-4-gang-switched-surge-protected-extension-lead-1m/1601g

Would that be acceptable to have the washer and tumbler plugged into if I only run 1 at a time?

You don't need surge protection, more waste of money.

 

[DIYfan]

Replacing items when you don't know they are faulty is stupid and expensive if it does not fix the problem.

It was due to be replaced soon anyway so not really a waste of money

 

[GeorgeCooke]

It was due to be replaced soon anyway so not really a waste of money

One has to ask why? It was still working. It could not have been for cosmetic reasons in a garage. I can't help but think you are trying to justify your mistake.

Throw away society rears its ugly head again.

 

[Spoon]

I've also been assessing my son's plugs in his room, he's got 4 in one extension but they're TV, Q box and games consoles which I'm sure use little power so should be safe (I hope)

No problem with putting low power items into an extension lead.
My son has a TV, Xbox, PS4 and a TP-Link Powerline into an extension lead. (Not coiled up)

If you are interested in seeing how much current an extension lead is using the you could get something like this..

 

[DIYfan]

One has to ask why? It was still working. It could not have been for cosmetic reasons in a garage. I can't help but think you are trying to justify your mistake.

Throw away society rears its ugly head again.

I got rid maybe 6 months before I would have done because of this, yes it was a mistake but I'm not that bothered to be honest. My concern is safely managing the appliances I have now.

 

[Octopus]

No, what I've said is thanks, I realise I need to organise getting some more sockets which I'll be doing however in the meantime what's my best option to use the washer and tumbler. I'm going to need to be using these tomorrow, I doubt sockets can be organised so quickly.

Never at the same time ...........

 

[Lucien Nunes]

Just do as you suggested. Fridge on one socket and the other 2 on the other socket

I would pair the F/F with the washer and put the dryer on the other socket. The starting current of the fridge is high (maybe 10A) but the running current is probably less than an amp. That way, nothing will get significantly overloaded if the washer and dryer are used at once, proivded the installation is sound. The dryer has a continuous heavy load all the time it is running, the washer only when heating.

But yes, more sockets needed. Many extension leads sold in the high street have poor quality contacts that soon overheat and burn out with heavy loads. The contacts in decent wall sockets tend to be better made, so it's safer to plug heavy loads directly into the wall socket regardless of any overload situation.

 

[DIYfan]

I would pair the F/F with the washer and put the dryer on the other socket. The starting current of the fridge is high (maybe 10A) but the running current is probably less than an amp. That way, nothing will get significantly overloaded if the washer and dryer are used at once, proivded the installation is sound. The dryer has a continuous heavy load all the time it is running, the washer only when heating.

But yes, more sockets needed. Many extension leads sold in the high street have poor quality contacts that soon overheat and burn out with heavy loads. The contacts in decent wall sockets tend to be better made, so it's safer to plug heavy loads directly into the wall socket regardless of any overload situation.

Thanks, are you saying it would be ok to run the washer and fridge freezer at the same time on an extension? My plan in the short term was to run the FF in the wall socket (so it's permanently on) and the tumbler and washer one at a time on a short extension.

We use the washer daily so I don't want to be unplugging the FF every day whilst the washer is on.

I know the answer is more sockets but still not sure of the right combo of what to run where in the meantime now and what extension to get, I though a surge protection one would be good but someone sad that was a waste of money.

EDIT actually the tumbler won't reach the wall socket anyway, only the fridge does unless I have a major reshuffle