Tumble dryer extension plug melted.

[Rpa07]

2.5 is too big for a 13A plug stick with 1.5

That’s true - put it on a 16amp ceeform!

 

[RochdaleRules]

Thanks for the further replies

 

[Megawatt]

Six years ago, I had a double socket installed in my store room. This was placed next to the fuse box and its purpose was so I could connect my tumble dryer.

The socket was too far away from the dryer, so I bought some 1.5mm flex and wired in an extension from the newly installed double socket, to where my dryer was installed. Length of the flex would be 2 metres. The flex is tacked along the wall and connected to a 1 gang socket (screwed onto the wall) which has the tumble dryer plugged in.

Everything worked fine until today.

I was using the dryer and noticed the plug on my extension was extremely hot. Opening the plug, I noticed it was burning near to the fuse. It was all brown.

The dryer plug, which is plugged into the extension, was not hot and that plug is okay (although it is molded so cannot see inside).

I have checked the 1.5mm flex, and the 1 gang socket which I connected to the flex, and there does not seem to be any damage.

I have put a new plug on the extension and left the dryer running, with me being there, in case the new plug got hot and started to melt.

All the way through the dryer in use, which was around 30 mins, the plug did get warm (which I would expect from something using nearly 3 kW) but nothing which I would say was a concern.

The circuit, which this plug socket was installed, has a RCD, but it did not trip.

So, I am trying to work out why the original plug melted? Suggestions would be appreciated.

Thanks.

Tumble dryers has to have there on circuit, that could have been a fire instead of melting the cord. You have to understand that electrical builds up heat if not wired properly

 

[RochdaleRules]

Tumble dryers has to have there on circuit, that could have been a fire instead of melting the cord. You have to understand that electrical builds up heat if not wired properly

Yes, there could have been a fire - and I caught it before that happened. As it had worked perfectly for 6 years, I am sure that if there was anything dangerous, things would have happened much earlier than they did. Others have agreed with the person who said that the fuse had become loose in the plug. That is where the fault was. Putting on a new "decent" plug has solved the problem.

Tumble dryers do not need their own circuit, otherwise electric fan heaters, dishwashers, etc, would also need their own circuits.

 

[Pete999]

Yes, there could have been a fire - and I caught it before that happened. As it had worked perfectly for 6 years, I am sure that if there was anything dangerous, things would have happened much earlier than they did. Others have agreed with the person who said that the fuse had become loose in the plug. That is where the fault was. Putting on a new "decent" plug has solved the problem.

Tumble dryers do not need their own circuit, otherwise electric fan heaters, dishwashers, etc, would also need their own circuits.

Maybe Megawatt is speaking of US dryers they are quite large and most US Dryers and W/Ms are on their own supply I believe, just saying.

 

[RochdaleRules]

Yes, just noticed Megawatt is in the US. Thank you for clarifying.

 

[davesparks]

Do you recommend replacing with 2.5mm flex?

No don't try to fit 2.5mm into a 13A plug, it is too big for it and you will end up with a poor connection.
13A is well within the capacity of 1.5mm.

 

[RochdaleRules]

No don't try to fit 2.5mm into a 13A plug, it is too big for it and you will end up with a poor connection.
13A is well within the capacity of 1.5mm.

Don't worry, I haven't. Replaced the plug and all back to normal.

 

[static zap]

Sniff plug once in a while ?