Is it possible to turn on the washing machine through an extension cord?
Sometimes life forces you to connect your washing machine through an extension cord. Not every bathroom is equipped with a protected, moisture-resistant outlet, or the factory cord of the washing machine does not reach the nearest power outlet. There is only one option left - to use an adapter.
But at first glance, the correct solution turns into problems: the intermediate wires cannot withstand the heavy load of the machine or create a danger for residents. We'll tell you in more detail why an extension cord is bad and which alternative to choose.
Why is an extension cord prohibited?
In modern apartments there are practically no problems with connecting washing machines to the electrical network. Developers carefully consider the layout of bathrooms, providing several waterproof outlets for convenient and safe installation of household appliances. But in “old” houses, communications are not so well established: access to power is standard or even located far away, in the corridor or room. If there is no way to rebuild the room, there is only one option left - throw in an extension cord.
The scheme is simple: go to the nearest hardware store, buy the first extension cord you come across and turn on the washing machine through it. There is only one problem - doing this is strictly prohibited. This item is specified in each factory manual.
Manufacturers strongly do not recommend connecting the washing machine through an extension cord - this is dangerous to human life and health!
Connecting through an extension cord is considered dangerous for several reasons:
Often an extension cord that is not suitable for power is purchased, or rather, it is too “weak” for the equipment;
a energized “carrying device” lies on the threshold, next to the washing machine or in the corridor and, if exposed to water or touched, can give an electric shock;
the cord connected to the socket under the door often frays, gets crushed and bent, the insulation is damaged, the wires are exposed and pose a threat to the life and health of the residents;
Unknowingly, other devices are connected to the extension cord at the same time, which overstresses the network and results in an emergency power outage;
Constant use of plugs of different types, especially pins that do not match in size, weakens the extension cord and does not provide a full current supply.
You can't joke with electric current. The human heart “works” from electrical impulses, and even a small surge in voltage from the outside will lead to malfunctions of the cardiovascular system. We must not forget about the fire hazard - damaged insulation and exposed wires can lead to a fire in equipment with further consequences.
Manufacturers of washing machines warn users and provide instructions for connecting the equipment to the electrical network. These include the supply of direct current of a certain power with grounding and protection from moisture. In most cases, the extension cord does not have such characteristics.
In case of emergency
The washing machine needs a separate outlet, but while specialists are installing it, you can use an extension cord as a temporary option. But the connection via an adapter must be organized according to all the rules. You can’t buy the first one you come across or take an old home one - you need a high-quality carrier with a sufficient cross-section. It is important to ensure that it has several important characteristics.
Wire section. The machine puts a decent load on the network, which a conductor with a core diameter of at least 2.5 can withstand.
Separate use. The washing machine requires a personal extension cord.
Sufficient length. Immediately calculate the distance to the outlet and purchase a proportional adapter. It is not permissible to use multiple extension cords.
Quality. The Pilot brand has proven itself to be excellent, offering high-quality electrical products that meet all standards.
Security. It is important that the carriers are protected from moisture and overvoltage. The presence of grounding will prevent the equipment from burning out due to power surges and current leakage.
It is worth understanding that connecting through an extension cord, even a high-quality and protected one, is a big risk. It is better not to delay or experiment, but to establish a full-fledged connection to the power grid with a separate RCD.
Why additionally protect the outlet?
Every electrically powered device is called a consumer, and a washing machine is no exception. On the contrary, unlike a telephone charger or a computer, which consume little electricity, a washing machine requires a lot and puts a fair amount of strain on the electrical network. It is also important that the unit operates in a humid environment, and therefore belongs to a high-risk group. This fact cannot be ignored - it is much safer and smarter to recognize the “weight” of the unit and protect it with an RCD.
Ideally, when purchasing equipment, you should pay attention to its power. The amount of energy consumed is always specified in the instructions, and the more functionality the unit provides, the higher the load on the network and the risks.Thus, a washer-dryer on the “wash-rinse-spin-dry” program takes on 1.5 times more voltage than a regular one. In this case, you should take care of not even one, but several machines.
An RCD or residual current device is capable of detecting a network overload and urgently cutting off the current supply to the device, preventing a leak or fire. If someone touches a damaged conductor or moisture gets into the outlet, the switch will “trip” and the power will go out.
Such a “chain reaction” is possible due to its special design. The machine consists of the following parts:
transformer;
a relay that breaks the start circuit;
a device capable of testing the network automatically;
electromagnetic cut-off (available in modern devices).
Unlike old “plugs”, fuses, RCDs are used repeatedly and do not change after each accident. The main thing is to fix the problem after a failure and return the machine to the “working” position.
Which device is suitable?
Time moves forward, and conventional RCDs are no longer able to protect equipment and people from all risks. Now electricians recommend choosing more reliable and safe devices - automatic machines. They represent improved machines, complemented by the functions of a fire switch.
Previously, the RCD and the circuit breaker were connected in series, providing comprehensive protection. Now the difavtomat combines two of these devices at once. The cost of the device is high, so its choice must be taken seriously. Professionals advise buying an electromechanical 0.03 A. There is also a fully electronic one with 0.01 A: it is more expensive and is installed mainly in technical rooms.
Sometimes life forces you to connect your washing machine through an extension cord. Not every bathroom is equipped with a protected, moisture-resistant outlet, or the factory cord of the washing machine does not reach the nearest power outlet. There is only one option left - to use an adapter.
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