Which extension cord should I choose for my washing machine?
Manufacturers of large household appliances are categorically against connecting washing machines to an outlet via an extension cord. Electricians also share the same opinion, since an additional link between the equipment and the electrical network can cause a fire.
When the washing machine is located far from the outlet, this connection method is the only possible one. If you choose the right extension cord for your washing machine, you can minimize the risks of an emergency. We'll tell you which device is better to buy.
What to look for when choosing?
There are different extension cords in stores: with one, two sockets in a block or more, with or without an “On/Off” button, equipped with a voltage indicator and not. There are also models with a residual current device and grounding - they are considered the safest.
Since there is a possibility of leakage when the washing machine is operating, this means that water can get on the conductive parts of the extension cord. This increases the requirements for the device.
When choosing an electrical extension cord to connect an automatic machine, you should pay attention to the following characteristics:
cable length, material of manufacture, core cross-section;
number of sockets in the block;
equipped with a grounding wire;
the presence of a device that protects against short circuits in the network.
The optimal thickness of the wire core is calculated individually and depends on the power consumption of the automatic machine.
For example, if the washing machine consumes 2.5 kW, then the current indicator at a mains voltage of 220 Volts will be 11.4 A. Therefore, you will need a wire that can withstand a current of 16 Amps.This corresponds to a copper cable cross-section of 1.5 mm². The length of the cord should be from 3 to 7 meters.
The washing machine puts a serious load on the electrical extension cord, so you should not buy a device with several outlets. The ideal option is a block with one connector. It is important that there is a grounding wire; it is easy to find; it is colored yellow-green.
Since the extension cord is usually used in bathrooms, which are areas with high humidity, it must meet IP20 protection against moisture and dust, as well as IP44, indicating that the device is insensitive to splashes.
It is imperative that the extension cord be equipped with fuses that protect against short circuits in the electrical circuit. This is necessary so that in the event of power surges, the device can absorb and neutralize the current surges.
The cost of an extension cord with grounding and a residual current device will be twice as high as the price of a model without these additions. However, in this case it is not worth saving - not only the safety of expensive equipment is at stake, but also the safety of your family.
When buying an extension cord, give preference only to reliable and trusted manufacturers.
Basic rules of application
Before connecting the washing machine to the outlet through an intermediate link, you should understand how to use the extension cord. By following the manufacturer's recommendations and basic rules, you can reduce the risk of a dangerous situation to zero.
If you have an old cable lying around at home, or you bought the wrong device, you shouldn’t go into it and try to improve it yourself. It is strictly forbidden to change the design of the factory extension cord with your own hands. This is fraught with adverse consequences.
When planning to use an electrical extension cord to connect an automatic machine, you need to remember:
You cannot include other household appliances in it together with the washing machine;
It is better to purchase a device whose unit has a protective cover. Due to this, splashes of water will not get into the connectors;
When connecting an extension cord to the network, it is important to fully unfold it. A coiled wire quickly overheats and wastes power;
the device cannot be used if the cable cross-section does not correspond to the power of the machine;
Touch the cable during washing - it should be at room temperature. Strong heating of the wire indicates a malfunction. It is not safe to use such an extension cord.
There is no need to buy the cheapest models sold in the first supermarket you come across. It is better to overpay for a product equipped with grounding, a locking block and a residual current device.
It is important to store the extension cord correctly. It is forbidden to twist or tie it into a knot or place anything on top. Do not connect the product to a faulty outlet, if the plug or the cord itself is defective, place the cord under a carpet or rug, or “throw” it over a high threshold.
The extension cord should be positioned as far away from the floor as possible so that in the event of a leak, water does not get on conductive parts.
Which device should I buy?
The range of products is quite wide, but washing machines require certain models. As already mentioned, the extension cord must be equipped with an RCD. You can choose from the following products:
German electrical extension cord Brennenstuhl. This is a high-quality model with a sensitive RCD, copper conductors, a plug protected from moisture and dust, an indicator and a switch.The main disadvantage of the device is its high cost. The minimum cord length is 5 meters;
electrical extension cord UB-17-u, manufactured by the Russian company RVM Electromarket. This is a 16 Ampere model with a wire cross section of 1.5 mm². The residual current device operates instantly. A significant drawback can be the length of the cord - at least 10 meters;
extension cord UB-19-u. Product from the same manufacturer. The characteristics are as follows: 16 Amperes, cross-section 2.5 mm². Equipped with an RCD and a waterproof plug.
Not just any electrical extension cord is suitable for an automatic machine. Therefore, you should not buy the cheapest model. It is better to overpay, taking care of your safety and the safety of your equipment.
Manufacturers of large household appliances are categorically against connecting washing machines to an outlet via an extension cord. Electricians also share the same opinion, since an additional link between the equipment and the electrical network can cause a fire.
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