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Washer and dryer at same time

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  • 28-01-2022 8:51pm
    #1
    xabi
    Registered Users Posts: 3,001 ✭✭✭


    My utility room has 2 double sockets and a fused switched spur, there are on their own circuit. Today the fuse in the switched spur blew when both things were running, should I be able to run both at the same time and why is there a fused spur for the sockets in that room.



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    #2
    kirk.
    Registered Users Posts: 4,957 ✭✭✭kirk.


    No you've a problem there

    You've a spur feeding 2 sockets and a washer and dryer running

    Typically at least a couple of radials feeding a utility room ,.dunno are they still using rings now



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    #3
    xabi
    Registered Users Posts: 3,001 ✭✭✭xabi


    Would you expect to see a switched spur in a utility room? The switch has one cable coming into it and 2 cables leaving. The gas boiler was originally going in that room I recall, but it got moved last minute, would that explain the fused switch?



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    #4
    DublinDilbert
    Registered Users Posts: 5,381 ✭✭✭DublinDilbert


    https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118547945#Comment_118547945

    No ideally there should be individual double pole isolation switches on each appliance for isolation.

    What MCB in the board is feeding the fused spur?

    If it is correctly wired to the board, you should fit two double pole isolation switches feeding two sockets one for each appliance.



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    #5
    xabi
    Registered Users Posts: 3,001 ✭✭✭xabi


    20 amp MCB feeding it



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    #6
    L1011
    Registered Users Posts: 69,112 ✭✭✭✭L1011


    A conventional vented dryer can draw the bulk of 13A on its own, a hot wash in a washing machine fed cold (as they pretty much all are) isn't going to be a low load at times either.

    A heat pump dryer will usually pull about 7A max, and they are slower albeit less harsh on clothes and much cheaper to run.



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    #7
    xabi
    Registered Users Posts: 3,001 ✭✭✭xabi


    I’m not too bothered about isolation as I can access the switches, could I get someone to remove the fused switch, connect the wires in the back box and put a blank plate on? I’m sure the fused switch was for the boiler that didn’t end up going in that room.



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    #8
    DublinDilbert
    Registered Users Posts: 5,381 ✭✭✭DublinDilbert


    Get a 20a double pole switch and replace the fused spur, it’s the same amount of work as blanking it.



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    #9
    kirk.
    Registered Users Posts: 4,957 ✭✭✭kirk.


    https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118548192#Comment_118548192

    Subject to inspection I would caution without seeing it



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    #10
    2011
    Moderators, Home & Garden Moderators, Technology & Internet Moderators, Regional East Moderators Posts: 12,596 Mod ✭✭✭✭2011


    https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118548206#Comment_118548206

    Agreed. The entire circuit needs to be assessed before making changes such as this. There may be other connected loads or poor connections. Modifying the circuit so that it can supply a larger current without fully understanding it would not be recommended.

    Assuming the circuit is ok, I would install one spur outlet for the dryer and one for the washing machine. This would protect the cable from the spur to the equipment which is not going to be rated for 20A.

    Both dryers and washing machines are well known for overheating and causing fires.



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