The plug of a dishwasher starts to melt !

[JohnD]

that is 100% different from what you originally said.

In fact, the dishwasher has a soft, tarry black plastic layer on the back to absorb noise. It is slightly sticky. It softens when the dishwasher heats up and fills with hot water and steam. If the dishwasher is pushed hard back against anything, for a long period, the sticky surface will flow onto the object and stick to it.

Scape the sticky black residue off the plug, and tape a barrier material to the back of the dishwasher. I used baking parchment as it was handy in the kitchen and has a non-stick coating. You can use a bit of white spirit to clean up the plug if you want, but it will probably be stained now.

 

[kingdech]

It was my dad that started this thread and he is extremely worried about me - even though I am over 30years old now I told him not to worry but he doesnt believe me! Anyway, he is coming over tomorrow to my flat and we will provide the photos and hopefully put the issue to rest.

 

[Echo the husky]

Oh that's totally different! Yes happens all the time, the plugs often get stuck to the back of the dishwasher.

Freddo (Who used to be an appliance engineer)

 

[bhm1712]

Well anything melting on an appliance is bad news and so do not use it until the cause is established and a repair has been done if it's possible to repair it.

 

[Echo the husky]

It sounds as nothing has melted, the black bitumen? pad on the back of dishwashers gets all sticky when they warm up and anything against it becomes stuck.

 

[kingdech]

Hi all

After closer inspection, while the bitumen did indeed melt onto the plug, it seems there was some damage to the plug and socket itself. I have attached some photos - let me know what you think?

I think the socket will need replacing - I will probably get a professional to do this.

The plug and the wire are fused and I cant seem to find an easy way into the washing machine in order to replace it - its a Diplomat ADP8322. Does anyone know if this is an easy job or am I better off getting a new dish washer?

Many thanks.

 

[JohnD]

you can cut the plug off the flex, and fit a new plug. no need to rummage around the connector block in the appliance (hopefully it has some kind of protection from water in case of leaks).

You are right, there is evidence of heat browning around the live pin on the socket. This is probably due to a poor connection in either the plug or the socket. Moulded plugs are supposed to be assembled to a proper standard in the factory, and this would be unusual in a European product. "Diplomat" was an own-brand from one of the kitchen companies, and they sourced their products from wherever they are cheapest, and glue the name-badge on. Some spare parts are still available.

There may also be a brown stain around the socket switch, this is very abnormal, and if the switch has been overheating, is pretty sure to be due to poor quality manufacture. Examine the switches and sockets for your washing machine, tumble-drier and cooker/oven, as these are also heavy load appliances.
When you remove the old socket, examine the wires carefully. If there is evidence of heat discolouration of the copper, the heat will have softened it, and the discoloured part has to be nipped off so that bright undamaged copper is used. If this leaves you with insufficient length to connect to the new socket, call a qualified electrician who can make a permanent repair. DIY tools are not adequate.

use a new plug and socket from a major UK manufacturer such as Crabtree or MK. You will see some cheap ones on sale that may not be as good.

 

[stillp]

Stick (No More Nails or similar) a couple of wood blocks to the back of the dishwasher in a place where there's no bitumen, to hold it clear of the plug when it's pushed back.

 

[JohnD]

good idea

or if the glue will not hold, stick them to the wall next to the socket so they project slightly more than the plug

 

[stillp]

good idea

or if the glue will not hold, stick them to the wall next to the socket so they project slightly more than the plug

The trouble with that is the bitumen will stick to the wood blocks. You could stick them to the wall in a place where they won't be in contact with the bitumen.

 

[kingdech]

use a new plug and socket from a major UK manufacturer such as Crabtree or MK. You will see some cheap ones on sale that may not be as good.

Something like these?

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Logic-Plus-..._60_img_2?ie=UTF8&refRID=1DK4J50MZH5AM0EMFEHY

http://www.amazon.co.uk/MK-646-Whit...=UTF8&qid=1450036627&sr=1-1&keywords=13a+plug

 

[JohnD]

£6 for a plug? Ha ha.

I also like Duraplug, they stand up to rough handling so are useful for tools and lawnmowers.

 

[Dimyself]

Thank you so much for all your responses!
I would like to denote some details in two photographs posted above.

 

[stillp]

Yes, we can see the damage. You need to replace the socket, and the plug.

 

[Dimyself]

Thank you.
1. Will you suggest we to call an electrical engineer to check the socket's connecting wire inside the wall and replace the socket?
2. Do you think to replace the cable and the plug is quite easy? We seem fail to find where is the junction box of the dishwasher.