Can I replace a blanking plate with a single socket? (Ed.)

[Nobleone]

Hi all,

New here so please be gentle.

We moved into our new house yesterday. I went to plumb the washing machine in today and realised there was no plug socket near it. However, at the back there is a blanking plate (photos of the inside attached). Can I simply remove the plate and replace with a single socket?

With three kids, I really need the washing machine up and running!

 

[pete01]

That looks like a cooker plate?

If you dont need it for a cooker then yes you can fit a single socket for a washing machine.

The circuit will need rcd protection though, so check that.

Post a pic of the fusebox if insure (assuming its labelled correctly)

 

[Murdochcat]

That looks like an outlet plate for an oven. So the answer is probably yes.

Do you have any test kit ?

 

[Nobleone]

Strangely, the oven is on the other wall. There must have been a washing machine there before as there's no other space for it. Would it be possible that they had it hardwired, then added a blanking plate when they moved?

 

[Murdochcat]

Is there a fused spur above the worktop?

 

[Nobleone]

This is above it (to the left a little). I'm guessing the left one is for the fridge as that's directly to the left of it.

 

[ericmark]

I would guess the switched fused connection units go to the cooker connection unit, and it was there to supply something like washing machine, fridge etc. Using some tester

you need to work out what supplies what. As a washing machine is a heavy load. Turning the MCB/RCBO at the consumer unit on/off you can work out what feeds what.

 

[AndyPRK]

With a socket and plug on it, you may find that the machine can't be pushed back as far as you would like?
Not a problem if there is nothing near by that is can clash with.

My house has a dish washer and washing machine, in a corner at right angles. The door wouldn't open unless it was fitted right back, so someone had fitted a connection plate