Wiring professional washing machine to mains

[cbemoore]

I've bought a second-hand Miele professional washing machine - the proper heavy duty type that's designed to run all day every day. I've wired a normal 13A plug onto the cable and plugged it into the wall.

The problem I have is that about once every 4 or 5 washes, it blows the 13A fuse in the plug when heating up the water.

Now I know that these professional washing machines take a lot more current than domestic machines. Neither the manual or the machine state the maximum current, but its obviously more than 13A!!

If I was to wire it directy into a fused spur (instead of a plug), will I be able to put a higher rated fuse in it? Or is this naughty?

FYI, the washing machine is in a utility room with its own dedicated 30A ring. The only other appliance in the room is a fridge-freezer, so I shouldn't be overloading the ring....

Chris

 

[breezer]

you cant get a bigger than 13a fuse to go into a fcu.

there must me some rating on the m/c

 

[ban-all-sheds]

or

 

[plugwash]

you are not supposed to take any more than a 13A load from a ring so a dedicated cuircuit is a requirement

without knowing the rating its not possible to advise on installation of this

can you find a model number on your waching machine if so check out
http://www.miele.co.uk/ and see if you can find details on it there


BAS i really don't see the need for 32A sockets in a domestic environment
after all even if you used one you couldn't plug your washing machine in anywhere else anyway

 

[cbemoore]

Had another look, and finally found the data plate (on the inside of the door, of all places...)

230V
4950W (!!)
Use 25A fuse

No wonder its blowing a 13A fuse!

So what's the best way to wire this in, then? A dedicated circuit from the consumer unit, like a power shower?

Chris

 

[plugwash]

did the washing machine come with flex fitted?
and what size flex is it?

i'd treat it like an electric cooker

32A breaker
6mm cable (10mm may be a good diea in case someone wants to use the cuircuit for a large cooker in future)
cooker control unit
more cable as above
cooker outlet plate
flex or cable to appliance preferablly at least 4mm 2.5mm is right on the edge

 

[securespark]

Plug

2.5 flex rated at 25A. VD not an issue as length so short - not going to be more than 3m flex.

 

[plugwash]

yes exactly my point

feeding a 25A appliance of a 32A (next availible size) breaker with a flex rated at exactly 25A while just about acceptable seems to be cutting it a bit fine to me

 

[ban-all-sheds]

Merlin-Gerin (amongst others) do 25A Type B MCBs.....

 

[securespark]

I opened my mouth to speak, and.........

 

[plugwash]

and even if your board manufacturer does make them (mk don't, hager do ,get don't) you will probablly have a hell of a time getting one

 

[securespark]

Where do you go for electrical gear, then?

 

[BR]

Where do you go for electrical gear, then?

Good question, if he's having difficulty getting a 25A Type B then.......(cue BAS!)

 

[ban-all-sheds]

NFI