✅ Which extension cord is better for a 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.

Surge filter for automatic washing machine. What is it for and how to check

The current washing machine is so modified and designed that many have already forgotten about the times when they washed several batches of laundry in the same water.
A modern washing machine is good in everything, and thanks to it, washing turns into a holiday, unless surprises occur in terms of malfunctions and breakdowns. The machine will not be able to work without electricity, but there is a certain danger in this.

Unfortunately, power surges often occur in the network and can damage equipment. Such power fluctuations can lead to repairs to the washing machine.

Purpose of a surge protector
Built-in surge protector
External surge protector
How the filter works
Filter faults

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Calculation of cable cross-section for a washing machine

To connect the washing machine, it is also important to select the correct cross-section of the electrical cable. The cross-section is calculated based on the power of the electrical device in accordance with the PUE clause 1.3.10 and table 1.3.4.

In order to work with this table and make the correct calculation, you need to know the maximum electrical power of the washing machine, which is indicated in the passport for the device. The average power of modern washing machines varies from 2000 to 3000 watts.

Let's assume that the power of the washing machine is 2300 W or 2.3 kW. Then the calculation will look like this:

According to Ohm's law, power is equal to the product of voltage and current: P=UI, which means the current is equal to I=P/U.

The network voltage is assumed to be 230V, then I=2300/230 = 10 A.

according to Table 1.3.4 of the Electrical Installation Code, we select a cable based on the installation conditions (for example, three-core): the required cross-section of the conductor is 1 mm 2. But since more than one household appliance is usually connected to the outlet (or a more powerful washing machine may be installed in the future), it is better to take a reserve cross-section and choose 1.5 or 2.5 mm 2.

Features and purpose

An extension cord for a washing machine is indispensable in cases where the equipment is installed too far from the outlet and there is no way to move it. However, in this situation, you should not use the first household device you come across - the choice should be given in favor of the safest option. Since washing machines are connected to grounding, the extension cord must be used in the same way. In principle, a similar contact group for the plug and socket is considered the main condition.

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. 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.

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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.

Characteristics of extension cords

When choosing electric ones, it is important to take into account their main characteristics, these include:

cord length;
number of plug connectors;
socket connector standards (European, Russian or American);
maximum load value for the extension cord;
level of protection (in the case of a surge protector);
the need for an additional power source;
quality of insulation.

Before purchasing, you need to first calculate the total power of home appliances that will be connected to the extension cord. If the resulting figure turns out to be greater than the permissible load for the extension cord, then during operation this may lead to overheating of the device wire and create a risk of fire.

Most products, especially from Asia, will not be able to withstand more than 10 Amps for a long time. Homemade splitters made from sockets and cables are not protected from moisture. Use them carefully, although I do not recommend them.

How to choose an extension cord and surge protectors correctly.

Currently, the market offers a large selection of electrical extension cords from different manufacturers. The quality of these devices also varies greatly. If you purchase a low-quality extension cord, it can be dangerous for your property.

Expert opinion

It-Technology, Electrical power and electronics specialist

Ask questions to the “Specialist for modernization of energy generation systems”

Wire for connecting a washing machine - review of brands, calculation of cross-section, selection of sockets. If the resulting figure turns out to be greater than the permissible load for the extension cord, then during operation this may lead to overheating of the device wire and create a risk of fire. Ask, I'm in touch!

Cable type

The type of wire is selected depending on the conditions in which the extension cord will operate. Among the most common options:

PVS – the wire has a sheath of plasticized PVC, copper cores, a round cross-section, and is inexpensive, which affects the final price of the extension cord. The material is afraid of negative temperatures, becomes tanned in the cold, and is also susceptible to abrasion. For domestic conditions, when the extension cord is not particularly tugged or frozen, this type of cable is perfect. Another disadvantage is the sufficient massiveness, but it becomes critical when the core cross-section is more than 2.5 mm2;
SHVVP It is used much less frequently and is distinguished by a flat cut. Due to the thinner insulation, the cable takes up less space. It is suitable for domestic conditions, but under heavy loads, for example, at a construction site, it may not withstand and become unusable;
KG (flexible cable) suitable for harsh conditions. The core insulation and cable sheath are made of rubber. This cable can withstand frost and heat and is resistant to mechanical stress, which is why it is the best option for difficult construction conditions. However, such a wire should not be left in direct sunlight for a long time.

How to choose an extension cord for a washing machine

If you cannot do without carrying, pay attention to the characteristics. For household appliances, purchase a personal extension cord that can be connected to one appliance. Choose a cable with grounding.

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Many carrier models are equipped with a thinner wire than that of a washing machine. They are designed for low power. But a cable that is too thick indicates that the extension cord is intended more for professional use than for household use. The extension cord must be rated 13 amps. 10-amp and less will overheat, which makes their use dangerous.

Also be careful when choosing the wire length. It should not be too long so that you can unfold it completely. A cable that is too long will get tangled and kinked. The optimal length is from three to seven meters. Do not forget that the wire and portable socket should be located as high as possible from the floor to prevent splashes and water.

Extension cord for automatic washing machine

It happens that people suddenly need to protect themselves and their automatic washing machine from short circuits and electric shocks. At the same time, of course, no one wants to redo electrical communications.

I want to stay with the old socket and battered two-core aluminum wiring without ground, while somehow protecting myself. And so, the market responded to the wishes of customers by launching an extension cord with an RCD for automatic washing machines.

Can such an extension cord really protect someone? Read the article on how to choose such an extension cord with an RCD.

How useful is such a device?

First, let's figure out how useful an extension cord with an RCD is for a person in general and for a washing machine in particular. An extension cord with an RCD is essentially an ordinary extension cord, the body of which has a built-in protective power switch. In the event of an overload in the electrical circuit caused by various reasons, the RCD urgently opens the circuit, de-energizing it.

In principle, it’s not bad if you use such a device somewhere on a construction site or during repairs to connect a hammer drill, grinder and other power tools.

But we need to figure out the question: can such an extension cord be used to connect a washing machine? As a general rule, you can't.

The fact is that a washing machine is a large consumer of electricity, which must be connected to a separate moisture-resistant socket protected by an RCD, and also so that the cable supplying the socket has a suitable cross-section.

The problem is that the washing machine does not produce a peak of power immediately, but at the end of the program during the spin cycle. At the same time, trouble can occur with the wrong socket and wiring.

In our case, there is an ungrounded “ancient” outlet with aluminum wiring, an extension cord with an RCD connected to it, and a washing machine is already connected to this extension cord. No matter how you look at it, the weak link in this chain is the socket and extension cord with an RCD here, “...what a poultice for a dead person...”. In this situation, three negative outcomes are possible:

the circuit will break and the person will simply be electrocuted at the moment when, unfortunately for him, he touches the body of the washing machine, and the RCD will trip late;
an overload will occur in the circuit, which can ignite the wiring and the socket itself, while the chances that the RCD will trip and prevent a fire are 50/50;
a voltage drop will occur in the circuit, literally in a second it can burn out at least the washing machine's power filter, or at most the control board. The automatic washing machine will stop working, and the RCD will not react to this at all.

Well, do you think there is much benefit from an extension cord with an RCD that you equip your washing machine with? We think that, of course, there are benefits, but we also need to think about redesigning the socket with electrical wiring - there’s no way around it.

Features of choice

If you are convinced of the need to purchase an extension cord for an automatic washing machine with protection, you can, casting aside doubts, immediately proceed to discussing the features of choosing this item.

You can connect the washing machine through an extension cord that can connect the outlet to the power cord of the washing machine, that is, the device itself must have a power cord of sufficient length.

Extension cords with RCD lengths are available for sale:

1.5 meters.
2.5 meters.
3 meters.
5 meters.

It is quite rare, but you can still find extension cords with RCDs, in which the network wire has a length of 8, 10, 15 and 18 meters. Such extension cords, of course, are not used for domestic purposes. They belong somewhere on a construction site, however, the situations are different, so we found it necessary to mention them too.

Be careful! Some unscrupulous Chinese entrepreneurs supply extension cords with RCDs containing power cords with thin aluminum wiring. Such devices are potentially dangerous and should be avoided.

Next, you need to think about the cross-section of the extension cord for the automatic washing machine, as well as the maximum load that it can “hold.” Most RCD extension cords have 1.5 to 2.5mm copper cable rated at 3500W. Considering that most washing machines have a power in the range of 2000-2500 W, such extension cords are quite suitable for our purposes and there is nothing to choose here.

Review of similar devices

We have already figured out that you can purchase almost any extension cord with an RCD, and it will be suitable for our purposes.

Is it possible to turn on a washing machine through an extension cord - Construction, repair, arrangement

Scientists note that compared to the last century, the activity of society has increased significantly, and therefore almost all of us have begun to feel a total lack of time to solve everyday issues.

In order to reduce the burden on a person and provide him with a comfortable everyday life, special devices were created that, in a relatively short period of time, have already been able to win the hearts of many consumers and continue to be in demand to this day.

As a rule, household equipment that we use constantly, for example, air conditioners, boilers, multicookers and microwaves, run on electricity. The washing machine occupies a leading position among acquisitions due to the presence of certain advantages:

minimizing human labor;
a large selection of actions to be performed, the presence of many programs;
beautiful external component.

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However, in order to use the equipment, you need to know how to connect the washing machine to the water supply and sewer systems, and position the product so that during operation it does not wobble or “jump” around the room.

Whether you turn to specialists for help or carry out the installation of the device yourself is up to you. However, we note that independently carried out manipulations for installing a washing machine will be a good help for further study of the installation features of other types of household appliances.

Deciding on the location

Let's say you have already selected a suitable model of washing machine in the store that suits you in terms of quality, cost and set of built-in programs. It's time to think about where to install the unit, because changing the location of the product will no longer be possible.

Traditionally, washing machines are installed in bathrooms; this is the most convenient option, because the necessary pipes for connection pass through here, and the drain is also located. However, if the bathroom is limited in space, the device is by default moved to the kitchen or hallway. A small cabinet designed to match the overall design of the room will help hide equipment from prying eyes.

Review of wire brands for washing machines

VVG cable is the most popular and widespread cable product, modifications of which are used for electrical installation work in apartments and private houses. It complies with domestic regulatory documentation.

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Built-in Chandelier

VVG

– basic type with polyvinyl chloride insulation and a common shell;

VVGng

– a power cable that has insulation and an outer sheath made of non-flammable PVC;

VVGng- LS

– a cable that has insulation and an outer sheath made of non-flammable, self-extinguishing polyvinyl chloride with low emission of smoke and combustion products;

VVGng- FR LS

– non-flammable cable product, with additional fire protection.

The main type - VVG cable has a fairly low price, but is not protected from fire. Therefore, such a cable is not used for electrical wiring in residential buildings. For such purposes, modifications of this cable in the “ng-LS” version are suitable.

NYM

is manufactured at domestic factories using German technology and also complies with GOSTs and other technical documents on cable products. Structurally, the NYM cable consists of several copper conductors insulated with PVC plastic, longitudinal non-flammable insulation and a PVC sheath.

NYM cable has self-extinguishing properties and, when burned, emits a small amount of smoke that does not contain harmful components. It can be used to connect household appliances and electrical wiring in residential buildings.

Common wire brands: PVS, ShVVP, PVVP, PUNP

are not used when installing electrical wiring and connecting powerful electrical appliances for the following reasons:

PVS

– has a multi-wire core, which is why it can heat up more, which leads to wear of the insulation and, as a result, to a short circuit.

ShVVP, PVVP

– do not have non-flammable insulation, and also have a short service life due to the stranded core and thin insulation.

PUNP

– not suitable for modern loads due to their high power for this type of cable. These brands of wires can only be used to replace the power cord for a washing machine. There is a frequent situation when the standard length of wire from the washing machine to the outlet is not enough.

Expert opinion

It-Technology, Electrical power and electronics specialist

Ask questions to the “Specialist for modernization of energy generation systems”

Connecting a washing machine via an extension cord Scientists note that compared to the last century, the activity of society has increased significantly, and therefore almost all of us have begun to feel a total lack of time to solve everyday issues. Ask, I'm in touch!

Design of plugs and sockets, their number

Depending on the design of the plug and socket, you can choose an extension cord with or without grounding. At the same time, in the version with grounding contacts and deep sockets, it will be difficult or impossible to insert plugs of Soviet electrical appliances into them. To connect not too powerful household appliances (up to 1 kW), a version with shallow sockets will be universal.

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Structurally, the forks can be cast or collapsible.

Cast forks will last longer, while collapsible ones will be easier to replace. When choosing an extension cord, take into account the fact that copies with collapsible plugs can often turn out to be counterfeit products, that is, the so-called self-propelled gun.

It is also important to choose the right degree of dust and moisture protection. For outdoor use, for example, in a garden for connecting a lawn mower or in construction for a welding machine, you need to take into account the possible ingress of water drops. In this case, you need to choose an extension cord with the highest possible degree of protection; it is marked as IPxx, where xx are the numbers and the larger they are, the more protected the device is. In the photo below you see an example of a model with lockable sockets.

There can be from 1 to 4 sockets. Less common are models with 5 or more connectors for connecting a plug. Do not buy a carrier with 4 sockets if you know for sure that you need it for a specific device and you will not connect anything else. It will last longer and be safer this way.

What to look for when choosing an extension cord

There are not always enough sockets to connect electrical appliances or they are located in a remote location. Then you have to use an extension cord or a carrier, as they are often called.

You can’t do without it at a construction site, especially when you have to work with power tools at height or somewhere in the yard.

This is an indispensable product in everyday life and work, so let’s figure out how to choose an extension cord and which one is best for connecting household appliances, power tools and other types of equipment!

Cross-section, length and type of cable

The main thing to check when choosing is how much power or current the electrical extension cord can withstand. This information should be indicated on the packaging or determined by the product itself; now we will tell you in more detail.

Sometimes people mistakenly believe that if an amperage of 16A is written on a socket or plug, then the entire extension cord will withstand this current - this is not a fact! To select the appropriate amperage, some electricians use rules like:

10 A per 1 sq. mm cross-section of conductor

And this works in most cases, albeit with minor deviations. That is, an electrical extension cord with a core cross-sectional area:

0.75 sq. mm – suitable for 6 A;
1 sq. mm – 10 A;
1.5 sq. mm – 16 A;

Extension cords of long length (from 25 or 50 meters, including those made in the form of a coil) are made with wire with a TPG cross-section of 2.5 square meters. mm. Firstly, to reduce losses, and secondly, to make the product more durable.

But for everyday tasks, such as connecting a washing machine or for a heater, it is enough to choose an extension cord 5-7 meters long with a conductor cross-section of 1.5 square meters. mm.

Electrical wire of the PVA brand is excellent for the extension cord. It has thick insulation, a round cross-section, and the gap between the cores is filled with a dielectric, which improves performance properties and resistance to damage. It bends well, but this design is quite dense and an electrical extension cord with 2.5 square meter cores. mm it turns out to be quite heavy and voluminous.

This wire is perfect for assembling an extension cord with your own hands. Electricians often use a flat cord of the ShVVP brand. Its insulation is not very thick, compared to the previous example, but it is quite suitable for installation and permanent work, while at a construction site it will quickly become unusable.

And for work in difficult conditions, it is better to choose an electrical extension cord, which is made of KG cable.

The thicker the wire, the easier it will withstand mechanical loads. But its thickness does not guarantee equally thick veins. On cheap products, there are no markings on the wire at all - beware of them.

So, first of all, the choice of an extension cord is based on the power of the equipment that you will connect to it, and the distance from its installation to the nearest outlet.

Design of plugs and sockets, their number

What does connection actually look like in modern realities?

Considering the complexity of work in the bathroom, our people have come up with several ways to circumvent the ban.

Buy a personal extension cord for only one device. In fact, another socket is also a kind of carrier, but laid in the wall according to all the rules of science.
Carrying must be of high quality and grounded! Some people make their own, while others buy them in a store. For example, it has proven itself well. Its carriers are equipped with protection; in the event of a power outage or overheating, the device will turn off and prevent expensive equipment from burning out.
Extend the cord to the required length . But here pitfalls emerge in the form of constant exposure of the door to the wire. It will gradually wear out and there will be a risk of short circuit, electric shock or fire.

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The best way is to conduct grounded wiring from the panel directly to the bathroom and not worry!

Is it possible to connect a washing machine via an extension cord?

Measure the length of the distance that was not enough to the sewer pipe (siphon) to determine the length of the tube. It’s better to buy a longer one and cut off the excess than not to cut it short. Initially, SM developers calculate the length of the drain based on the power of the pump, so adding extra meters increases the load on the pump. If the distance to the sewer is three times greater than the norm, this is fraught with pump breakdowns, stagnation of water in the hose, tank, and the appearance of an unpleasant “swampy” smell in the drum.
Measure the diameter of the drain hose. It is desirable that the diameter of the additional one coincides with the “native” one. If the extension cord is narrow, it may be torn off by the pressure and a flood may occur.

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How to choose an extension cord?

When choosing an extension cord, you need to consider two questions.

What will we connect?
Where will we connect?

The answer to the first question will help you choose an extension cord with optimal throughput, because if you buy an extension cord to charge your smartphone and then decide to connect a washing machine to it, nothing good will come of this idea.

The answer to the second question will help determine the length of the wire, because some users just need to conveniently place the new lamp in the room, while others have to pull an additional socket from the living room to the kitchen.

If you need an extension cord with a long cable, do not forget about coil devices, they will elegantly solve the problem of protruding wires.

Cable

A good, reliable extension cable should not be too thin. A thin cable, firstly, breaks easily, and secondly, the cross-section of such a wire is unlikely to be larger than 0.5 mm 2, which means it can no longer be connected to demanding devices and high-power devices.

Block

Plastic is a typical material for extension cords and this does not mean that this is a bad and low-quality device. It is important that the block is not fragile and has a grounding contact.

Bandwidth

Extension cords have a capacity of 6A, 10A, 16A or 32A. A 6A extension cord is suitable for a lamp, and for connecting a refrigerator or welding machine, the larger the better.

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Number of sockets

Depends on individual needs: two, three or four. The main thing to remember is that if you connect devices to all sockets, the total power of the connected devices may exceed the maximum load of a household extension cord and it will fail.

How to choose an extension cord: characteristics

Electrical extension cords are produced by industry in various versions: with one socket in a block or several, as well as a switch, voltage indicator, residual current devices (RCDs) or without them.

Since the washing machine operates in conditions of high humidity, there is a possibility of water getting on live parts. This determines increased requirements for the electrical safety of the extension cord in contact with equipment.

Features to look for when choosing an extension cord for your washing machine:

Cross section, length of wire, material from which it is made.

The thickness of the core is calculated based on the power of the washing machine: for example, for a load of 2.5 kW, the current strength at a voltage of 220 V will be 2500/220 = 11.4 A. This means that the cable will be required taking into account starting surges of 16 A, which corresponds to the cross-section of the copper wire 1.5 mm². Please note that aluminum is not used in the manufacture of extension cords.

In this case, the optimal length of the device should not be less than 3–7 m.

Socket block, equipped with grounding.

Large household appliances already place a heavy load on the extension cord, so the number of sockets in the extension cord should be minimal - 1 connector is enough. The presence of a grounding wire in this case is mandatory. It is distinguished by its double yellow-green color.

Plug for connection to a fixed socket.

Most often, in extension cords there are non-separable models of plugs with two power pins and two grounding brackets. The device protection class must be IP20 - against moisture and dust, IP44 - against splashes.

Electrical short circuit protection device.

The circuit breaker is a device built into the carrier that can absorb electrical surges. It is equipped with one main fuse - a fuse, and two additional ones: fast-acting and thermal.

When choosing an extension cord for a washing machine, preference should be given to well-known domestic and foreign manufacturers.

It should be borne in mind that the price for a product with grounding is twice as high as for a similar device without it.

The whole truth about the residual current device

An RCD is a system for emergency blocking of electricity in a circuit built into the carrying case. When an overload occurs for various reasons, the opening and de-energizing mechanism is triggered. The device is ideal for use as a construction tool, but according to the rules it is contraindicated for a washing machine. She is a big energy consumer!

Ideally, the machine should be supplied with a high-quality cable of suitable cross-section! The power peak occurs during the spin cycle; it is at this moment that incorrect wiring causes heating and overload.

In the event of any failure in the network, the RCD will operate and prevent the equipment from permanently breaking down. But there are several reasons why you shouldn’t take the risk:

Sometimes a current breaks through the body of the equipment. If you touch it at this moment, the RCD will work with a delay, and the person will already need emergency medical care.
Overloading will ignite weak wiring and sockets. Protection prevents fire only half of the time...
A sudden change in the electrical circuit can completely burn out the filter and even the control board in a split second. The RCD may not have time to react!

Yes, no one denies the usefulness of automatic protection. It should not be ignored, it is she who saves expensive devices from power surges, but constantly relying on it and connecting powerful units is dangerous.

Once again, we come to the conclusion that it is not worth the risk of relying on portable sockets. It is no coincidence that the manufacturers wrote in the instructions about the ban! You can't ignore the rules. Just call an experienced technician, buy a good cable and a high-quality socket with water protection, and then wash your clothes in complete safety.

Should an extension cord have an RCD?

Many modern extension cords have a built-in de-energizing system. This function is called an RCD, that is, a residual current device. The mechanism is triggered when overloaded. Contrary to the misconceptions of ordinary people, an extension cord for a washing machine should not have an RCD.

Since the machine is not connected as it should, the protection system in the carrier will not work correctly. Problems and malfunctions can occur during spinning and when heating water, since it is during these processes that the machine produces a peak of power. Most likely, the RCD will not work, or will react with great delay. If household appliances are used incorrectly, and through an adapter with a long cable and built-in power outage protection, accidents may occur. If there is an overload, the wiring and socket will light up first, so protection here is also useless. And besides, if a voltage drop burns out the filter and control board, the machine itself will turn off.

Remember that the safest way to connect a washing machine is through a grounded outlet with good quality wiring. In other cases, be extremely careful.