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washing machine plug heating up

9 replies

QueenBoudicea · 10/02/2013 10:05

just noticed today that the washing machine plug is overheating when the washing machine is on.

if I just change the fuse will it be ok? washing machine is mid cycle so can't do anything immediately but watching like a hawk in case it starts to smoke.
help!

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lljkk · 10/02/2013 11:22

Has it finished okay now?

Can you actually take it apart and change the fuse, is it that old, lost of modern plugs don't easily come part now.

DH reckons the wiring's bad inside or something (dust, wood shavings?) is inside slightly cooking, if it's more than mildly warm to the touch. not just a fuse problem.

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PigletJohn · 10/02/2013 20:02

it won't be the fuse.

most likely one of the wires inside the plug is not connected sufficiently tightly to its terminal. You might be able to tighten it, but examine the copper wire and the brass terminal for heat damage. If it is darkened, then it needs to be cut back (if wire) or thrown away (if brass) so that the connection can be remade with bright metal.

It is also possible that there is a loose connection of the same type inside the socket.

If it is a double socket, and you have been plugging two heavy-load appliances at the same time, for example a washer and a drier, then the socket itself will tend to overheat and should be replaced with new. For other reasons a double socket is not specified to carry two 13A loads at the same time.

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Mandy2003 · 11/02/2013 21:20

I was concerned about this and as I was having a fire safety visit from the fire service I got them to look at the blackened plug and socket

They said "wouldn't you look like that if you'd had that amount of electricity running through you for 5 years?" Which is quite true - they said nothing wrong, just worn out. I replaced the plug with a black rubber one (more heavy duty) from Dyas's and it seems fine now.

Plus what PigletJohn says!

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QueenBoudicea · 12/02/2013 06:59

thanks - will have a look at the plug today.
it only seemed to be overheating when the wash load was on - seemed to cool right down by the end of the wash.
I suspect the heating element has gone which I need to.investigate.
will be watching it like a hawk today.

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PigletJohn · 12/02/2013 09:49

the heavy load is when it is heating the water. The motor uses little power.

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QueenBoudicea · 12/02/2013 16:24

Right - I've opened up the plug and the brown wire (Is that the live one?) is melted into plug.

Can I just change the plug as a temp measure?

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QueenBoudicea · 12/02/2013 16:25

It is a single socket btw so it is only the washing machine that is plugged into it.

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PigletJohn · 12/02/2013 17:48

you need a new plug, and you need to cut away the heat-damaged part of the wire

buy a plug by a well-known UK maker - such as MK or Crabtree or a Duraplug - not an unbranded supermarket one.

Tighten the screws with a screwdriver that fits, and after a week, tighten them again. This is because copper is a soft metal and will squash slightly.

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QueenBoudicea · 12/02/2013 19:22

Brilliant - thank you - all done!

Will run a short wash and monitor progress...

Have had to use a cheap plug for now, but will replace asap