One Wall Socket - Options for Running Washer and Dryer Together

virhlpool on 31/03/2022 - 11:34
Last edited 31/03/2022 - 12:05

Hi all.. I have only one wall socket in my laundry area (https://imgur.com/a/anLeD8D) where I have been using the washing machine. I need to use a dryer in the same area now (power details: https://imgur.com/a/6fjgpb6). Can you please recommend the best options? Since it's an rental unit, I would prefer if I can buy some sort of a heavy duty extension board with two plug sockets instead of making any modifications in the wall socket itself if at all that's a feasible option. I have been reading mixed commentary on internet about usage or both washer and dryer together.

For info, this is the washing machine model but I couldn't find its power consumption details since the sticker is damaged at the back: https://www.lg.com/au/washing-machines/lg-WD12021D6

I will appreciate your feedback.

Electrical & Electronics

Comments

  • Muzeeb on 31/03/2022 - 11:38
    +1

    Looks like a pretty old socket and likely old wiring behind it.

    Personally, not scientifically, I would run two units at the same time. Especially dryers that can draw some pretty high wattage.

    Just get a double adaptor to save switching plugs.

    • virhlpool on 31/03/2022 - 11:40

      As you mentioned, if the wiring is old inside the socket/ wall, then double adaptor won't help.. right? Oh, you mean adaptor just two save switching the plugs but still use one at a time.

      • Muzeeb on 31/03/2022 - 11:43
        +2

        It's more for convenience so you're not switching plugs all the time.

        The heat pump only draws 850W so it's probably doable but I wouldn't risk it not knowing what wiring is behind the wall. Do you really need to run both at once? Do you have access to air dry outside?

        I would run two units at the same time.

        Edit: I wouldn't run two units at the same time.

        • virhlpool on 31/03/2022 - 11:48

          Can you link an example of such an adaptor? Unless it has individual switch for each socket, I will still need to plug on and off to run any one at a time.

          • Muzeeb on 31/03/2022 - 11:49
            +2

            @virhlpool: sure

            • virhlpool on 31/03/2022 - 11:51

              @Muzeeb: Oh, gotcha. Basically relying on on/off switch of washer/ dryer. Couldn't it be a bit risky though (having both plugged into this adaptor) since the power is still drawn till the machine from the wall socket though machine itself is off?

              • Muzeeb on 31/03/2022 - 11:53
                +2

                @virhlpool: Minimal risk. It can handle 2400w but I would not run both units at the same time.

  • Hybroid on 31/03/2022 - 11:42

    Pretty much any of these would be fine as even the base one does 2400W which you're not likely to exceed. Cheaper on Amazon of course.

    https://www.belkin.com/au/support-article?articleNum=111702

    Would be far more worried about that actual old power socket feeding both same time though.

    • virhlpool on 31/03/2022 - 11:45

      Would be far more worried about that actual old power socket feeding both same time though.

      Well, that's my worry too based on other comments I have read elsewhere. However, some people say it works fine. A bit confusing for a not-so-electrical-savvy mind. Obviously, the low risk option will be to run only one at a time even with an individual switch adaptor as per the first comment so I don't have to keep switching plugs.

  • djsweet on 31/03/2022 - 11:42
    +1

    Depends how much current the machines pull. If its a vented dryer it could be a lot, and overload the single socket. I would personally just give it a go and see if it trips the breaker or not.

    • virhlpool on 31/03/2022 - 11:43

      Thanks. It's a heat pump dryer and I have included the consumption label in my post.

      • Settero on 31/03/2022 - 11:57

        I use a heat pump dryer and my washer from a single socket at the same time with a double adapter , building is from the 70's pretty sure wiring was never updated and not had a issue.

  • Typical16-bitEnjoyer on 31/03/2022 - 11:46
    -1

    https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/682363

    /s

    (OP it should be fine. If it trips, you'll have to alternate use, use an extension cord or move the dryer elsewhere)

  • JimB on 31/03/2022 - 11:53

    850w of power for the dryer + say 2,400w max for the washing machine.

    You'll be fine.

    • Muzeeb on 31/03/2022 - 11:56

      850+2400= 3250W through a single GPO???

      You'll be fine.

      Really

      • Typical16-bitEnjoyer on 31/03/2022 - 11:57
        +1

        Fine as in, won't die. Not won't trip a circuit lol.

      • JimB on 31/03/2022 - 12:01
        +2

        In the real world it will be fine. It's not going it be overloaded for 24/7, just for short periods when the washing machine is heating the water.

        Cables/circuit will be rated for 16amps.

        They build in margins.

        • Muzeeb on 31/03/2022 - 12:03

          Ok. I don't have the latest washing machine but since when do they heat water? I thought they draw hot water from the hot water outlet for a hot wash cycle.

          • skid on 31/03/2022 - 12:06
            +3

            @Muzeeb: The latest (last 15 years) washing machines have the option of warming up the cold water, using the cold water outlet only.

            This LG one has a hot water inlet. It also has a thermostat to heat up the water in case the water isn't at the right temperature.

            • Muzeeb on 31/03/2022 - 12:09
              +3

              @skid: Just googled this and saw the LG with built in heater.

              Today I learnt. Mind blown

              Can't wait to tell my wife. Not that she does the washing anyway.

              We have a roughly 15yo F&P intuitive Q washer that just keeps going and washes so well. Can't wait til she dies now (the washer not the wife).

              • Typical16-bitEnjoyer on 31/03/2022 - 12:18
                +1

                @Muzeeb:

                15yo F&P intuitive Q washer

                You have a unicorn. They used to have control panels die left right and centre lol.

              • JimB on 31/03/2022 - 12:21

                @Muzeeb: lol.. I guess you learn something new everyday.

                Today I learned that front loaders CAN have a hot water input. I always thought they exclusively had a cold water input only.

                • No on 31/03/2022 - 12:42

                  @JimB: I specifically bought one with a hot water inlet cause I have solar hot water.

                  It turns out it just uses the cold tap unless I run it on a 90 degree cycle. Kinda annoying but makes sense I guess!

                  • Nousernamehere on 31/03/2022 - 12:59
                    +1

                    @No:

                    It turns out it just uses the cold tap unless I run it on a 90 degree cycle. Kinda annoying but makes sense I guess!

                    That seems such a waste and a stupid design flaw.

                    I purchased a F&P WH8060P2 last year mostly because it did have a hot and cold water intake. Any temperature apart from ‘cold’ uses the hot water tap as well as the cold. I’d be so annoyed if it only did it at 90C like yours!

                  • JimB on 31/03/2022 - 14:07

                    @No: That's annoying.

                    Do you wash at 90deg often?

                    I also have solar hot water too. Next time I buy a machine, I'd seek one that can also accept hot water at lower wash temp.

                    Just wondering, how do you know if it's using hot or cold or is it specified in the manual?

                    • No on 31/03/2022 - 14:45

                      @JimB: By holding the pipes when its running and I have a wifi power plug so I can see the power consumption ramp up right as its taking on water.

                      I think it makes sense though, if the machine doesn't use much water everything it gets from the hot tap is probably still cold as it goes into the machine.

                      I think I've washed at 90 degrees once.

                      • JimB on 31/03/2022 - 21:14

                        @No: Thanks for sharing.

                        I also thought about hooking up my dishwasher to the hot water system but figured by the time it used the 3-4 litres per part wash cycle, the hot water wouldn’t reach the machine.

    • Catullus on 31/03/2022 - 14:18
      +2

      Good one son, of course will be fine. Double adapter. If it pops, check nothing else in the place, like kettles, microwaves etc is on. Each powerpoint doesn't get it's own cable you know. Another thing worth knowing (for everyone) is that 15amp GPOs are the same as 10amp GPOs except the slots in the cover are cut bigger to accommodate the larger pins on 15amp devices. One thing though, don't waste money on hot wash, these days always cold wash.

  • skid on 31/03/2022 - 12:03
    +1

    The washing machine uses 2100W on a warm wash. 80W if it is a cold wash. I have a similar/same washing machine and measured it using a watt-o-meter.

    I wouldn't run both the dryer and washer at the same time, unless you are using cold washes only.

    • GordonD on 31/03/2022 - 12:16

      Ah, that was what I was going to suggest, that the OP spend $20 and buy a cheap watt meter and plug each device into it and go through a cycle. But you've pretty much fully answered the OP's questions. Only run the two devices at the same time if you are doing cold washes. And maybe not even then.

    • kmwa on 31/03/2022 - 15:04

      I confirm that this model of washing machine uses 2100W
      The detailed datasheet http://lg.manymanuals.com/washing-machines/wd12021d6/user-ma… says "Max.Watt : 2100 W"
      The heat pump drier is only 850W, so the maximum power running the two together will be 2950W, i.e. under 3kW, and suitable for supply by a single socket.
      However, normal 10amp double adapters are not rated for such a heavy load. They may overheat or even catch fire.
      You need a 15amp double adapter, and these are normally tradies' powerboards at about $150. The only cheap one I've found for you is this one at $36 https://itechworld.com.au/products/redback-dual-outlet-split…
      Alternatively, you could just run one machine at a time, or you could try asking the landlord to get an electrician to change the single socket to a double socket.

      • terrys on 01/04/2022 - 09:16

        "You need a 15amp double adapter, "

        One would hope that a 15 amp adaptor would come with a 15 amp plug, with a wider earth pin that a 10 amp to to prevent it being used to feed 15 amp equipment from a 10 amp socket!

        You don't increase the performance of a Yaris by putting a Ferrari petrol tank in.

  • brad1-8tsi on 31/03/2022 - 13:02

    Just use a powerboard. They have a rudimentary overload switch on them.

    The wall socket is rated 10amp.

    The dryer pulls 850/240= 3.6amps

    I believe the washing machine will be 8-9 amp draw.

    Personally I wouldn't run both at once as that's a very old GPO (1960s) and I assume the wiring behind is of similar vintage.

  • 2esc on 01/04/2022 - 09:33
    -1

    I think your overthinking this just get a double adapter.

  • OzHunterNSW on 01/04/2022 - 17:39
    -2

    Just wait……. use one at a time….. what can't you work that out

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