How to choose and install a socket for a washing machine

Socket for washing machine When installing a washing machine, it is extremely important to connect it correctly. It must be connected to water, sewer and electricity. A high-quality connection will help your household appliances work for a long time and perform their functions correctly. In this article we will talk about how best to connect our machine to the network.

In order to do this efficiently, it is necessary to use special machines that automatically turn off when there is a short circuit. It is also important to choose high-quality wiring and use a special socket.

Washing machine power

First, we need to find out the power that our washing machine uses. If you plan to connect any other electrical appliances to this outlet that will work in parallel with the washing machine, then they also need to be taken into account. We find out the power of all electricity consumers on this outlet group, then add them and get the total power. Based on it, we must decide which cross-section of wires is suitable for our group and which machine we will install.

If you do not want to make your own calculations and understand all these things, then you can simply come to a specialized store and consult a consultant. Good stores have highly qualified staff. And if you are lucky enough to get into such a store, then they will answer all your questions and help you choose the necessary wires, sockets, machines, etc.

You can also call a specialized online store.Usually, goods from an online store are delivered directly to your home. And in this case, you don’t even have to go anywhere.

Let's start with the calculations

A typical machine uses about 2-3 thousand watts. If a water heater is connected to the same outlet group, which also needs 2-3 thousand W. And in addition, a hairdryer will be periodically used there, which needs 1.5-2 thousand watts. Then the total power will be over 6 kW. Such an abundance of electrical appliances can lead to increased heating of standard wires. The usual wires used for wiring are copper and have a cross-section of 2.5 sq. mm. Therefore, we need a wire with a larger cross-section.

By the way, the most suitable way to maximize the safety of the wiring to the washing machine would be a separate independent line, with its own automatic circuit breaker (RCD). It would also be optimal to choose a throne wire that has grounding. You can install a separate machine in the panel. And even better is an automatic circuit breaker and a 20-amp residual current device.

Washing machine connection diagram

Which socket is suitable for a washing machine?

The socket for our machine must be protected from water. When you purchase it, ask them to sell you the one that has the highest degree of protection against moisture. For example, a product marked ip55 is suitable.

Typically, such sockets include a special protective cover and curtains. They have additional sealing material that prevents water from penetrating inside. You can also find an outlet with a built-in RCD (residual current device).

When you choose a location for a future outlet, it is better to choose one that is located away from the sink, bathtub, taps and water pipes.According to safety rules, these items should be no closer than 60 centimeters from the outlet. You should also not place the socket on those walls where there is often condensation. The height of the place you choose to locate the outlet must exceed the height of the washing machine itself by at least fifteen centimeters. This option is the safest.