2kw water heater and washing machine off same socket

[dpenning]

My mothers old Victorian house has had many botched electrical jobs over the years which i have had to put right recently
the top of the house has always had lodgers and she had a under sink heater put in (ok as it was installed by my qualified brother 20 years ago)
I replaced it with a 2kw ariston water heater as this could be plugged into a 2 gang 13amp socket without any need to put an additional circuit in
My conundrum is that she now wants to put a washing machine on the same socket that has been spurred of the ring main.
As it would be a cold feed washing machine i feel that when heating this would not be a good idea if both running at the same time.
would it be ok if the spur was made part of the ring main, alternatively what better options are there if this is not advisable

 

[EFLImpudence]

It will be fine with a double socket unless the washing machine has a far higher than usual heating element.

 

[ericmark]

I would also say fine with washer, but not washer/drier. With an inverter drive washing machine used on a boat it would found even through rated 2.4 kW it would run from a B type 6 amp MCB, but would trip a 4 amp version. Washing machines today use that little water the heater is only on for a very short time, so it is not a problem. However that is not the case with a drier, be it washer/drier or stand alone drier they are likely only exceeded in long term current draw by the immersion heater.

 

[WhydidIstart]

I agree with what has been said. A double 13A socket only has to be manufactured to handle 13A total load (not per socket) which I find strange, but that's the way it seems to be. Quality sockets can usually handle more than 13A, but not usually 26A sustained and cheaper ones don't always fair well with much over 13A sustained. However as has already been said, neither the washing machine nor water heater are likely to both be on for prolonged periods of time. Good point re the washer/dryer though as that would be likely to draw more current for longer.


So it will most likely be fine. I guess if you wanted 'belt and braces' then yes making your spur part of the ring and then adding a second socket for the new washing machine, or adding a FCU for the water heater and using the now free socket for the washing machine would be one solution.

 

[PrenticeBoyofDerry]

Belt, braces, zipped up fly with buttons. Would be to extend the ring final, so both appliances have a single outlet for power.
But the existing set-up should not be a cause of danger/hazard under normal operation, providing that is that the correct CSA of cable has been used for the unfused spur.

Although it is not something I would recommend, having two high output appliances on a DG socket outlet.

 

[OwainDIYer]

Another option may be a sink/bath switch
https://www.electricalguys.co.uk/scolmore-20a-double-pole-switch-with-neon-sink-bath-cma024.html
so you can have either the waterheater or the washing machine, but not both.

 

[stillp]

A double 13A socket only has to be manufactured to handle 13A total load (not per socket)

That's not what the BS states.