FCU for Washing Machine - replace with socket?

[MidsTW]

My washing machine has broken… had it over 6 years so not bad.

Pulled it out tonight and unsurprisingly it’s hardwired into an FCU. The washer/dishwasher/fridge freezer all go back to a switch plate.

My new washer is coming with a plug and I’m trying to weigh up cutting off the plug and wiring it in or replacing the FCU with a socket.

Have to say, the initial installation looks shoddy.

I have 2 young children so I am eager to get it fixed but don’t want to go down the wrong route.
I’ll have to disconnect it tonight anyway but the new one will be here tomorrow.

 

[ericmark]

Personally I would use a plug and socket, makes maintenance easier.

 

[Harry Bloomfield]

Personally I would use a plug and socket, makes maintenance easier.

The usual reason to use a flex outlet, rather than a plug and socket, is the latter taking up more space. Front to back space is often at a premium, behind appliances. So this would be something the OP should check, before deciding to swap it for a socket...

Alternatively, sockets are sometimes fitted in adjacent cupboards, with the plug fed through a side hole in the cupboard.

What ever the OP decides to do, it would be worth the OP buying a small bag of plaster, and patching some of those holes.

 

[MidsTW]

Thanks guys. There are about 8 holes where it looks like someone has gone hunting for the back box with an hammer after it has been boarded over.

I might be able to tidy up around the socket but I was a bit nervous because the face plate doesn’t sit against the back box. Is this a big problem?

Regarding the space.. good point. I’ll probably have to wait to see the back of the new one to see if it will be a problem.

Think my preference will be to swap to a socket, but if that fails I’ll swap back to the FCU.

Looks like it’s a 25mm back box but the gap between brick is ~40mm so shall i just swap to a 35mm?

 

[Taylortwocities]

Think my preference will be to swap to a socket, but if that fails I’ll swap back to the FCU.

Sometimes a plug and socket means that the appliance cannot be pushed back far enough. Maybe that is why an fcu was used.

Looks like it’s a 25mm back box but the gap between brick is ~40mm so shall i just swap to a 35mm?

That whole thing is such a mess, best rout would be to take the existing box out, fit a 35mm (good idea) and make the gaping hole good with filler. Then the socket faceplate will be properly flush with the wall.

 

[MidsTW]

Yeah I will get the space for the plug once the new unit arrives today. If it doesn’t fit I’m still inclined to swap the back box and make it neater.

 

[Harry Bloomfield]

Looks like it’s a 25mm back box but the gap between brick is ~40mm so shall i just swap to a 35mm?

Yes, good idea, it might also be your chance to move it and swap to socket, into an adjacent cupboard,

 

[Taylortwocities]

Yes, good idea, it might also be your chance to move it and swap to socket, into an adjacent cupboard,

Yes. I don't like sockets and fuses behind heavy appliances. Washing machines are bloomin heavy. Even heavier when they are full of water and wet clothes.
Come the day that the fuse goes mid cycle and you are stuck.

 

[Ragnar_AT]

In Ireland they usually put an FCU in an accessible spot and put a BS546 or Schuko plug onto the appliance so there‘s no inaccessible fuses I‘ve been told. A BS1363 socket in an accessible spot is even better in my opinion.

 

[MidsTW]

I do have a switch on the plate in the kitchen so I can turn it off if there is a problem.

Might have to put the socket in for now and push back as far as I can until I have time to relocate the socket.

 

[Taylortwocities]

I do have a switch on the plate in the kitchen so I can turn it off if there is a problem.

AH. You didnt mention that. Is there a grid switch also with a fuse for the washing machine??

 

[MidsTW]

I think it’s just a plain grid switch, the fuse is just at the FCU.

 

[Taylortwocities]

I think it’s just a plain grid switch, the fuse is just at the FCU.

Pity. I see now why it is a fused plate.....OK, carry on as before.

 

[MidsTW]

Thanks. Hopefully it fits when I’ve changed it to the socket with plug.

 

[JohnD]

I do have a switch on the plate in the kitchen so I can turn it off if there is a problem.

Might have to put the socket in for now and push back as far as I can until I have time to relocate the socket.

There are often pipes behind a washer so it does not push all the way to the wall

They are usually about 600mm wide and 600mm deep. How big is the space?

IME appliance plugfuses blow approximately zero times per year, and this figure does not increase when the plug is behind the appliance. I am guessing your washer can get dragged in and out, it is not built-in.