Slngle outlet converted to double, suitable for fridge freezer and a washer dryer

[Wyleecoyote]

I’ve recently discovered, that a single socket outlet in my kitchen, which I intend to plug a washer dryer into, which currently also supplies power to my fridge freezer, had been converted to a surface mount double socket, apparently the tenant before had separate under counter fridge & freezer.

The double surface mount back plate actually fixes around the existing singe socket and is screwed onto the original single socket backplate and the double face plate affixes as normal.

The consumer unit trip switch is rated at 32 amp for all the sockets in my property, two of which I use for electric heaters.

Would it be safe to use this surface mount double socket to power my fridge freezer and a washer dryer, without overloading the circuit ?

 

[AndyPRK]

Yes

 

[blup]

Yes, its common for such conversions to take place, assuming its all wired up safely

 

[Jurassicspark]

The dryer won't be using the full current during its operation. The compressor of the fridge may not be on while the dryer is in use.

Even if they are simultaneously on, it's still not a problem.

 

[ericmark]

This is the UK, where we have fuses in plugs, and except for very close to the consumer unit with ring final, and incorrect wiring, we can't overload a circuit. If we try, either a fuse will rupture, or an overload will trip.

In the USA they can overload their circuits, and also some countries in Europe, but our design in the main will not permit us to overload a circuit.

However, our regulations in the appendix does recommend any fixed appliance over 2 kW should be on a dedicated circuit, it says this because it takes time for anything to over heat, and portable equipment tends not to be used for long enough for there to be a problem. We do connect the immersion heater to a dedicated supply, but a washing machine, dishwasher etc, even if technically over 2 kW and not portable, use the heater for such a short time, there is no real problem.

The modern heat pump tumble drier only uses about 600 watt, so also not a problem.

The heating element tumble drier however can use over 2 kW for a long time, I say can, as my old vented drier had the option of running with 1 kW so again no problem, but be it vented or heat exchanger where elements are used for the heater, the plug should be in free air, so the fuse in the plug can cool, or fan assisted in the case of some ovens, so if in free air we should be able to check the plug and see if over heating, plugs always get hot, but you should be able to touch the plug, over heating is mainly due to a poor connection, be it the pins, fuse, or terminals, and when unplugging or plugging in often there are signs if it has been overheating.

Where the problem arises is where the plug is hard to access and left plugged in for years without any inspection. And even as an electrician, guilty as charged, I rarely pull out the dishwasher, washing machine or tumble drier and check the plug. But if no signs show after a month, then the three-year test landlords are now required to do, should find any problems.

So although can't simply say yes no problem, it is very unlikely you will have a problem, and at the end of the day, you really have no option but use the double outlet, I have my washing machine and vented tumble drier in the same double socket for years, and nothing went wrong, but did not leave unattended.

Today with a washing machine and drier with off-peak supply, yes I do run overnight, but the drier is heat pump type, so unlikely to cause a problem.

 

[Wyleecoyote]

Yes, its common for such conversions to take place, assuming its all wired up safely

The single socket conversion to a double was fitted before I moved in and I never gave it a second thought.
It has passed regular electrical test carried out by the Housing Association.

I only discovered it had been converted to a double socket as the surface mount backplate was slightly lose and I removed the faceplate to tighten it, I never disconnected any wires.

 

[Wyleecoyote]

ericmark, thanks for your very thorough reply.

If I had not discovered the single socket had been converted to a double, I wouldn’t have posted my question on here and I would have used the sockets regardless.

The electric heaters are 2000w and are very rarely used at the same time, there’s one in the bedroom and the others in the living room and sometimes, there’s an overlap of use at bedtime.

The electric heater in the living room is used constantly whilst I’m in my home and when I get the Washer dryer, there will be a time when it’ll be in use when ONE of the electric heater is also in use.

As for the double socket in the kitchen, it’s directly behind the fridge freezer, so not easily accessible to touch or check the plugs for overheating, once the fridge freezes is in front of it.

Thanks

 

[AndyPRK]

Thinking about it. There are 2 ways to convert them.

You remove the old socket, fit a special back box converter which has a single square hole in the back. This is ok.

Or. You buy a conversation. Which is a plug socket in the back and just plugs into the existing socket.

Which is it

 

[blup]

The single socket conversion to a double was fitted before I moved in and I never gave it a second thought.
It has passed regular electrical test carried out by the Housing Association.

I only discovered it had been converted to a double socket as the surface mount backplate was slightly lose and I removed the faceplate to tighten it, I never disconnected any wires.

Same in an out cables whether dingle or double socket. You could chase out a double back box if you want it flush

 

[Wyleecoyote]

It has already been converted.
It’s one of these:

Single To Double Wall Socket Converter Surface Adaptor Box & 2 Gang 13A Outlet | eBay

13A Single To Twin Socket Converter Back Box With. Double Gang Switched socket. CONVERTS A SINGLE FLUSH MOUNTED SOCKET INTO A DOUBLE SURFACE MOUNTED SOCKET. Depth from wall of 28mm.

www.ebay.co.uk

 

[AndyPRK]

That is good then

 

[Wyleecoyote]

Same in an out cables whether dingle or double socket. You could chase out a double back box if you want it flush

It’s already been fitted over the original single socket and onto a breeze block wall.

The original single socket is recessed into the wall and would have been flush fitted, like all the other socket within the property

There’s no need for it to be flush fitted, especially with the fridge freezer in front of it.

 

[ericmark]

Personally, I would use the double, and I would reduce checking if no faults found. But I live in my own house, so for me easy to modify home to suit my needs.

 

[Wyleecoyote]

Yeah, it’s my intention to use the existing double socket conversion, it only became a concern when I discovered it was originally a single socket, but it’s been like that for years and I’ve only ever used one outlet for the fridge freezer.