In our utility, i have a double socket. it has a double plug inwhich has a washer and an extension lead which has a freezer attached and a tumble dryer. The tumble dryer plug socket has burnt out. why? is it just simple over loading?

Phil, January 2010

hi Jim here , i agree with adam but with an addition check to see if the wire on the extension is thinner than the wire on the tumble dryer if it is then this could be the cause of the socket getting hot and burning out , if you are using an extension cable on anyelectrical apliace it should be totaly unrolled so as not to create an E.M.F. in the coil which could get very hot and also burn out

jim, January 2010

Not necessarily "just simple" (ie 2 appliances with 13A fuses sharing one socket) - there could be a high resistance joint between the socket and the extension lead.
If the socket has signs of overheating it will need changing anyway, so you can check the condition of the cables behind it while you're doing that.
Also check the condition of the plug to the extension lead inside and out (the bit of cardboard which manufacturers seem to insist on putting around the pins is supposed to be removed before you use the plug).

Depending on the current requirements of each appliance I would probably have the freezer on one socket and the washer and drier on the other, but only use one at a time.

Adam, January 2010