I bought an LG Dishwasher on the Internet a few days ago, saving £135
on the Comet price.

I am absolutely delighted with my purchase but puzzled by the
Electrical Connection instruction which says:

'Do not use an extension cord or double adapter'.

Why on earth not? (No pun intended).

The lead provided does not reach the socket, so I AM using an
extension (with a fused plug).

But if the instruction is valid, why don't other suppliers follow
suit?

(Or maybe they do and I've never noticed).

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Clarification of Question by probonopublico-ga on 08 Dec 2002 08:47 PST

Hi, Owain

I believe that you are spot on with your answer. 

(My extension lead was earthed and it also had a 13 amp fuse.)

Thanks also for news of the news group.

Please post your comment as an answer, and collect the rewards.

Kindest regards

Bryan

Washing machines consume pretty much the full 13A supplied by a UK 13A
outlet. Many extension leads are only rated at 5A. Washing machines
also need to be earthed, and many extension leads are only two-core.
Advising against using an extension lead is more straightforward than
trying to explain to non-technical end users which types of extension
lead are suitable and which aren't.

Much the same reasoning applies to double adapters.

It's probably more to do with avoiding any legal liability than for
purely technical reasons.

There is a newsgroup that deals with this type of question at
news:uk.d-i-y

Owain

There are 2 other concerns I can think of, both related to a fire
hazard. A lot of extension leads are on drums so that they can be
rolled / unrolled. They should always be used unrolled (but often
aren't) to prevent them getting too hot. With a high current this
becomes even more important. The other issue is with the increased
electrical resistance at each connection. If the connection isn't
perfect it will get hot. There have been cases of building fires
started by loose connector blocks.

Ian G.

Hi,

Thanks, Ian G

I was aware of the danger of using coiled extension leads but thanks again anyway.

BTW ... I am delighted with the new machine.

Kindest regards

Bryan

I'm not actually signed up as a Researcher, but thanks for the kind comment. Owain