Can I plug my washing machine into a regular outlet?

Is it possible to plug a washing machine into a regular outlet? When connecting a washing machine, it is important to properly connect the communications. We are talking not only about water supply and sewerage, but also about electricity supply. As one of the largest consumers of electricity, the machine needs a line that is suitable in terms of power and security. It is not always possible to organize a separate point - sometimes all that remains is to connect the washing machine to a regular outlet. Is this option safe, and what alternatives are there?

How do you know if the socket is good?

Sockets are not divided into ordinary and unusual - a different approach is needed here. The power point must be suitable for the washing machine and the room in terms of power, size and protection class. In order for the machine to receive uninterrupted and sufficient power, the line must first be checked for compliance with safety requirements and operational characteristics of the equipment. We are talking about seven points.

Remoteness. The power cord of the washing machine must be plugged into the outlet without tension or “intermediaries”. As a rule, the wire is designed for a distance of 1.5-1.8 m. It is unsafe to use extension cords - only direct connection.
Proportionality. The power cord plug must fit into the outlet so that the diameter of the pins matches the holes. Adapters and tees must be discarded.
Load. The washing machine needs a separate line. If, together with the machine, you plug in other powerful household appliances, a refrigerator, a microwave, an oven, into a double socket, then the electrical network will not withstand the load. It is better not to take risks and exclude the simultaneous power supply of several devices from one point.
Grounding.The connection point for the washing machine must have a grounding connection, and ideally a separate RCD.

The socket for the washing machine must be grounded and protected from moisture!

Number of cores If the washing wire has three cores, then the socket must have the corresponding number of terminals.
Power. The socket must match the power of the washing machine. This parameter must be indicated in the factory instructions of the machine or on the labeling. So, for equipment with a consumption of 2 kW, a point of at least 10 Amps is selected, and for more powerful units - 16 Amps.
Protection. When operating the washing machine in a bathroom or other room with high humidity, you must use special sockets. Thus, elements with a moisture-proof housing, flap cover or curtain are selected.

If the socket does not suit at least one point, then it is better not to risk it. It is much safer to extend a separate line and organize a new electrical point. Let's look at how to do this on our own below.

We collect everything you need

Modern washing machines are sensitive to voltage changes, so it is better not to connect the machine to a “regular” outlet. It is much safer to organize a new outlet for connection. Ideally, you should invite a qualified electrician, but if you have experience and tools, you can do it yourself. First of all, prepare the materials:

socket (it is better to choose moisture-protected options with one socket);
three-core copper wire of the required length and with a cross-section of 2.5 cm;
socket box;
RCD or automatic device for 10-16 Amperes;
terminals;
cable channel made of rubber or silicone and brackets for fixing it;
cement (about 1 kg).

If you plan to turn on the washing machine in the bathroom, you should install an outlet with a moisture-proof housing.

Tools you will need:

a hammer drill with an attachment for a socket box or a grinder;
chisel;
hammer;
roulette;
marker.

All of the above is necessary for making grooves in the walls, organizing a channel and a hole for a socket box. If the rooms have concrete partitions, then you should prepare a grinder, and for brick ones, a chisel is enough.

Installation of a new socket

Let us repeat once again that only specialists should be involved in setting up a new power line. It is better for “beginners” not to get into the panel and sockets - without experience and knowledge of safety precautions, they can be seriously injured. You can't take risks, the stakes are too high. If you have no doubts about your own strengths and skills, you can proceed to installing the socket. The first step is to think over a plan for laying communications and apply appropriate markings on the wall. We determine the height of the future groove and the location of the hole for the point. The lines should be bold and noticeable.

Before any electrical manipulations, it is necessary to turn off the power to the apartment!

Then we proceed like this:

de-energize the apartment;
install the nozzle under the socket box on the hammer drill;
we drill a “niche” for the future outlet;
Using a grinder, hammer drill or chisel, we make grooves of suitable depth;
We install an RCD or automatic circuit breaker in the panel under the washing machine;
We fix the cable channel in the groove;
we stretch the wire along the groove channel from the shield to the hole for the socket box;
we fill the hole with a thin layer of cement and fix the “glass” under the socket on it;
we stretch the wiring into the socket box (it is recommended to leave a reserve so that in the future you do not have to build up the wires when replacing them);
we install a rosette mechanism in the glass;
we connect the wiring to the socket terminals;
snap the outer housing of the socket into place.

The final stage is sealing the grooves with cement and leveling the walls. Once the construction work is completed, the inspection can begin. It is too risky to turn on a washing machine to a new point; it is better to “sacrifice” a less valuable electrical appliance. We restore the current supply to the apartment and insert the plug into the socket. If everything is in order, then we start the machine. The RCD did not respond? Then the installation was successful - the adjustment of the power line was completed.