Julian
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 posted on 19/5/04 at 01:30 AM |
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Washing machine problem
I recently bought in Languedoc and took over my washing machine from the UK.
I plugged it in to find that the power light flickers, and it will not start a load.
Is the 220-240 volts an problem?
Can I buy a transformer?
Any other suggestions other than the expensive obvious?
Julian
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Priscilia
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![[*]](./images/xpsilver/default_icon.gif) posted on 19/5/04 at 08:51 PM |
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I'm French so I don't know so much about english washing machines but I think some need hot water as well as cold which is not the case in
France, could that be your problem?
As far as power everything electrical that I brought back from Ireland which has same electrics as UK always worked fine in France.
Priscilia
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Julian
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| posted on 20/5/04 at 12:03 PM |
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Thanks for replying Priscilia
That's reassuring. But I did plumb the machine into the hot and cold water and checked it.
I'll probably have to buy a new one!
Quelle dommage!
Julian
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Keith
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| posted on 14/7/04 at 03:02 PM |
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Julian,
You've probably bought a new washer by now... however, if you're still beating clothes on a rock by a stream, here are some suggestions.
If you've bought an old place it may possibly be running on 110 volts (doubtful these days, but I guess conceivable), which is only suitable for
lighting and small appliance circuits. Solution: rewire entire house.
Way to check: buy a small circuit testing screwdriver from your local DIY store (one of the little black ones that shows the current voltage on a
small LCD screen on the side -- they cost a few euros). Stick it in either hole in the plug socket (not dangerous). If it reads nothing, stick it in
the other pole. If it reads 110, you're in trouble & need to rewire.
If it reads 220-240, it's a different problem. Check the main fuse board and turn off individual fuses until the socket you're testing goes
dead. Have a look at the fuse. For a modern washer you need a 20 amp circuit. Anything less and either the fuse will blow or an intelligent washer
(microchip controlled) may refuse to function due to the abnormal load on the line.
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Julian
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 posted on 30/7/04 at 12:57 PM |
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Thanks Keith,
This is great information. I am going over next weekend to have a go at it. I have a voltage tester, so I'll use that.
The house already has a 16amp fuse-box controlling the kitchen plugs, but I'll upgrade it to a 20+ or even 32amp box and see if that works.
'You've given me hope where there was none' Star Wars
Julian
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Julian
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| posted on 16/8/04 at 08:59 AM |
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Success
Keith, your advice was spot on.
I replaced the 16amp fuse with a 20amp fuse and it worked.
I washed everything and it has massively reduced the luggage burden for this and future trips to Languedoc.
Julian
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Epinette
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 posted on 16/5/05 at 10:19 AM |
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Washing Machine hose connections
I see that 'you' have managed to connect a UK washing machine into the French plumbing. Are the hose connections the same as UK, or did you need an
adaptor?
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3477ian
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 posted on 29/5/05 at 11:36 AM |
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connections on a uk washing machine in france
We have just bought a house in Brittany, and we have a garage load of things to take over. What id like to know is, can i connect a uk spec washing
machine without an adaptor to the french plumbing??Or if i need an adaptor, where i can get one from. Thanks ian3477
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