It It Possible To Add A Timer To Use Economy 7?

[redjames]

Hi there

I've moved into a place with a Tricity Bendix AW1401 washing machine and Economy 7 electricity. The machine has no inbuilt timer and I'm wondering if anyone knows a way to install some sort of timer device for use with a washing machine like this? I thought about a plug socket timer, but assume I'll still have to press 'start'.

Anyone got any bright ideas?

Thanks!

[Whitegoodshelp (Andy)]

If you need to press start, which most machines require these days, then you can't use an external timer. A work around that might work for some washing machines is to try starting your washing machine and then immediately switch it off at the socket. Leave it a few minutes. Now switch back on. If your washing machine continues where it left off and does the full wash then it's likely that a timer could be used.

If your washing machine does retain the memory (NOTE: before buying a timer or assuming it will work, do a proper test by switching off overnight and see if it continues after a long time without power in case yours only retains the memory for a short time) then try the following procedure -

• Having set up the timer to start at the required time
• Load the washing machine and put in detergent
• Switch it on (many timers have a manual override switch) and manually start it but as soon as it starts to fill switch it off at the timer unit or unplug it and plug into the timer if there's no manual override
• Hopefully when the timer switches power to the washing machine the wash will continue where it left off

Finally, I would only try this procedure if you place the detergent in a container on top of the washing and not in the soap dispenser drawer. This is because if any water goes into the drawer and flushes part of the detergent, but then the washer stops for several hours, you could get problems with detergent solidifying or even causing marks on or bleaching laundry it comes into contact with.

 

Safety Issue

See my next post below for details..

[redjames]

Thanks Washerhelp!

I followed your advice and... it works! even when left all day for 12 hours, I flipped the plug socket switch and it started. Great news! I am off to buy a timer...

Thank you for your help!

[Whitegoodshelp (Andy)]

Please note that I do not recommend using white goods appliances such as washing machines, tumble dryers and dishwashers during the night unless someone is up whilst they are finished. You could lose your kitchen, house or lives. Check out this article Appliances & Economy 7 - is it safe to use economy 7? for important considerations and safety issues regarding using Economy 7 tariff and appliances.