Clothes Dryer Question

[BOZ]

I have another question on a clothes dryer... I was looking at bringing my relativity new high end washer and dryer with us when we move to Hua Hin... I know I can get a power converter to run the washer... The question I have is that the dryer is a 220v already so converter won't be needed, but it runs on aits own 20 amp circuit in my current home. Are the circuits in Thailand capable of 20amp draw?? I could get a new drop installed for it as the breaker panel is located next to the area I will place the dryer... I appreciate any input from you guys, Thanks!!!! I know most people just hang their laundry outside in Hua Hin, just like to have the option if needed....

[Ginjaninja]

I would imagine the standard outlet is 13Amp max. I doubt your washing machine is 20A, sounds very high. What is the power of your machine? See the manual.
Just because you have it hooked up to 20A doesn't necessarily mean it draws this.
Are you shipping from the U.S?
GN.

[BOZ]

Yes shipping from the USA, I know it doesn't draw the full amperage of the circuit.... I will have to check the manual as stated, duh moment for me on that one... I guess I am wondering If the wiring can handle it, will need a to install a new outlet for the plug, I can source this here before we pack up the container...

[BOZ]

Ouch, they call for a 30AMP AWG 10 cord.... Manual call power requirement as 240V 30A power source.. No mention of actual usage....

[oakdale160]

I have one, NEVER used it

[Ginjaninja]

Sounds really high Boz but then again you yanks like to do things on the plus-side
Seriously I wouldn't recommend shipping something like that from the U.S.A. as you might get stung with import duty. Although washing machines are pretty expensive in Thailand.
There should be no issue getting a 30A supply as the cooking hob should be cablehed for this kind of power. You would have to get an electrician to install a 30A breaker and run a suitable high-powered cable to your washing machine. Not an unfeasible idea but personally I have no experience with Thai electricians. Just ensure the cable he has is actually rated to 30A (i.e. conductor thickness).
Good luck.
Cheers,
GN.

[PeteC]

I don't see a problem. My box has 32 amp breakers for a variety of things here at the house, mainly the air conditioners. We have an electrolux dryer as well and it runs off a normal plug, but at the moment I don't know the breaker size or if a dedicated line for it. Pete

[Dr Mike]

Stop and think about it--hanging your clothes up to dry and then having to take them in-- it can be time consuming BUT I assume that you are not going to be working in HH, So, whats the hurry? what are you going to do with that 10 minutes you save?
Do you really need those clean clothes--Right Now! You are not having to hurry to get to work, complete the project etc. hanging out your clothes to dry will be a quiet unhurried moment in your week. A dryer is a labor saving device, do you really need to save labor?

[PeteC]

One other comment about this. Dryers in the west usually vent to the outside of the house. Houses here don't have the holes made for this and you would actually have to bore about a 6" diameter hole in your brick/cement wall to accommodate the hose.

Due to most Asian people living in high rise type buildings, dryer makers sell units with a removable and cleanable heat exchanger, lint traps, and container to collect the water coming off the wet clothes. No vent to the outside needed. Pete

[Big Boy]

When we eventually got our house connected, we had to tell the Electricity Board what Ampage we required. 5 Amps seems to be the basic, but you can pay extra to get what you need. Ours was 20 Amps I believe - not really sure how that was decided though. I assume upgrades are available if your supply isn't adequate yet.

[BOZ]

Thanks folks for the info, I just would like to have one, the Mrs is keen on it as he is kind of hooked on it!!! It will be installed outside in the Thai kitchen area so venting won't be an issue at all... I will be replacing the electric stove with gas, so I will have plenty of available AMPs to reroute to the "new" dryer outlet... You guys are great!!!! Looking forward to putting some names to faces on the course, the BMW or out for a refreshment.... Appreciate the quick responses!!!!

[hhfarang]

We recently purchased a washer/spinner to put outside in a large area behind our rental house that is safely covered from sun and rain with a permanent roof. I went all over town looking at regular washers and dryers and all the sales people here told me the metal ones were for inside only and would rust or not last long outside even in a covered area. They recommended the washer/spinners with a plastic body only for outside.

We got it and though was very inexpensive it's pretty easy to use and cleans the clothes, the spinner gets out about 60% of the water so the clothes are not dripping wet but still have to be hung to dry. I/we don't mind the time or effort involved as we have one of those big rolling metal racks for hanging clothes, but and this is a biggie for both me and my wife as we have had a regular before dryer for years, when you hang clothes they come off stiff and rough. When you dry them in a dryer they come out soft and fluffy, plus it's easier to use a softener that also adds a nice scent to the fabrics (important to the missus, not me).

BTW, you can buy Whirlpool washers and dryers from the U.S. here (or could last time I looked) and the price is reasonable compared to European brands like Siemens. Considering the cost of shipping, electric modifications, and possible import duty, you may be better off buying here.

[Nereus]

What you all seem to be overlooking is the difference in supply frequency.

US is 60 Hz, Thailand is 50 Hz. For any appliance with an electric motor in it you will have a problem, both with the speed, and the current draw of the motor. The heater in the dryer will not be a problem, but the unit will not get the correct airflow through it due to the reduced speed of the motor driving the fan.

For the washing machine, if it has a timer in it, that will be the first thing to throw up its hands and quit. Again, the speed(s) wil be all wrong.

And when, not if, you need a replacement part, you will get a blank look from the agent, assuming there even is one.

Sell it mate, and save yourself the hassles of bringing it to this country.

[wpcoe]

Dryer vs hanging outdoors to air dry:

- No birds perching on/over the clean clothes and sh*tting on them
- Better lint removal
- T-shirt (undershirt) necklines don't stretch out, tend to keep their shape better
- Less ironing needed, shirts come out completely wrinkle free

But, yeah, I know diehard clothesline fans will defend to the death their preference, as well, so have at it!

[STEVE G]

When you dry them in a dryer they come out soft and fluffy,...

I'll remember that in case I ever have to play a pantomime dame!