Do I need an integrated washing machine? (Boring photo)

[MothQuandary]

Most boring post ever...

We've just moved to a new house and there is a space for a washing machine. I assume it is for an integrated machine as there is a cupboard door in front of it (sorry if that sounds dim, but I've only ever had free-standing machines).

There is this 7cm square recessed metal box at the back. I assume it's something to do with the washing machine, but can't find any info via Google.

We were thinking a freestanding machine would fit in the space (H85cm x D60cm x W62cm). Can you put a freestanding machine behind a cupboard door? And what is the metal box for?

Any ideas, Mumsnet?

We have a freestanding machine behind a cupboard door. We had to get a wider work top to accommodate it. I think the mark box might be a safety thing, is the machine is wired in there but straight into the wall and there is a switch on a different place to turn it on and off.

Sorry, lots of typos but hopefully you get the message. I'd put a photo of mine on but can't figure out how on the app.

the metal box is a backbox for a socket, switch, FCU or flex outlet. Strangely, yours does not seem to have a cable in it.

It has round knockouts. Usually the installer would push out one on the most convenient size, push a grommet into the hose to prevent the sharp metal edges cutting the cable insulation, and feed a cable through. Most conveniently, an ordinary 13A socket would be fitted, with a switch or FCU in an accessible position, typically above the worktop directly above the appliance.

The one in your pic is intended for a brick or block wall, not plasterboard, though they are sometimes fitted wrongly. It's strange that there is no visible cable, because the wall will have to be chased out to run one, unless there is access from the back or side or a conduit has been installed (can't see one). If the wall is plasterboard it might be threaded through the gap. There are safe installation rules for the route. Normal people chase out the cable route at the same time they cut the hole for the box.

Most likely you will need an electrician to complete the supply. recommend the method described above.

p.s.

it's possible that your backbox used to have a cable and outlet, and some idiot has cut the cable and removed the outlet when they took the old appliance away. That's why I recommend a plug and socket rather than hardwired connection, even idiots usually know how to pull out a plug.

If a cable has been snipped it could be dangerous, so an electrician is needed even more.

Once you get all the electrics done you can have a free standing washing machine. They're better (bigger). Get a slimline one if the space isn't big enough.

Marvelous! Thanks a lot, everyone.

There aren't any wires visible in the backbox. Closer inspection has revealed the start of a hole on the right hand side, although there seems to be just plaster behind it. There is a perfectly normal socket accessible from the back of the cupboard, so I can use that to plug the thing in.

I think the cupboard is big enough to take a free-standing machine although it'll be a tight fit for height.

Hi can someone please tell me how i connect a beko washing machine to sink trap as the washer drain hose is attached to the top back off the washing machine havent a clue which way the drain hose goes to sink thanks

Sammy's question is being answered on its own, separate, thread.