You’re planning an installation in a bathroom
You’ve found a spot near a bath or shower and need to have the zones, earthing and circuit protection checked before choosing a machine. Promotelec sets out these general installation conditions.
Who is this guide for ?
You need to make the most of limited space
You’re comparing a front-loading machine with a top-loader, or looking for a model that’s less tall or deep. Measure the routes into the room too, as well as the space needed to open and maintain the appliance.
You’re considering a washer-dryer
You want to wash and dry your clothes without making room for two appliances. Compare the washing and drying capacities separately for the model you’re considering.
What should you check before buying ?
First, get the location and power supply checked. Then compare the dimensions, door or lid opening and capacities with your needs.
| What to consider | What to check | Who it matters most to |
|---|---|---|
| Location safety | Promotelec advises placing the appliance outside zones 0, 1 and 2, and any concealed zone, with earthing and 30 mA residual current protection. | I want to know whether the location is suitable before choosing an appliance. Around 36 % of consumers would make this check a priority. |
| Dimensions and access | Measure the width, height and depth, the route into the room, and the clearance needed to open the door or lid. | I need to get the machine into the room and be able to open and maintain it in the space available. Around 29 % of consumers would prioritise the appliance’s footprint and access. |
| Washing capacity | Compare the rated capacity in kilograms with the loads you usually wash, and check the load limits for the programmes you use. | I want to wash my usual loads without choosing a capacity that doesn’t meet my needs. Around 21 % of consumers would put laundry load size first. |
| Integrated drying | Compare the washing and drying capacities, as well as the duration and energy and water consumption of the model’s combined cycle. UFC-Que Choisir notes that drying capacity is lower than washing capacity. | I want to dry clothes without making room for a second appliance, and can adjust the load for drying. Around 14 % of consumers would prioritise this feature. |
Mistakes to avoid
-
Choosing a compact model to get around electrical requirements
The size of the machine doesn’t change the siting conditions set out by Promotelec.
Have the location and power supply checked before choosing between different formats.
If the location isn’t suitable, you may need to move the appliance or call in a professional. Get confirmation before buying.
-
Assuming a top-loading washing machine is compact in every dimension
The Electrolux EW6T4622DB measures 890 × 400 × 600 mm (H × W × D) : its narrower width doesn’t mean it’s less deep or less tall, and you’ll need room above it to open the lid.
Compare all three dimensions and the space needed to open it with the space you actually have.
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Expecting to dry a full washing load automatically
Drying capacity is lower than washing capacity, and drying cycles can be long.
Check both capacities and the information on the combined cycle for the exact model.
Drying a load in several batches may mean running extra cycles.
Examples of brands and models
These models illustrate different formats and space requirements ; their dimensions alone aren’t enough to confirm that they’ll fit in your bathroom.
Bosch
The WGG244FRFR is an example of a 9 kg front-loading washing machine to consider if there’s enough room to access it from the front.
- Bosch gives the dimensions of this model as 848 × 598 × 590 mm (H × W × D).
- These dimensions don’t confirm that there’s enough clearance or that the appliance is suitable for a specific bathroom.
Electrolux
The EW6T4622DB is an example of a 6 kg top-loading washing machine to consider if width is a key constraint.
- Electrolux gives its dimensions as 890 × 400 × 600 mm (H × W × D).
- You’ll also need to allow for its depth and height, and leave enough room to open the lid.
Candy
The Candy models mentioned here are examples of a compact front-loader, a top-loader and a washer-dryer.
- Candy gives the dimensions as 510 × 488 × 700 mm (W × D × H) for the Mini ProWash 700, and 595 × 533 × 850 mm (W × D × H) for the ProWash&Dry 300.
- These model-specific measurements don’t prove that the location is suitable or indicate the performance of the entire range.
Joybuy products for these needs
The products featured include a Candy top-loading washing machine and portable appliances for small laundry items ; the latter may not be suitable for everyday loads. A product’s inclusion here doesn’t confirm that the planned bathroom location meets electrical requirements.
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Candy TCA464TM4-S ProWash 500, top-loading washing machine
Worth considering if width is limited and there’s room to open the lid above it.
Stated capacity : 6 kg. Listed dimensions : 86 × 40,5 × 60 cm (H × W × D).
The top-loading design needs enough room to open the lid.
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4.5 L semi-automatic mini washing machine
Best suited to small laundry items, with a stated load limit of 0,8 kg.
Capacity shown in the product name : 4,5 L. The appliance is shown with a spin-drying basket.
Capacity in litres isn’t the same as a laundry load measured in kilograms.
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10 L foldable portable mini washing machine
Designed for small laundry items rather than bulky clothes.
Stated capacity : 10 L. The description mentions a draining basket.
The capacity in litres doesn’t specify the maximum laundry weight.
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12 L foldable mini washing machine, purple
Worth considering for small items and lightweight clothing, according to the product description.
Stated capacity : 12 L. The title mentions three wash modes and a spin-drying basket.
The capacity in litres doesn’t tell you the maximum laundry weight.
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15 L foldable mini washing machine (greyish white)
Designed for small laundry items, according to the product description.
Stated capacity : 15 L. The title mentions three wash modes and a spin-drying basket.
The capacity in litres doesn’t specify the maximum laundry weight.
Frequently asked questions
Can you install a washing machine in a bathroom in France ?
Yes, subject to the conditions set out by Promotelec : the appliance must be outside zones 0, 1 and 2, and any concealed zone; it must be earthed and supplied by a circuit protected by a 30 mA residual current device. This guidance isn’t enough to confirm that your specific location meets the requirements ; have the room and existing installation checked.
Is 30 mA residual current protection enough if the appliance is in zone 2 ?
No. According to Promotelec, the appliance must also be outside this zone. Earthing and residual current protection don’t replace the need to check its location.
Do the rules for a new installation apply in the same way to an older home ?
No. The order of 3 August 2016 applies to electrical installations in new residential buildings ; the ministry responsible for housing states that existing homes are subject to the rules in force when they were built, where such rules exist. Have the actual installation examined before drawing conclusions about your location.
How can you check that a narrow appliance won’t get in the way in your bathroom ?
Measure its depth and height too, along with the route into the room, the clearance needed for the door or lid, and access to the connections. Compare these measurements with the dimensions and instructions for the exact model.
Can a washer-dryer dry a full washing load ?
Not necessarily, as drying capacity is lower than washing capacity. Compare the capacities for the specific model and check the details of its combined cycle before deciding how much to wash and dry.