DIY Doctor UK DIY Forums

Hi new to the forums, but so glad i found this site, anyway my problem is that we have had a electric cooker stored in a out side shed for about 4 years, will it be safe to wire up in our kitchen, I am worried that it may of got damp at some point, I know it has not had water on it directly but just worried that damp may have got into the electrics and may not be safe to use, if anyone can give me some advice I would be great full thanks.

HI

I would suggest that you get the cooker indoors as soon as possible. Then ask an electrician to run a safety test on it, and connect if OK.
An electrician will have the correct instruments to check it fully. It's probably OK, but don't take chances with a DIY install.

There shouldn't be any problems, you will want to make sure by getting someone to check it first I reckon

The mineral insulation is Hygroscopic that is it attracts water. The ends of the elements are often not a perfect seal so any cooker where ever stored will over time have a tendency to draw in water.

As it heats up this water will likely first produce an earth fault then be driven off so once used once it will likely be OK again. However with RCD protection you may be unable to switch it on for that first drying procedure and it may require some special measures to be able to heat it for the first time to dry it all out.

I would give it a good test before I eve let anybody bring it in. :)
Having a professional inspect it is always the best option. I there really hasn't been damp at all you should be more than fine