Another NYC 220V Problem
NYC code requires that when any electrical upgrade work is done, if there is a fuse box it must be replaced with a circut breaker panel/box. There are LOTS of apartments/condos,co-ops in NYC that still have fuse boxes, so if one wishes to upgrade to 220v power, it is more than say just adding another circut to the panel or even a sub-box. This is another reason Miele 220v washers, indeed any 220v appliance would run in extra costs for electrical work.
Considering how many apartments/co-ops/condos in NYC do not even allow laundry appliances, sneaking in the aforementioned appliances AND doing electrical work is running fast and loose with one's landlord/building board. Now some people have made "arrangements" with electricans to do the work and sumggled in contraband appliances. They will also get the electrican not to file the proper papers with the city regarding the electrical work, so there is no record. These tricks aren't limited to middle income or "poor people", but rather some very high worth people who just wish to have a washer and dryer. Problem is what happens if the building/landlord finds out about the electrical work/laundry appliances.
There have been cases of persons getting away with the above, until the apartment is sold (in the case of co-op or condo), and the new owner naturally assumes all electrical work and indeed the laundry appliances were approved by the building. They are rudely awakened when the building tells them it approved no such thing and the appliances must go. They will consider the electrical upgrade work a "bonus" and leave it as it was, as that really cannot be changed.
Now, if one hires a fully licensed and good electrican, then the upgrade work should be fine, indeed NYC renters have been known to entirely redo their apartments, including new kitchens with or without their landlords written permission. Problems will arise if something like a fire breaks out and it can be traced back to faulty electrical work. Then all bets are off. Friends of ours had the elctrical work in their appartment upgraded for a Miele, and extra outlets added (they only had like four circuts and one or two outlets in the main living area. So far things have been ok, and their landlord hasn't caught on. Their electrican said he does that sort of thing all the time.
The above shows some of the problems Miele faced with 220v only appliances. If you cannot sell such units in one of the highest income areas of the United States, then don't fancy your chances elsewhere in the nation. Persons with larger homes also didn't like the "small" Miele units. They agreed with Consumer Reports about the lack of capacity. So in the end Miele has addressed both issues with these new models. They hold more and run on 120V power, well at least the washing machine. Though don't see anyone sumggling in a 40" tall washing machine. *LOL*
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