Christian McArdle wrote:

? From personal observation, I'd say it's not unusual to have one for the
? cooker, one for an air-conditioner, and one for a tumble-dryer.

And their washing machines and dishwashers can't have heating elements. They
rely on hot water from the tap, so you have to run off water until it gets
hot before starting the machine and can't use timers, unless you want a cold
wash.

Generally true, but there are a few newer, higher-end dishwashers which
_do_ have heating elements and timers. The heating element is designed as
a 'booster', to make sure that the temperature is adequate, and the machine
is plumbed into the hot-water line.

Sheila