I purchased and ready to install a new diahwasher. The instructions call for a 15 amp circuit breaker. The current breaker is a 10 amp breaker solely for the dishwasher. Can I use the 10 amp or should I change the breaker to 15 amp? How difficult would it be to change?

tkrussell

What brand panel and circuit breakers do you have? What size wire is connected to the 10 amp breaker? Any chance of providing a picture of the panel?

TheSavage

Was wire smaller than 14 gage ever used in residential 110/220 wiring?[ just want to know to file away in my brain]
edit --I meant since the electric codes where written.

labman

An easy way out is to check the start up current of the dishwasher. If it less than 10 amps, stick with 10 amp breaker. It will shut the dishwasher down sooner if something jams the pump sometime. No sense touching the breaker box or paying somebody, if you don't need to. The directions may say 15 amps because 15 amp breakers and 14 gage wires are common in dishwasher circuits, not because the dishwasher draws that much current.

When I started with a wire and cable manufacturer 30 years ago, the smallest wire we made for such applications was 14 gage, but that is no proof your circuit is at least that and suitable for a 15 amp breaker.

tkrussell

Not to my knowledge, but one never knows if a DIY did something not to code.

labman

Yes, maybe it was an urban legend, but supposedly somebody used extension wire from the company and wired their house up with it. It burned down. Remember, I live in a county with no building inspection.

labman

From a PM:

''Labman, I have a new dishwasher that recommends a 15 amp dedicated breaker. My old dishwasher has a 10 amp dedicated breaker. The wiring is 14-2 grounded type nm-b 600v. Is it possible to change the breaker to 15 amp and be ok?''

It would be better to have posted that info here, or at least PM'ed tkrussel.
No problem as long as you don't slip and touch the wrong place in the box. I think most dishwashers will do fine on the 10 amp breaker and wouldn't change unless TK says so. Leave well enough alone.

labman

Rather than answer your PM, I am posting this where you will get an answer you can live with.

''The label inside the dishwasher says Motor 1.1a 120v 60HZ
other 7.6a oper. Amp 10.0A

Appears to me 10 amp is sufficient. What is your call?''

tkrussell

Seems you either do as recommended by the appliance manufacturer, or leave it as is and risk having nuisance tripping of the 10 amp circuit breaker if the amp draw of the new appliance is close to or exceeds 10 amps.

It is only a recommendation, because of the total load the new appliance is rated for, plus a cushion to keep the breaker from tripping.

And Labman, as far as extension cord, no urban legend here, I have seen cord used as building wire all too many times. All it make take is a 10 foot cord that has an air conditioner on it hidden in the wall to heat up and poof, no more house.

labman

I don't doubt burning the house down, just getting the electric company to hook them up. The story was the house was done completely in SJT. At that time, the electrical company set the meter base*. I am hoping they would have refused to do so when they saw all the SJT in the breaker box. Of course, stories get better with age.

*Since Lowes sells them now, I assume they hope only people that know what they are doing, set them. I don't think the electric company shops at Lowes.