I have two questions:

1) does a garbage disposal need a separate circuit?

2) if it does not, can it share the same 20 amp circuit with the dishwasher?

I believe a dedicated is required for both units (D/W and Dis) . But Im not 100% positive on that. Would be nice if it were I think.

Mike

Home or commercial use?

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No, I disagree.

1) You may not attach a disposal to either of the two mandatoy 20 Amp branch circuits designated for the kitchen counters.

2) You may attach a disposal to a general lighting branch circuit or a individual branch circuits.

15 Amp should be sufficient but 20 amp may help smooth out the motor operation.

I can't find the code cites but I will look for them.

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No, I disagree.

1) You may not attach a disposal to either of the two mandatoy 20 Amp branch circuits designated for the kitchen counters.

2) You may attach a disposal to a general lighting branch circuit or a individual branch circuits.

15 Amp should be sufficient but 20 amp may help smooth out the motor operation.

I can't find the code cites but I will look for them.

Don... He never said he was attaching it to a plug at the counter for power.

I think both should be on separate circuit. Dishwasher and Disposal.

It is highly recommended from what I gather

It is even more common to have the disp and DW on a shared 20A circuit.

Stan,

Thanks, no kidding, I just found the code section I was looking for.

I agree that the FD and the DW can exist on the same outlet, if they are using cord attachment. The can also co-exist on a shared 20 amp branch circuit, from the CB to junction box and then hardwired to the appliances.

However, according to 210.52(B) (2) also states what can be on either of the mandatory two 20 amp Branch Circuits.

Read the manufactures instructions. It may be a requirement to have them on dedicated circuits per NEC 110.3.

With today's appliances pulling over 10 apms, I would dedicate the dishwasher and disposal.

Thanks everyone very much for help. I decided to dedicate a 20-amp circuit to DW and another 15 amp to disposal to be on the safe side. Problem is, I ran out of slots in the panel for other needs. But that will be tomorrow's problem. Thanks a lot.

They do make a double breaker that fits in 1 space. They can't share a neutral.