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-   -   Dishwasher electrical hook-up under the sink (https://www.askmehelpdesk.com/showthread.php?t=379384)

  • Jul 24, 2009, 12:50 PM
    doreenm11
    Dishwasher electrical hook-up under the sink
    We are now hooking up our dishwasher and have noticed that the plug under the sink that the garbage disposal is plugged into must be turned on to run the diswasher. I am wondering if there is a different outlet that we can purchase for under the sink that will leave the top plug connected to the garbage disposal but have the bottom plug stay on all the time for the dishwasher... am I in over my head and need to call an electrician?
  • Jul 24, 2009, 01:59 PM
    ballengerb1

    Garbage disposals and dishwashers, built in, do not have plugs. Can you post a picture? Is it just an electrical box with wiring connections inside?
  • Jul 24, 2009, 02:09 PM
    hkstroud

    It all depends on how the switch and the outlet for the disposal is wired. Remove switch cover and tell us how many wires are in the box.
  • Jul 24, 2009, 04:16 PM
    stanfortyman
    Quote:
    Originally Posted by ballengerb1 View Post
    Garbage disposals and dishwashers, built in, do not have plugs. Can you post a picture? Is it just an electrical box with wiring connections inside?
    Actually, disposals almost always have cords (that you have to install, not from the factory) and many dishwashers have cords (also installed).
    I have been doing it that way for years.


    Doreen, is this an existing installation, or is the DW completely new?
  • Jul 24, 2009, 04:20 PM
    ballengerb1

    Stan, are you saying cords or cables? A cord makes it sound like extension cord type material which is never used on either kind of appliance. They each come with an electrical connection box ready to accept a cable connector.
  • Jul 24, 2009, 04:49 PM
    tkrussell
    1 Attachment(s)
    Cords are limited to 6 feet on appliances, and use a strain relief cord connector, such as the photo, in the knockout.

    Even thou it is widely used, the two screw connector used for Romex is not approved for cord.

    Cord and plug satisfies the service disconnect in sight rule very nicely.
  • Jul 24, 2009, 05:03 PM
    doreenm11
    Quote:
    Originally Posted by stanfortyman View Post
    Actually, disposals almost always have cords (that you have to install, not from the factory) and many dishwashers have cords (also installed).
    I have been doing it that way for years.


    Doreen, is this an existing installation, or is the DW completely new?
    It is a new install for the DW... the GD has been there
    There is 1 black wire and 1 white wire in the plug box under the sink
  • Jul 24, 2009, 05:05 PM
    doreenm11
    Quote:
    Originally Posted by hkstroud View Post
    It all depends on how the switch and the outlet for the disposal is wired. Remove switch cover and tell us how many wires are in the box.
    The plug box under the sink has 1 black wire and 1 white wire

    The switch box has 2 black and 2 white, with the 2 whites acorned
  • Jul 24, 2009, 05:07 PM
    doreenm11
    Quote:
    Originally Posted by ballengerb1 View Post
    Garbage disposals and dishwashers, built in, do not have plugs. Can you post a picture? Is it just an electrical box with wiring connections inside?
    The electrical box has 2 black and 2 white with the 2 white acorned
    The plug box under the sink has 1 black and 1 white wire
  • Jul 24, 2009, 05:13 PM
    ballengerb1

    Plug box, does it look anything like this? Electrical Boxes - Electrical Box - Plastic Electrical Box - Metal Electrical Box
  • Jul 24, 2009, 05:52 PM
    doreenm11
    Quote:
    Originally Posted by ballengerb1 View Post
    plug box, does it look anything like this? Electrical Boxes - Electrical Box - Plastic Electrical Box - Metal Electrical Box
    Yes, looks like that but old metal... also has extra romex cable not connected to anything
  • Jul 24, 2009, 06:01 PM
    hkstroud

    Power is coming to the switch, going through the switch (when on) to the disposal outlet. Therefore dishwasher will only operate when switch is on.
    Can you determine if the other romex cable has power? Can you get another cable from the switch box to the outlet or down the inside of the wall to the area of the dishwasher?
  • Jul 24, 2009, 06:35 PM
    doreenm11
    Quote:
    Originally Posted by hkstroud View Post
    Power is coming to the switch, going through the switch (when on) to the disposal outlet. Therefore dishwasher will only operate when switch is on.
    Can you determine if the other romex cable has power? Can you get another cable from the switch box to the outlet or down the inside of the wall to the area of the dishwasher?
    Yes, correct on the switch... needs to be turned on to run the DW, but don't want to listen to the GD the whole time : ) hahaha

    I don't know how to test the other romex, I know there is a white, black and ground wire in the stuffed romex

    Do I need to get a new box and outlet? And hook up the DW separately to a 20 outlet?
  • Jul 24, 2009, 06:57 PM
    hkstroud
    1 Attachment(s)

    First you need to get power there. Ideally you would have a separate circuit for the DW. That would mean running a cable from breaker panel to DW. Next best option is to get power from switch box to DW. If you can get new cable from switch box to outlet box you can split outlet for separate use. Another option is to run cable from switch box directly to DW.

    Need tester to see if extra romex cable in outlet box has power. Can you trace that wire?

    Where is switch relative to DW?

    Here is what current or voltage sensor looks like. About $15 at HD or Lowe's.
  • Jul 25, 2009, 03:32 AM
    stanfortyman
    Quote:
    Originally Posted by ballengerb1 View Post
    Stan, are you saying cords or cables? A cord makes it sound like extension cord type material which is never used on either kind of appliance. They each come with an electrical connection box ready to accept a cable connector.
    I am saying cord, just like TK shows.
    Yes, the material is usually the same as an extension cord, but it is an appliance cord with only as male end. My supply house carries them and they are only a few dollars.
    Before I found those I used to make them out of SJ cord and a male cap, but that was much more expensive.
  • Jul 25, 2009, 03:52 AM
    tkrussell
    This is what I recommend:

    Quote:
    Originally Posted by doreenm11 View Post
    .am I in over my head and need to call an electrician?
    The outlet for the GD may be on the counter outlet circuit. The DW needs a separate circuit other than the small appliance receptacle circuit. So, the existing receptacle for the GD needs to be traced and confirm what circuit it is fed by. I really doubt there is a separate circuit for the GD, unless it was installed in anticipation of a future DW.

    A new switch needs to be hardwired in for a new receptacle for the DW or GD, or to the existing receptacle and split. One duplex can be fed by two switches or circuits.

    Unless you are knowledgeable about wiring, circuits, etc. your best bet would be to have an electrician come in evaluate the situation, and install what is needed. Should be no more that 2-4 hours, depending on exactly what is needed.

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