Can I plug my dishwasher into an outlet?

Dishwashers can be either hardwired, or cord-and-plug connected. Check the owners manual of the unit you have, but in most cases the decision is left to the installer. In newer homes you’ll commonly find a 125V NEMA 5-15R receptacle supplied by a 20 ampere circuit, used to supply a dishwasher and disposer.

What kind of outlet do you need for a dishwasher?





Dishwasher – A large range of dishwashers use the standard current of 110 volts. It is best to use an outlet that has a Ground Fault Interrupter or GFI. This will provide an extra precaution if the outlet gets wet. A GFI is designed to trip or disconnect power to prevent electrocution.

Can dishwasher be plugged in under sink?

Just like the dishwasher drain and water line that go to the sink water valve and drain; the dishwasher electric cord plug should go to a receptacle under the kitchen sink.

How high are dishwasher outlets?

The opening should be to 35″ max. height. The dishwasher must be installed so that drain hose is no more than 10 feet in length for proper drainage.

Should dishwasher be on its own circuit?

According to the electrical code, the dishwasher should be on its own circuit. The dedicated dishwasher circuit can’t supply any other appliances, lights, fixtures, or outlets. In addition, the circuit that is servicing the dishwasher also needs to have a circuit breaker with at least 15-amps.

Does a dishwasher need to be plugged into a GFCI outlet?





Kitchen dishwashers installed in dwelling units require GFCI protection whether hard wired or cord and plug connected.

Is it safe to use an extension cord for a dishwasher?

We recommend to never use an extension cord to connect your dishwasher to an electrical outlet. Yes, using an extension cord will work, but it’s extremely dangerous. Your power cord will eventually overheat, causing your cord and anything surrounding the cord to melt.

What is the difference between hardwired and plug-in?

The clear difference between hardwired and plug-in products is obviously the fact that one gets hardwired into your home by an electrician and the other is plugged into an electrical outlet.

Where are dishwashers usually plugged in?

Quote from the video:
Quote from Youtube video: So you're going to find in most cases most dishwashers they're going to have some kind of a panel here just below the door usually attached by a couple screws.

How much amperage does a dishwasher draw?



Household dishwashers use 10 amps of power, mostly. Having said that, your breaker should be on a higher rating than the appliance being used for safety purposes.

Where does the outlet box go on a dishwasher?

Quote from the video:
Quote from Youtube video: And it goes underneath the dishwasher. Right into this little box and this little box is the junction box for the power to the dishwasher.

Does a dishwasher need a GFCI 2020?

Another revision to GFCI protection in the 2020 NEC is to section 422.5(A) dealing with appliances that require GFCI protection. This section was revised to include dishwashers. Yes, dishwashers!

Why does my dishwasher trip the GFCI?



A dishwasher may be tripping your breaker because of a problem with the heating element, loose or short-circuiting electrical connectors, a shorted transorb, a problematic control circuit board, or even a faulty wash motor.

Do hardwired appliances need GFCI?

Other times the NEC requires GFCI protection for a specific appliance regardless of its voltage or if it’s hard wired. Now, in the 2014 NEC, whether cord connected or hard wired, if GFCI protection is required in Article 422 for a specific appliance, then the device providing GFCI protection must be readily accessible.

Does a dishwasher need a junction box?

Each dishwasher comes with a junction box (with power cord) to be installed in a cabinet next to the dishwasher cutout. It can be installed by an installer, servicer, technician, electrician or other qualified professional and is intended for hard-wired installations.

Can you use an outlet as a junction box?

Yes. For code-compliance purposes: Each 14 gauge wire is 2 cubic inches, each 12 gauge 2.25. All of the ground wires count as a largest wire.

Can you have a junction box behind a dishwasher?



Yes, this will work with your dishwasher. A: This is needed for a hard wired installation as the cord that comes with the dishwasher is only for plugging into a three prong outlet.