Built-in dishwashers use dedicated electrical circuits for power.
Newer homes with built-in dishwashers wire the dishwashers into a dedicated 20-amp 120-volt electrical circuit. Dishwashers in older homes may share their electrical circuit with a garbage disposal. A 20-amp circuit uses wire at least 12-gauge thick. The dishwasher's wire set contains two insulated wires and an uninsulated ground wire. The wires typically enter the dishwasher's cabinet area on the same side as the garbage disposal. If the dishwasher sits in an island, then the wire will penetrate the floor near the back of the cabinet.
Instructions
1. Turn the dishwasher's circuit breaker off. The correct circuit breaker often has a "Dishwasher" or "Kitchen Special" label.
2. Remove the dishwasher's access panel with either a flat-head screwdriver or a 1/4-inch nut driver. The access panel, found under the door hinges next to the floor, typically attaches to the dishwasher with three screws.
3. Open the electrical connection box with either a flat-head screwdriver or a 1/4-inch nut driver. The electrical connection box usually connects to the dishwasher's housing near one of its front legs. Two holes penetrate the box. The dishwasher's wires enter the box through one hole and the power supply wires will enter the empty second hole.
4. Strip one-half inch of insulation from each 12-gauge power supply wire with wire strippers.
5. Push four inches of the power-supply wires into the electrical box's second hole. Some boxes use wire clamps to hold the supply wires in place. If so, then loosen the clamp with a flat-head screwdriver before pushing the wires into the box. Tighten the wire clamp after pushing the supply wires into the box.
6. Wrap the power supply's uninsulated wire around the green screw found on the box's housing. Tighten the green ground screw with a flat-head screwdriver. Push the excess uninsulated copper wire to the back of the box.
7. Remove the wire nuts from the dishwasher's wires, if equipped.
8. Twist the power supply's black wire and the dishwasher's black wire together. Screw a wire nut onto this pair of wires.
9. Twist the power supply's white wire and the dishwasher's white wire together. Screw a wire nut onto this pair of wires.
10. Hold the box's cover in place and replace its screws.
11. Screw the dishwasher's access cover in place, then turn its circuit breaker on.
Related posts
Removing a built-in dishwasher may be required for maintenance.Portable dishwasher models roll on wheels. You must plug these types of units into an electric outlet, and attach the water supply an...
Most dishwashers are packaged with the electrical cord not connected. The job of connecting the cord is left to the person performing the installation to provide them with more flexibility when ru...
The proper electrical outlet is important for the operation of a dishwasher.The electrical connection for a dishwasher is sometimes an overlooked necessity. The proper outlet makes installing the...
Connect a power cord to a dishwasher to finish installation.Once you've finished connecting the plumbing and drain lines for your dishwasher, the last step is to connect the power cord. The cords...
Built-in dishwashers are also known as under-counter dishwashers. Although dishwashers make quick work of washing dishes, they sometimes require replacement due to age. Removing a built-in dishwas...
