Dishwasher/ Compactor

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sherlock holmes

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The other day I had an electrical inspector inform me that it is a code violation to install a recepticle in a space with a dishwasher or trash compactor. He came to this conclusion based on the last sentence of the 422.16(2); that states the recepticle must be "accessible". Does accessible mean that the plug has to be able to be removed with the appliance in place, or can the appliance be pulled out and the plug removed?
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Well consider that for us to be able to install a range receptacle behind the range it must be accessible by removing the bottom drawer.
 
sherlock holmes said:
The other day I had an electrical inspector inform me that it is a code violation to install a recepticle in a space with a dishwasher or trash compactor. He came to this conclusion based on the last sentence of the 422.16(2); that states the recepticle must be "accessible". Does accessible mean that the plug has to be able to be removed with the appliance in place, or can the appliance be pulled out and the plug removed?
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Click to expand...

The code makes a specific effort to call out that the plug need NOT be readily accessible just accessible. One of the key phrase in readily accessible (IMO) is "remove obstacles".

iwire has a good point I hadn't thought of. The code calls the receptacle you have to pull a drawer out to reach accesible. That should calm his fears.
 
Yesterday I read thru a couple long threads discussing this topic. People were arguing the words "accessible" vs. "readily accessible". Search for "dishwasher" and you'll see the threads.

One idea that stuck out was why a refrigerator was allowed to have a plug behind it that can (usually) only be removed if the fridge is pulled out.

ETA, twoskinsoneman beat me to it.
 
Once again it is open to interpetation.

IMO, if an appliance is screwed in place, the area behind it is inaccessible.

Refer, range, washer, dryer, no problem.

We put oven JB's in the upper cabinet, cooktop jb's in the lower cabinets, dishwashers and the rare trash masher receps under the sink base cabinet.
 
Dishwashers are not always installed under cabinets.


422.1 Scope. This article covers electric appliances used in any occupancy.

422.16 Flexible Cords.

(There is no mention of occupancy type in this entire section)

(2) Built-in Dishwashers and Trash Compactors.

...where all of the following conditions are met.
(4) The receptacle shall be located in the space occupied by the appliance or adjacent thereto.
(5) The receptacle shall be accessible.


Article 100
Accessible (as applied to equipment).
Admitting close approach; not guarded by locked doors, elevation, or other effective means.

Accessible (as applied to wiring methods).
Capable of being removed or exposed without damaging the building structure or finish or not permanently closed in by the structure or finish of the building.
 
iwire said:
Well consider that for us to be able to install a range receptacle behind the range it must be accessible by removing the bottom drawer.
Click to expand...


Really?, then this range and it's instructions are in violation of the NEC ,.. there was no way to unplug this without pulling it away from the wall. Pages 8 & 12 there is a back panel that blocks access from the front .. at least I could not figure a way around it..


WARNING: If the information in this manual is not followed exactly, a fire or
explosion may result causing property damage, personal injury or death.
Click to expand...

http://www.bshextranet.com/files/techtoolbox/9000135014_RevC_Install.pdf
 
M. D. said:
Really?, then this range and it's instructions are in violation of the NEC ,.. there was no way to unplug this without pulling it away from the wall. Pages 8 & 12 there is a back panel that blocks access from the front .. at least I could not figure a way around it..
Click to expand...


Yes and no, you can always install the receptacle behind the range but it does not always qualify as the disconnecting means.

If you can't access the receptacle from the drawer you must find another way to comply with the ranges requirements for a disconnecting means.

Maybe disconnect switch, maybe it has a "unit switch" or maybe a breaker lock off?

See 422.33(A), 422.33(B) and 422.31(B).
 
bobserrano said:
Thought we were talking about a dishwasher installation.
Click to expand...

Well as Augie pointed out ......... :D


My train of thought is this, if the NEC requires the disconnecting means for a range to be accessible by removing the drawer then the NEC would prohibit the disconnecting means for a dishwasher to be located behind that dishwasher. :smile:
 
Pay particular attention to 7.3.2 (a) and (b)



UL Standard UL-749
UL 749
Household Dishwashers

7.3 Installation instructions

7.3.1A Where the installation instructions for a built-in dishwasher specifies
that the appliance is able to be connected by means of a power-supply cord
not already attached to the appliance by the manufacturer, the instructions
shall specify that a power-supply cord kit marked for use with dishwashers
shall be used. The cord kit shall comply wi th Clause 25.2A. The part or model
number of the power-supply cord kit shall be included in the appliance
installation instructions.
7.3.2 The installation instructions provided with a cord-connected undercounter appliance shall include
the following instructions or equivalent information:
a) the power-supply receptacle for the appliance shall be installed in a cabinet or on a wall
adjacent to the undercounter space in which the appliance is to be installed;
b) there shall be an opening through the partition between the compartments specified in (a) that
is large enough for the attachment plug to pass through. The longest dimension of the opening
shall not be more than 38 mm;
c) the edges of the opening specified in (b) shall, if the partition is wood, be smooth and rounded,
or, if the partition is metal, be covered with an edge protector provided for this purpose b y the
manufacturer; and
d) care shall be exercised, when the appliance is installed or removed, to reduce the likelihood of
damage to the power-supply cord.


__________________
 
Pierre C Belarge said:
Dishwashers are not always installed under cabinets.


422.1 Scope. This article covers electric appliances used in any occupancy.

422.16 Flexible Cords.

(There is no mention of occupancy type in this entire section)

(2) Built-in Dishwashers and Trash Compactors.

...where all of the following conditions are met.
(4) The receptacle shall be located in the space occupied by the appliance or adjacent thereto.
(5) The receptacle shall be accessible.


Article 100
Accessible (as applied to equipment).
Admitting close approach; not guarded by locked doors, elevation, or other effective means.

Accessible (as applied to wiring methods).
Capable of being removed or exposed without damaging the building structure or finish or not permanently closed in by the structure or finish of the building.
Click to expand...

iwire said:
Well as Augie pointed out ......... :D


My train of thought is this, if the NEC requires the disconnecting means for a range to be accessible by removing the drawer then the NEC would prohibit the disconnecting means for a dishwasher to be located behind that dishwasher. :smile:
Click to expand...


With what I have hilighted and your train of thought, I agree. Once the dishwasher is screwed into the cabinet, the receptacle is no longer accessible. Installing in an adjacent cabinet, such as under the sink is a good idea.
 
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