Hard Wire for Dish Washer

[Little Bill]

I hope this doesn't appear that I'm changing subjects/threads but since the DW space was mentioned, I will ask. In my area DW are not allowed cord connected. All of the ones that I have replaced just have about 3' of NM run through the wall or floor and laying loose on the floor. How do you guys plan/rough/wire for a hard wired DW? Is the loose NM allowed? Or does it need to be MC or other armored cable?

 

[charlie b]

Actually, this post was a change of subject from that of the original thread. So I moved it to a thread of its own.

 

[Dennis Alwon]

Well, our area allows a loose nm with a floating sw. box under the dw. Many of the fancier dw's that I install do not have room underneath so I install a switch box under the sink with a tail out to the dw. You can sleeve the nm in carflex if you like but it is not necessary.

Some brands come with a cord and plug so I hope your inspections allow those as they are UL listed that way. If I get one with a cord and plug then the switch box under the sink becomes a receptacle and I disconnect the wire that goes to where the dw would be. If it is direct wire then I install the switch there.

This setup allows for either install and that's why I do it. I don't like floating a switch under the dw.

 

[A/A Fuel GTX]

In my area DW are not allowed cord connected.

Why? Ask for a code reference......

 

[RICK NAPIER]

If your inspector is using the NEC than they should permit cord and plug attachments for a dishwasher provided the manufacturer allows it and the cord set is supplied by that manufacturer for that dishwasher. The following is from the UL listing for home dishwashers.

"Some permanently connected type dishwashers may be converted to cord connection by means of a cord kit that is available from the manufacturer of the dishwasher."

 

[Dennis Alwon]

Why? Ask for a code reference......

Technically if you use cord and plug then the cord and plug must be approved for use with dishwashers. You cannot make up your own cord setup.

 

[A/A Fuel GTX]

Technically if you use cord and plug then the cord and plug must be approved for use with dishwashers. You cannot make up your own cord setup.

Would not a 14-3 appliance pigtail fit the bill?

 

[jumper]

Well, our area allows a loose nm with a floating sw. box under the dw.

Dennis, does NC allow local amendments?

I can not find this exception to 314.23 in your state amendments.

http://www.ncdoi.com/OSFM/Engineering/Documents/2008_NC_Electrical_ICC_Print.pdf

 

[RICK NAPIER]

Tom an appliance cord other than the one made by the dishwasher manufacturer would violate NEC 110.3(B) since the UL listing for this appliance specifically states that the cord assembly must come from the dishwasher manufacturer.

 

[A/A Fuel GTX]

Tom an appliance cord other than the one made by the dishwasher manufacturer would violate NEC 110.3(B) since the UL listing for this appliance specifically states that the cord assembly must come from the dishwasher manufacturer.

Wow...I've been doing it wrong for a long time then. What about garbage disposals? I've never seen one of them come with a cord either.

 

[Dennis Alwon]

Dennis, does NC allow local amendments?

I can not find this exception to 314.23 in your state amendments.

http://www.ncdoi.com/OSFM/Engineering/Documents/2008_NC_Electrical_ICC_Print.pdf

We have a few amendments but there are many things that are not amendments per se but are the status quo. Floating a box under a dw is one but I have not done that in years-- I found a better way but truly I don't see the issue with it floating. It is out of harms way.

 

[Dennis Alwon]

Would not a 14-3 appliance pigtail fit the bill?

This is what it says for a ge dishwasher I found at Home Depot site.

For Power Supply Cord:
use UL Listed/ listed power CSA Approved supply cord kit strain relief marked for use with dishwasher (use grommet Part hole Number 302797 - not included)

 

[RICK NAPIER]

Garbage disposals are treated differently by UL. Here is an excerp from the minutes of the 2007 Ul and IAEI meeting.

​

Although some product marking may permit field modifications in accordance with any printed instructions supplied with the product. For example: some garbage disposal units may be supplied with a cord and plug connection kit, but could also be field wired using a NEC? Chapter 3 fixed wiring method when the manufacturers installation instructions are followed. An AHJ would make the final approval decision based on NEC? 110.3(B). For additional information on field modifications please refer to page 38 in the UL White Book or visit UL?s online Field Evaluation Services homepage at: [FONT=IBJPCP+Arial,Bold,Arial][FONT=IBJPCP+Arial,Bold,Arial]http://www.ul.com/field/index.html[/FONT][/FONT].

 

[jumper]

We have a few amendments but there are many things that are not amendments per se but are the status quo. Floating a box under a dw is one but I have not done that in years-- I found a better way but truly I don't see the issue with it floating. It is out of harms way.

Cool.

 

[Little Bill]

Well, our area allows a loose nm with a floating sw. box under the dw. Many of the fancier dw's that I install do not have room underneath so I install a switch box under the sink with a tail out to the dw. You can sleeve the nm in carflex if you like but it is not necessary.

Some brands come with a cord and plug so I hope your inspections allow those as they are UL listed that way. If I get one with a cord and plug then the switch box under the sink becomes a receptacle and I disconnect the wire that goes to where the dw would be. If it is direct wire then I install the switch there.

This setup allows for either install and that's why I do it. I don't like floating a switch under the dw.

What is a floating switch?

 

[Little Bill]

Well, our area allows a loose nm with a floating sw. box under the dw. Many of the fancier dw's that I install do not have room underneath so I install a switch box under the sink with a tail out to the dw. You can sleeve the nm in carflex if you like but it is not necessary.

Some brands come with a cord and plug so I hope your inspections allow those as they are UL listed that way. If I get one with a cord and plug then the switch box under the sink becomes a receptacle and I disconnect the wire that goes to where the dw would be. If it is direct wire then I install the switch there.

This setup allows for either install and that's why I do it. I don't like floating a switch under the dw.

Why? Ask for a code reference......

I haven't dealt directly with the inspector, but a friend of mine that is an electrician and also works at Lowes has. He should know about the DW mfg. allowing the cord connection. He was getting a rough inspection and the inspector asked him about the DW receptacle and he quoted him the code ref. to the cord connection. The inspector's reply was "not in my town do you use a cord connector for a DW. I want it hard wired." End of story.

 

[jumper]

I haven't dealt directly with the inspector, but a friend of mine that is an electrician and also works at Lowes has. He should know about the DW mfg. allowing the cord connection. He was getting a rough inspection and the inspector asked him about the DW receptacle and he quoted him the code ref. to the cord connection. The inspector's reply was "not in my town do you use a cord connector for a DW. I want it hard wired." End of story.

 

[jumper]

What is a floating switch?

A switch in a unsecured box.

 

[jumper]

What is a floating switch?

If I am doing the work:

 

[Dennis Alwon]

What is a floating switch?

It is just a 1 gang switch box used as a disconnect that lies under the dw. It is not attached to anything- thus it is floating