DW, GD -- Are they motor-driven?

[mikeackley]

Here?s another Dishwasher, Garbage Disposal question:

Is either a dishwasher or garbage disposal considered to be a ?motor-driven? appliance, according to NEC definition? Obviously they have motors, but are the ?motor-driven?? My best guess is they are not, but I?m not absolutely sure.

This distinction would become important when applying the disconnect rule for DW?s and GD?s that are not cord-and-plug-connected?..would you apply 422.31(B), or 422.32?

 

[a.wayne3@verizon.net]

Re: DW, GD -- Are they motor-driven?

422.16 b 1 and 2 allows cord connect as disc.have to say 422.31 b .............
if hard wired.

 

[mikeackley]

Re: DW, GD -- Are they motor-driven?

That's my take (best guess) on it as well Wayne. In other words, 422.32 disconnect or motor-driven appliances does not apply to a DW or GD. Or to put this another way, a DW or GD is not a motor-driven appliance.

Do you (or anyone) happen to know where I can find a better understanding of the NEC definition of a "motor-driven appliance"? I'm curious as to exactly what it is about a motor-driven appliance that differentiates it from a Garbage Disposal/Dishwasher.
Just trying to understand the intricacies of the code here, not trying to wire one or anything like that.

 

[russ]

Re: DW, GD -- Are they motor-driven?

I consider a dishwasher or a disposal, to be motor driven, a toaster or coffee pot aren't. The dishwasher and disposal have to have a disconnect if hard wired.

Russ

 

[bphgravity]

Re: DW, GD -- Are they motor-driven?

I feel that the code allows the wall switch for the disposal and the "unit" switch for the dishwasher to act as the required disconnect when not cord-and-plug connected.

 

[mikeackley]

Re: DW, GD -- Are they motor-driven?

OK. Well it sounds like both Bryan and Russ would apply 422.32 (Disconnecting Means for Motor-Driven Appliances). You guys might be right.

Let me ask you this then... Bryan, Russ, What is it about 422.31(B), (Appliances Rated Over 300 Volt-Amperes or 1/8 Horsepower) that causes you to believe this Article does not apply to a DW?

 

[a.wayne3@verizon.net]

Re: DW, GD -- Are they motor-driven?

Like so many other areas , this one is a gray one too...................

 

[bphgravity]

Re: DW, GD -- Are they motor-driven?

My opinion is that 422.31(A)(B) are for all appliances that are not motor-driven, like water heaters, etc. 422.32 is for motor driven appliances. So both a DW and DP are motor-driven and apply to 422.32.

 

[russ]

Re: DW, GD -- Are they motor-driven?

Bryan:

That's a great way to answer this question.
I have to admit though, after reading 422.32 and 422.34(C), it's pretty clear the breaker in the panel, can be the real means to cut off the power to the dishwasher. The on/off switch can be the local disconnect.
I had this wrong before we started to talk about it.

Russ