GFCI protection now mandatory for all dishwashers?

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mbrooke

mbrooke

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Are manufactures now required (mandated) to put GFCI/AFCIs in their automatic dishwashers? I've been noticing manufacturing putting "current sense modules" in their machines, and considering most don't add extra parts ($$$) to their machines out of courtesy; somewhere along the line I am led to believe some listing standard changed to require it out of documented trouble.


Part number 75:


http://www.searspartsdirect.com/model-number/GSD2100V50WW/0432/0130000.html


https://www.a-1appliance.com/product/GHPWD21X22617#

Complementary test/reset :thumbsup:


600
 
All I know is the NEC already requires us to provide it.

This is from the 2014

210.8(D) Kitchen Dishwasher Branch Circuit. GFCI protection
shall be provided for outlets that supply dishwashers
installed in dwelling unit locations.
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JFletcher said:
The way residential is going, might as well put in a GFCI/AFCI main and be done with it. Total nightmare, but I wouldnt bet against it in 10-15 years being code.
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Im sure somewhere, somehow some rigged UL study will demonstrate a large number of house fires having been caused by failed bus bars requiring deferential protection in resi load centers. :happyno:
 
keith gigabyte said:
If fixed in place appliances are manufactured with good quality control and installed by competent people it is my opinion dishwashers don't need GFCI. Just my opinion. Code is code though
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Id say fact, not opinion :p IMHO. :angel: Ive taken apart my fair share of appliances, and what has been getting put out on the market the last 15-20 years can not compare to what existed prior. It just can't. 30 years ago everything was molex/spade connectors attached to metal encased electromechnical parts, now it undersized plastic connectors (that look like something you would find in a hobby car) on top of electronic controls. Perhaps not the best way to describe it, but the difference to me has been striking.

Sadly reality has demonstrated such, just one manufacture, mostly over fire risk:

http://www.geappliances.com/ge/recall/

Whirlpool made dishwashers:

http://www.kitchenaidfire.com/


Also this, having to do with rinse aid leaking and eroding the insulation on the wiring harness:


http://usatoday30.usatoday.com/money/industries/manufacturing/2007-05-16-dishwasher-recall_N.htm


Maytag (a different company) also had issue with rinse aid doing the same:

http://www.partselect.com/Recalls/31-Maytag-Recalls-Dishwashers-Due-to-Fire-Hazard.htm

Heating element:

http://www.partselect.com/Recalls/60-Maytag-Recalls-Dishwashers-Due-to-Fire-Hazard.htm

Not rinse aid, but electrical related:

https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2016/BSH-Home-Appliances-Recalls-Dishwashers


Its not any one company but practically all of them in even proportion over the years across various models and appliance types. The question is, who should be installing/mandating the end of life devices that stop a microwave from bursting into flames?
 
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keith gigabyte said:
If fixed in place appliances are manufactured with good quality control and installed by competent people it is my opinion dishwashers don't need GFCI.
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I disagree. The dishwasher in my first house failed in the early 90's because the wires to the timer and other controls eventually frayed where the door opening and closing flexed them. This caused sparking, etc. A GFCI would have tripped as soon as the current started to flow on the EGC. This would have improved safety and reduced the chance of a fire considerably, although it might have made troubleshooting a little harder. Just my opinion.
 
keith gigabyte said:
If fixed in place appliances are manufactured with good quality control and installed by competent people it is my opinion dishwashers don't need GFCI. Just my opinion. Code is code though
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Exactly why the rule in 2014 should never have been made - if they are starting fires then that should have initiated a product recall not a requirement to sort of fix the problem by others.

AFCI protection - outside the debate over whether AFCI does what it is promised to do - this is not really about the appliance itself, so I would expect AFCI protection to still be required.

GFCI protection if cord and plug connected and the receptacle is within six feet of the sink - I would understand the logic there, that is about the receptacle not the appliance.
 
romex jockey said:
_66642381_dishwash1.jpg


dishwasher-fire1.jpg


circuitboard003.jpg


fire-dishwasher.jpg


What can a current sensor do a toroidal coil can't for the above?

~RJ~
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Nothing really, but ultimately the issue lies in the manufacture's choice to cheapen machines into the realm of actually being unsafe. As I said, I have no proof for what is most profound, but any 40 year appliance veteran can testify.
 
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