Location of switch for kitchen waste disposer at sink.

[jnh]

Does the Code allow the switch to turn the disposer on/off to be located behind a cabinet door under the sink or does the switch have to be located out in the open? If so where is this requirement stated in the NEC. Also, would the Code allow the switch to be located behind a flipped panel that was recessed in the side of the cabinet.

 

[jeff43222]

Nothing in the code makes any mention of switches for garbage disposals.

 

[Pierre C Belarge]

How about 422.16(B)(1), and Part III of Art 422???

Lets not forget the definition of appliance in Art 100.

 

[jeff43222]

I always cord-n-plug garbage disposals, so the switch could theoretically be placed anywhere.

I tend to forget code requirements that apply to installations I never do.

 

[Jim W in Tampa]

A switch is not even required.Let the dang pig run 24/7.There are times that a good location just isnt available.Cord and plug it and use a clapper.Or perhaps an air switch.As for the disconnect use a breaker lock out

 

[marinesgt0411]

Switch for disposal can be in the closet behind the stairs if you want.
how about an autofeed disposal one that turns on when something is fed into it

 

[Jim W in Tampa]

Switch for disposal can be in the closet behind the stairs if you want.
how about an autofeed disposal one that turns on when something is fed into it

The best ones don't even need electric.Ours is a 4 legged one that even precleans the dish.

 

[iwire]

How about 422.16(B)(1),

How does that section have anything at all to do with the location of the switch? :?

 

[Pierre C Belarge]

I included .16(B)(1), so some who did not know it is there can see that cord and plug connected is acceptable and ties into the other Part listed in my post.
As ancillary info.

 

[George Stolz]

Cord and plug it and use a clapper.Or perhaps an air switch.

If the disposal is a bit noisy, that would foil that cunning scheme, ey?

 

[Jim W in Tampa]

Cord and plug it and use a clapper.Or perhaps an air switch.

If the disposal is a bit noisy, that would foil that cunning scheme, ey?

Not at all,actually will work great.Clap hands and it comes on,then its own noise turns it off.Perfect solution :lol:

 

[luckyshadow]

Yes, you can mount a switch under the sink , inside the cabinet to operate a disposal. I even had a discussion with a customer about mounting his under the sink. The only down fall is convenience. You have to step back and reach under the sink to operate it, Most people would rather the switch be mounted above the counter.

422.16B refers to allowing the disposal to be cord and plug connected verses direct wiring it.
Part III of 422 basically is telling us that the disconnecting means for said disposal must either have a lock off on the breaker or the switch must be insight of the disposal.

 

[dlhoule]

t

he switch must be insight of the disposal.

Are you saying it has to be located under the counter? If it is above the counter it actually is not in sight of the disposal. [/quote]

 

[jeff43222]

Yes, you can mount a switch under the sink , inside the cabinet to operate a disposal. I even had a discussion with a customer about mounting his under the sink. The only down fall is convenience. You have to step back and reach under the sink to operate it, Most people would rather the switch be mounted above the counter.

I prefer to mount them under the counter, but I've found that homeowners' perferences are more evenly mixed. Some people hate switches and receptacles marring their nice kitchen walls, so they like as much stuff hidden as possible. Also, having the switch under the sink makes it far less likely that someone is going to turn it on when they intend to turn on a light.

 

[charlie b]

It's a design choice and not a code issue. My thoughts are that the disposal should never be used unless there is water running water through it. The owner will have to be able to conveniently reach both the faucet and the switch. So I would put the switch close to the sink. If there is a light switch near the disposal switch, I would make the one closer to the sink be the disposal switch.

 

[LawnGuyLandSparky]

Part III of 422 basically is telling us that the disconnecting means for said disposal must either have a lock off on the breaker or the switch must be insight of the disposal.

Another trick code! Disposals can't see! :lol:[/b]