Receptacle behind dishwasher

[Sea Nile]

Here is the setup to my question:
In Mike Holt's understanding the nec 2020 edition, he and his panel were discussing GFCI's and placement of the test button in readily accessible places.

Someone mentioned that, for example you can't have the test button behind a dish washer, when Mr. Holt stated, that you can't have a receptacle behind a dishwasher anyway and he kinda dismissed the statement and moved on.

So my question is.. Why? Me. Holt didn't give a reason.

The reason I ask is that the company I work for does install receptacle outlets behind dishwashers provided there is a snap switch that will disconnect power to it.

We actually install two snap switches in a 2 gang box, one for the disposal and one to kill power to the dishwasher receptacle outlet.

 

[infinity]

Unless it's a GFCI receptacle it can be installed in any accessible location. Cord and plug connected dishwashers have other requirements.

 

[Sea Nile]

Unless it's a GFCI receptacle it can be installed in any accessible location. Cord and plug connected dishwashers have other requirements.

I assume that behind a dishwasher is "Not" an accessible location. So can a receptacle outlet, that is protected by a GFCI/AFCI breaker in the panel be placed behind a dishwasher as long as there is an accessible switch in the kitchen that disconnects power? Or is the company I work for wrong? We are in the 2020 code cycle.

 

[Tulsa Electrician]

2020 NEC 422.16 (B) (2) (5) and (6)
We always hard wire them. The only exception is multi family so they can unplug to change out. That's a spec thing.
Since I don't have the 2020 yet I found this. See pics

 

[mtnelect]

Yes, NEC 2017 Section 400.10(A)(8) only allows flexible cords to be used on appliances which are specifically designed to permit ready removal for maintenance and repair and identified for flexible cord connections.

 

[Sea Nile]

2020 NEC 422.16 (B) (2) (5) and (6)
We always hard wire them. The only exception is multi family so they can unplug to change out. That's a spec thing.
Since I don't have the 2020 yet I found this. See pics

Thanks, I suspected my company was wrong, but the inspector is passing us. I'll ask tomorrow but I'm not going to challenge it. Not my place, not my company. I'm just trying to learn.

 

[infinity]

I assume that behind a dishwasher is "Not" an accessible location. So can a receptacle outlet, that is protected by a GFCI/AFCI breaker in the panel be placed behind a dishwasher as long as there is an accessible switch in the kitchen that disconnects power? Or is the company I work for wrong? We are in the 2020 code cycle.

Behind the dishwasher is considered accessible so a receptacle is permitted there but a cord and plug connected dishwasher must comply with 422.16(B)(2) which requires the receptacle to be an adjacent cabinet.

 

[HEYDOG]

I assume that behind a dishwasher is "Not" an accessible location. So can a receptacle outlet, that is protected by a GFCI/AFCI breaker in the panel be placed behind a dishwasher as long as there is an accessible switch in the kitchen that disconnects power? Or is the company I work for wrong? We are in the 2020 code cycle.

I usually install a duplex under the sink and Install G.F.C.I. and A.F.C.I. Protection at the panel. As long as it is listed for cord and plug connection! One receptacle for dishwasher other for garbage disposal!

 

[goldstar]

We actually install two snap switches in a 2 gang box, one for the disposal and one to kill power to the dishwasher receptacle outlet.

If you're installing a snap switch and as long as the dishwasher has to be GFCI protected, why not install a dead-front GFCI at the counter and run the cord and plug into the sink cabinet ? Install a single receptacle in the sink cabinet for the DW.

 

[kwired]

If you're installing a snap switch and as long as the dishwasher has to be GFCI protected, why not install a dead-front GFCI at the counter and run the cord and plug into the sink cabinet ? Install a single receptacle in the sink cabinet for the DW.

Ever since both AFCI and GFCI protection were a requirement, I find it simplest to just use a dual function breaker and install a receptacle under the sink.

Your clients will forever be cursing at you whenever they inadvertently turn that dishwasher off mid cycle if you put the snap switch above the counter.

 

[Sea Nile]

Your clients will forever be cursing at you whenever they inadvertently turn that dishwasher off mid cycle if you put the snap switch above the counter

Yes, I agree 100%!!! At the very least I'm going to stop putting receptacle outlets behind the dishwasher. And I'm going to find out who's idea it was to put switches for the dishwasher and get some more information on why. Thanks everyone

 

[Besoeker3]

FWIW our dishwasher is behind it at a receptacle with no external cables showing. The same with our washing machine. In fact the two machines look exactly at the front.