Summary: Fully explained dishwasher disposal wiring diagrams with pictures for wiring the outlet that serves a dishwasher and a garbage disposal. One very important element can be easily overlooked as you will see in these pictures.
Check Out What Others Are Sharing at Ask the Electrician: Excellent information, wish I found it sooner. Mike from Rochester, New York
Electrical Wiring Diagram for a Garbage Disposal and Dishwasher
These wiring diagrams show typical connections.
The diagram above shows the power entering into the circuit at the switch box location, then sending one power line for the dishwasher and a switched leg for the garbage disposal.
The diagram below shows the power entering the circuit at the grounded outlet box location, then sending power up to the switch and a switched leg back down to the outlet.
Notice that these outlets have the tab removed from the "hot" side or Brass side of the outlet which allows the top half of the plug to be controlled only from the switch while the bottom end of the outlet remains "hot" all the time. This is shown in the pictures below.
Disposal Wiring Diagram #1
Disposal Wiring Diagram #2
The Process for Wiring a Switched Garbage Disposal with an Optional Dishwasher
This series of electrical wiring pictures shows how the actual wiring is attached using the top wiring diagram scenario #1 where the power enters at the switch box and a 3-wire cable runs from the switch box down to the grounded outlet which is usually located under the sink where it serves the dishwasher and the garbage disposal.
Step One
The circuit has been positively identified and the power has been shut off. A note has been placed to let others know that there is work being done on the circuit.
Step Two
The wire insulation has been stripped, then using the wire strippers or pliers a hook has been made on the end of the ground wire so the wires can be attached to the terminal screws of the outlet.
Step Three
The white neutral wire is attached to the silver side of the outlet. No changes have been made to the tab or bridge on the neutral side of the outlet.
Step Four
The tab is in place which bridges the power between the top outlet and the bottom.
By using a pair of needle nose pliers you can grip the flat tab of metal and with a side to side motion wiggle it back and forth until it breaks off. Side cutters are sometimes used but that can leave the metal in place or sticking out where it can become a problem.
Step Five
Here the tab is removed and now the top and bottom outlets are separated from one another.
Step Six
Notice that I attached the wires to the side terminals because the disposal and dishwasher load is greater that that of a lighting load.
Notice the two separate colored wires, red for the garbage disposal which is from the switch and the black for the dishwasher which is hot all the time.
Step Seven
The wiring is folded back into the outlet box being careful that the ground wire is not near the screws of the outlet's hot or neutral side.
Step Eight
Use the outlet mounting screws to secure the outlet firmly to the wall adjusting the outlet from side to side as necessary.
Step Nine
Mount the cover plate in place, notice the opening to the box is complete covered up. This disposal and dishwasher electrical project is complete and ready for the power to be restored to the circuit.
George, from Austin, Texas asks:
I want to connect a power source to a garbage disposal and however, the power source cable does not have a white cable as instructions state, instead has two black cables, one soft and other rugged or with lines. Which wire represents the white? Any help is greatly appreciated.
Great website - Very complete and helpful!
Dave's Reply:
Disposal Cords often have the same color insulation for all of the wires so it ca be very difficult to tell which wire is which, however there is one way to know which wire is for the hot and which is the neutral:
The smooth wire is for the hot or connects to the Black wire of the disposal.
The wire with lines is used for the neutral and connects to the White wire of the disposal.
The center wire is typically the ground and in most cases the ground wire, and with some cords the ground wire has green insulation.
Be sure to use a two screw cord connector when attaching the cord to the disposal.
Kitchen Disposal Wiring
Thanks,
You saved me a lot of headache!
Dave's Reply:
Your Welcome Steve!
I'm glad this helped you with your kitchen disposal wiring.
Disposal Wiring Made Easy
Excellent article and diagram Dave.
If I didn't know better I would think I was an electrician.
Well thank you very much, Nelson!
Many Handymen and Handy women are Fine Basic Electricians with a great deal of potential.
I'm glad this disposal wiring diagram was helpful for you.
How to Wire Switches for a Light and Garbage Disposal – Either Leviton or Lutron will have a switch that will take care of your application. Another option would be to purchase an Insinkerator switch package.
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The Safest Way to Test Electrical Devices and Identify Electric Wires!
The Non-Contact Electrical Tester
This is a testing tool that I have had in my personal electrical tool pouch for years, and is the first test tool I grab to help identify electrical wiring. It is a Non-contact tester that I use to easily Detect Voltage in Cables, Cords, Circuit Breakers, Lighting Fixtures, Switches, Outlets and Wires. Simply insert the end of the tester into an outlet, lamp socket, or hold the end of the tester against the wire you wish to test. Very handy and easy to use.
The Quickest Way to Check for Faulty Electrical Wiring!
The Plug-In Outlet Tester
This is the first tool I grab to troubleshoot a problem with outlet circuit wiring. This popular tester is also used by most inspectors to test for power and check the polarity of circuit wiring.
It detects probable improper wiring conditions in standard 110-125 VAC outlets
Provides 6 probable wiring conditions that are quick and easy to read for ultimate efficiency
Lights indicate if wiring is correct and indicator light chart is included
Tests standard 3-wire outlets
UL Listed
Light indicates if wiring is incorrect
Very handy and easy to use.
Strip Off Wire Insulation without Nicking and Damaging the Electric Wire!
The Wire Stripper and Wire Cutter
My absolute favorite wire stripping tool that I have had in my personal electrical tool pouch for years, and this is the tool I use to safely strip electrical wires.
This handy tool has multiple uses:
The wire gauges are shown on the side of the tool so you know which slot to use for stripping insulation.
The end of the tool can be used to grip and bend wire which is handy for attaching wire onto the screw terminals of switches and outlets..
The wire stripper will work on both solid and stranded wire. This tool is Very Handy and Easy to Use.
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disposal - 1700
Wiring Electrical Outlets
Electrical Project Skill Level:
Intermediate to Advanced - Outlet Circuits are Best Installed by a Licensed Electrical Contractor.
Electrical Tools Required:
Basic Electricians Pouch Hand Tools and a Voltage Tester.
Estimated Time:
Depends on personal level experience, ability to work with tools, install electrical outlets and wiring, and the available access to the project area. Electrical Safety:
Identify the outlet circuit, turn it OFF and Tag it with a Note before working with the wiring.
Electrical Outlets Parts and Materials:
Electrical parts and materials for outlet wiring projects should be approved for the specific project and compliant with local and national electrical codes.
Electrical Codes and Inspections:
Installing additional electrical wiring for outlets should be done according to local and national electrical codes with a permit and be inspected.
This is a testing tool that is a Non-contact tester that I use to easily Detect Voltage in Cables, Cords, Circuit Breakers, Lighting Fixtures, Switches, Outlets and Wires. Simply insert the end of the tester into an outlet, lamp socket, or hold the end of the tester against the wire you wish to test. Very handy and easy to use.
This is great to troubleshoot a problem with outlet circuit wiring, is also used by most inspectors to test for power and check the polarity of circuit wiring.
It detects probable improper wiring conditions in standard 110-125 VAC outlets
Provides 6 probable wiring conditions that are quick and easy to read for ultimate efficiency
Lights indicate if wiring is correct and indicator light chart is included
Tests standard 3-wire outlets UL Listed Light indicates if wiring is incorrect, Very handy and easy to use.
A wire stripping tool used to safely strip electrical wires.
This handy tool has multiple uses:
The wire gauges are shown on the side of the tool so you know which slot to use for stripping insulation.
The end of the tool can be used to grip and bend wire which is handy for attaching wire onto the screw terminals of switches and outlets.
» How To Wire It RIGHT!« Wire it with Confidence! Fully Illustrated Instant Download Now You Can Wire it like a Pro!
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