By Dave Rongey Summary:
Electrical Troubleshooting Question: I put a garbage disposal in my kitchen. I installed a switch and one plug where the power comes together.
Check Out What Others Are Sharing at Ask the Electrician: Excellent information, wish I found it sooner. Mike from Rochester, New York
How to Troubleshoot a Garbage Disposal Wiring Problem
Electrical Troubleshooting Question:
I put a garbage disposal in my kitchen. I installed a switch and one plug where the power comes together. Then I ran my wire from the switch to the garbage disposal and down to the basement where I wired it into a junction box, but it does not work. So how do i correct the wiring to make this work?
Thanks Gary
Hi Gary - Great Electrical Repair Question! It sounds like you have the wiring connections wrong and you need to do a little troubleshooting.
What you need is a wiring diagram for your garbage disposal project, you can find this back on the website, just enter disposal wiring diagram into the top blue search area and you will have it.
Dave Rongey
Do-it-yourself electrical troubleshooting projects can be rewarding, but please be careful! Always make sure the circuit is off.
NEVER work on live electrical circuits.
For best results contact a Licensed Electrical Contractor
Electrical Wiring Video #2
Electrical Wiring Tips for Home Electrical Wiring Projects
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Installing a Switch Shorts a Wire and Trips Off The House When installing a switch for a garbage disposal the power was on and the white wire grounded and tripped the breaker for the entire house: How to Repair Wiring Problems with Switches, Common Problems When Wiring Switches and How to Fix Them.
How to Wire a Double Switch or Triple Switch I want to add another switch or two at one location but I need help with the wiring. Wiring Guide for Wiring Two or Three Switches.
Skill Level:
Intermediate to Advanced - Electrical Repairs and Circuit Wiring is Best Performed by a Licensed Electrical Contractor.
Tools Required:
Basic Electricians Pouch of Hand Tools, a Voltage Tester and a Multi Meter.
Estimated Time:
Depends on personal level experience, ability to work with tools, work with electrical wiring, and the available access to the project area. Precaution:
Identify the project circuit, turn it OFF and Tag it with a Note before working with the wiring.
Important:
Modifying existing electrical circuits or installing additional electrical wiring 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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