How to Wire a New Dishwasher

Wiring Connections for a New Dishwasher: How do I connect the electric wires for my new dishwasher?

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Dishwasher Electrical Wiring
Electrical Question: How do I connect the electric wires for my new dishwasher?

I am installing a new replacement dishwasher at home. The instructions for electrical hook up state to connect black wire to black wire, white wire to white wire, and green grounding wire to green grounding wire. BUT the old dishwasher had a black wire, a white wire and a copper grounding wire. The copper grounding wire was connected to a grounding screw in the dishwasher junction box (ie. NO green grounding wire). So with the new dishwasher should I connect the copper grounding wire coming from the wall to the green grounding wire in the junction box or to the grounding screw which is attached to green wire on the dishwasher? It’s kind of hard to see on the picture of the dishwasher junction box – but the screw which I think is the grounding screw is visible on top left which has the dishwasher’s green grounding wire connected to it.

This electrical wiring question came from Mike, in Concord, Massachusetts.
See more about Home Wiring for Massachusetts

Dave’s Reply:
Thanks for your electrical wiring question Mike, here’s your electrical answer, enjoy your new dishwasher!

Wiring Connections for a New Dishwasher

Application: Electric Wiring for a Dishwasher.
Skill Level: Intermediate to Advanced – Best performed by a Certified Electrician or Electrical Contractor.
Tools Required: Basic Electricians Pouch Hand Tools and Voltage Tester.
Estimated Time: Depends on personal level experience and ability to work with tools.
Precaution: Identify the circuit, turn it OFF and Tag it with a Note before working with the wiring.
Important: Burnt or damaged wiring and circuit components should be replaced with new electrical materials of the same voltage and amperage rating.
Notice: Installing or Replacing a Dishwasher should be done according to local and national electrical codes and installing new or replacement electrical parts or equipment may require to have a permit and be inspected.

Making the Electric Wire Connections for a Dishwasher

Dishwasher Junction Box Wiring and Circuit Cable or Cord

• The circuit cable or electric cord must be brought into the dishwasher junction box through the provided half inch opening which is first fitted with a connector which will protect and secure the wiring.
• All wiring connections must be made within the junction box of the dishwasher and then the junction box cover plate must be installed.
• Wiring connections are best made using twist on insulated wire connectors.
• ELECTRICAL TIP: Typically the Orange or Yellow size wire connectors work best.

Electrical Wiring Hook Up for a 120 Volt Dishwasher

• The typical electric wiring connections for a dishwasher are as follows:
  • Circuit Power: Black wire to the Dishwasher Black wire.
  • Circuit Neutral: White wire to the Dishwasher White wire.
  • Circuit Ground: Bare Copper or Green wire to the Dishwasher Green wire.

Example of Alternative Grounding Methods for a Dishwasher

• The bare copper or green ground wire of the electrical circuit will connect as follows:
  • The Green Grounding Screw inside the dishwasher junction box.
  • A green wire of the dishwasher inside the dishwasher junction box.

IMPORTANT NOTE: When correctly grounding the dishwasher, the circuit ground wire will be properly bonded to the metal frame which will then enable the dishwasher components to be properly grounded.

More about Wiring a Dishwasher

• Wiring a Dishwasher and Disposal
  

• Garbage Disposal and Dishwasher Wiring

• 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.
• Electrical Grounding
  

• Electrical Grounding Methods and Requirements

• Listing of electrical codes for grounding with examples of electrical grounding codes for home electrical wiring.

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» You Can Avoid Costly Mistakes! « Here's How to Do It: Wire It Right with the help of my Illustrated Wiring Book Great for any Home Wiring Project. Complete Guide to Home Electrical Wiring Perfect for Homeowners, Students, Handyman, Handywomen, and Electricians Includes: Wiring GFCI Outlets Wiring Home Electric Circuits 120 Volt and 240 Volt Outlet Circuits Wiring Light Switches Wiring 3-Wire and 4-Wire Electric Range Wiring 3-Wire and 4-Wire Dryer Cord and Dryer Outlet How to Troubleshoot and Repair Electrical Wiring Wiring Methods for Upgrading Electrical Wiring NEC Codes for Home Electrical Wiring ....and much more.

Be Careful and Be Safe - Never Work on Energized Circuits!
Consult your Local Building Department about Permits and Inspections for all Electric Wiring Projects.

Electrical Tips to Help You Wire it Right 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.

« Electrical Wiring For A Dishwasher

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Home Electrical Wiring and Electrical Repairs Please Note: Unless otherwise posted, please refer to the following Guidelines when working on Electrical Projects: Skill Level: Intermediate to Advanced - Electrical Repairs and Circuit Wiring is Best Performed by a Certified Electrician or Licensed Electrical Contractor. Electrical 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.

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