Install Electrical Wiring for a Garbage Disposal

Garbage Waste Disposal Circuit Wiring: Electrical Connections for a Garbage Disposal, Disposal Switch, Dishwasher Disposal Wiring in Older Homes.

Wiring a Garbage Disposal
Electrical Question: I recently installed a under the sink outlet for my 1/2 hp garbage disposal which is not on a GFCI.

• I had the option of drawing the power from a nearby GFCI above the counter or a regular outlet that doesn’t draw from the GFCI. I chose to draw the power from the normal outlet on the wall.
• The disposal works great, but I’m having second thoughts about not drawing from the GFCI.
• The reason I’m having second thoughts is that the wire now runs through the back of 3 cabinets which I will have to cover with wire molding for protection.
• This is turning out to be a lot of work. The GFCI would involve 1 cut through the wall and one cut into the cabinet under the sink. Protecting this wire from potential damage would be a lot easier.
• The reason I didn’t go the GFCI route originally was because of mixed information I was getting on the Internet about garbage disposals tripping GFCI outlets repeatedly.
• Should I retire the disposal outlet so that it draws power from the GFCI or should I leave it how it is and start putting in precautions to protect the wire?

This home electrical repairs question came from: George, from Scranton, Pennsylvania.

Additional Comments: I wish I found this site earlier, it is by far the best electrical related resource I have found on the web.

Dave’s Reply:
Thanks for your electrical troubleshooting question George.

Application: Wiring a Disposal Circuit
Skill Level: Intermediate to Advanced.
Tools Required: Basic Electricians Pouch Hand Tools, electric drill,  auger bits and extension cord.
Estimated Time: Depends on personal level experience, ability to work with tools and install disposal circuit wiring.
Notice: Installing additional electrical circuit wiring should be done according to local and national electrical codes with a permit and be inspected.

Electrical Connections for a Garbage Disposal

• Garbage Disposal Circuit
  • A garbage disposal is typically provided with a 120 volt 20 amp circuit that is shared with the dishwasher.
• Garbage Disposal Switch
  • A switch is located at the kitchen counter top area to conveniently operate the garbage disposal.
• GFCI Protected Circuit
  • The electrical circuit for the dishwasher and the garbage disposal is now required to be protected by GFCI even though the outlet receptacle is not readily accessible or located above the kitchen counter top, but rather the receptacle outlet is typically located below the kitchen sink where a cord from the garbage disposal and the dishwasher may be plugged into and accessible for servicing.
• Dishwasher Disposal Wiring in Older Homes
  • With some older homes the dishwasher outlet may be found behind the dishwasher, however I find this very hard to access and impractical, therefore I prefer to plug in the dishwasher into the receptacle under the sink along with the garbage disposal.
• Converted Direct Wiring Method
  • In some cases the original wiring was connected directly to the garbage disposal.
  • This method may be upgraded where a surface mounted receptacle outlet may be installed under the sink and a plug and cord may be installed on the garbage disposal.

See More about Home Electrical Wiring

How to Wire a 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 Outlet Wiring

Wiring Electrical Outlets for the Home

Home electrical wiring includes 110 volt outlets and 220 volt outlets and receptacles which are common place in every home. See how wiring electrical outlets for the home are done.

Electrical Wire for Electrical Repairs and Home Remodel Projects

Guide to Home Electrical Wire

Electrical Wire for the Home

Complete listing of electrical wire types and parts used for home projects with electrical code information serves as selection guidelines.

How to Wire Outlets

GFCI Wiring
This list of articles will help you learn about the features and benefits provided by GFI and GFCI Receptacles and how they are wired.

The following may also be helpful for you:

Dave's Guide to Home Electrical Wiring: » You Can Avoid Costly Mistakes! « 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, Handy Women, 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 Troubleshoot and Repair Electrical Wiring Wiring Methods for Upgrading Electrical Wiring NEC Codes for Home Electrical Wiring ....and much more. Learn more about Home Electrical Wiring with my Online Video Course: Basic Home Electrical Wiring by Example

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.

More articles about Electrical Repair, Electrical Wiring and Home Electrical Wiring:
« Previous	Next »
Installing a Panel for a Hot Tub	Real Estate Agents and Home Electrical Inspections