How to Wire a Dishwasher
The first step in how to wire a dishwasher is to
make sure you have the proper electrical service available. A dishwasher will need its own dedicated 20-A
circuit run from the electrical panel. Typical wiring will
consist of 12-2 Romex. If you have something less than that
for a service, you should check the specifications carefully on your
dishwasher and make sure it will not overload your circuit.
The Romex is usually wired straight into the
dishwasher although I have seen cases where folks have an outlet
behind their dishwasher. In this case a plug and cord can be
used. If you are in this situation, be sure your cord uses
12 gauge wire and not something smaller. Cutting off an old
lamp cord that you don't use anymore is not how to wire a
dishwasher.
Instructions for How to Wire a New Dishwasher:
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The next step in how to wire
a dishwasher is to get the power cable into the
junction box. Double check that power is
disconnected at the break panel to to dishwasher!
To access the wiring
junction box, use a nut driver or screw driver to
remove the two base plate screws on the front of the
dishwasher. On the right side of the unit will be a
metal junction box. Usually, you'll need a nut
driver to remove the cover bolt. Once removed,
you'll see a ½” hole where the wire will be
installed using a Romex connector. Stick six inches
of wire into the connector and tighten.
Be sure to leave extra wires
(3-4 feet) looped behind the dishwasher so it can be
pulled away from the wall for servicing down the
road.
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The next step in how to wire your
dishwasher is to make the electrical connections to
the dishwasher.
Within the junction box, splice the
black hot wire from the branch-circuit cable to the
black hot wire from the dishwasher; cap with a wire
connector. Then, do the same with the white neutral
wires. Lastly, splice the bare copper grounding wire
to the green appliance wire (if present), or connect
it to the green grounding screw in the dishwasher's
junction box to complete the appliance wiring.
That's it. Replace the cover plate on the
junction box and you are done. Turn on the breaker
on you are ready to go.
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