Kitchen Appliances

Dishwasher Power Cords: An Alternative to Hardwiring
If you are adding an under cabinet dishwasher to an existing home that has never had a dishwasher, you may not want to go to
the trouble and expense of rewiring the kitchen in order to add a hardwired dishwasher. Instead, you may be able to power the
dishwasher with a flexible dishwasher power cord.
The electrical codes for powering the dishwasher can allow a flexible dishwasher power cord. If you check with local codes
and it is allowed, the dishwasher power cord must be considered suitable by the manufacturer of the dishwasher. The
dishwasher power cord must have a grounded plug attachment. It should not be shorter than 18 inches nor longer than 6 feet.
The outlet must be in a location that will not damage the flexible power cord and it must be in the same or adjacent opening
as the dishwasher. If the built-in dishwasher is double insulated, it will not have to have the grounded plug.
Keep in mind that a flexible dishwasher power cord is not as safe as a hardwired dishwasher. If the connection becomes loose,
it could be a fire hazard. One way to help ensure against shock is to make sure the ground on the plug remains attached and
that the outlet itself is grounded properly.
Dishwashers require a 120V, 60 Hz power supply. The outlet/circuit should be individually dedicated to the dishwasher only.
The grounded circuit should have a 15 or 20-amp circuit breaker or time delay fuse for safety. If you do not have this
already in the cabinet for the dishwasher, you will have to have a qualified electrician install one before trying to plug in
your dishwasher power cord.
When installing the dishwasher, you will need a separate hold for the dishwasher power cord to through to access the outlet.
Direct connections can use the same hole as the drain hose and water line. Make sure the outlet is at least 6 inches away
from the hole but no more than 18 inches. The outlet should also be at least 6 inches from the floor but no more than 18
inches.
If the dishwasher power cord is not factory installed, you will have to install it yourself. Follow the manufacturer’s
instructions to do this correctly. The general steps will begin with taking the cover off the junction box. Generally, you
should have black, white, and green wires from the power cord to put through the bracket hole. You will then place the
dishwasher power cord wires through the strain relief connection and tighten it. Connect the colored wires of the dishwasher
power cord to the matching dishwasher wires using UL approved wire nuts. Finally, put the cover of the junction box back on
making sure you have not pinched any wires.
Once the dishwasher power cord has been installed and the appropriate outlet has been located, you will be ready to install
and power up your dishwasher. Safety is a must. If you feel you are not skilled enough to do these steps, you should call a
professional to complete the installation for you.

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