Can I use an extension cord for my dishwasher?

Author: Jany Murphy  |  Last update: Saturday, July 2, 2022

We recommend to never use an extension cord to connect your dishwasher to an electrical outlet. Yes, using an extension cord will work, but it's extremely dangerous. Your power cord will eventually overheat, causing your cord and anything surrounding the cord to melt.

What kind of extension cord do I need for a dishwasher?

Correct Plug Type

Most heavy-duty household appliances, such as geysers and dishwashers, use 15-amps three-prong cord. The center prong is the ground plug which prevents electric shock by a device that has short-circuited or loose wire inside it. The cord you buy for your dishwasher must have three prongs.

Can you use an extension cord with appliances?

Longer cords can't handle as much current as shorter cords of the same gauge. Choose cords with polarized or three-prong plugs. For use with larger appliances, thick, round, low-gauge extension cords are best. For smaller appliances and electronics, you can use thin or flat cords.

How long of a power cord is allowed on a dishwasher?

The revised language in the NEC allows a built-in dishwasher to have a cord length between 3 feet and up to 6.5 feet. The receptacle for a built-in dishwasher should be located next to the space occupied by the dishwasher according to new item 6.

Should dishwasher be plug in or hardwired?

Dishwashers are preferably hardwired. It is a customary law of the National Electrical Code (NEC) to hardwire our dishwashers. Although it can also be plugged into an electrical outlet and still function properly, it is against the law of the NEC meant to protect us and our household appliances.

How To: Connect Dishwasher Power Cord

Can a dishwasher be plugged into a normal outlet?

Since 15A outlets have been the standard for so long, almost all small home appliances are designed to work with a 15A outlet. Some high-end dishwashers do require a 20A circuit, but most mainstream units are still 15A.

Can dishwasher plug be dishwasher?

The receptacle cannot be directly behind the dishwasher; instead, it must be in an adjacent cabinet so you can access the plug without moving the dishwasher. This requires drilling a 1-inch hole through the cabinet through which you can pass the plug. This can be problematic if the cabinet has metal walls.

Does a dishwasher have to have its own circuit?

According to the electrical code, the dishwasher should be on its own circuit. The dedicated dishwasher circuit can't supply any other appliances, lights, fixtures, or outlets. In addition, the circuit that is servicing the dishwasher also needs to have a circuit breaker with at least 15-amps.

Can you put a junction box behind a dishwasher?

Each dishwasher comes with a junction box (with power cord) to be installed in a cabinet next to the dishwasher cutout. It can be installed by an installer, servicer, technician, electrician or other qualified professional and is intended for hard-wired installations.

Does a dishwasher outlet have to be GFCI?

Kitchen dishwashers installed in dwelling units require GFCI protection whether hard wired or cord and plug connected. Code Change Summary: A new subsection was added regarding dwelling unit kitchen dishwashers. Now, outlets that supply dwelling unit kitchen dishwashers must have GFCI protection.

Why you shouldn't use an extension cord?

Extension cords can overheat and cause fires when used improperly. Overheating is usually caused by overloading or connecting appliances that consume more watts than the cord can handle. Damaged extension cords can also cause fires. Extension cords should only be used temporarily.

Where should you not run extension cords?

Do not substitute extension cords for permanent wiring. Do not run through walls, doorways, ceilings, or floors. If a cord is covered, heat cannot escape, which may result in a fire hazard. Do not use an extension cord for more than one appliance.

Why do some appliances say do not use an extension cord?

Extension Cords with High Wattage Appliances

Certain high wattage appliances should not use an extension cord when possible (check the owner's manual). Using an extension cord on these appliances could cause excessive heat and voltage drop, this could damage the appliance or motor.

Can you use 14 gauge wire for dishwasher?

The dishwasher circuit needs to be dedicated to 120/125-volt. A 14/2 NM wire is fed into this 15-amp circuit. You can also feed the dishwasher with a 20-amp circuit using 12/2 NM wire.

Which wire is hot on a dishwasher cord?

The dishwasher's hot (black) and neutral (white) wires are the ones going into each wire nut from the left side.

How do you hardwire a dishwasher?

Drill a 3/4-inch hole in the back of the right side of the cabinet where the dishwasher is being installed. Sand the edge of the hole smooth with medium-grit sandpaper. Run the dishwasher wire through the hole and into the wiring junction box.

Why do you need a junction box for a dishwasher?

A: This is needed for a hard wired installation as the cord that comes with the dishwasher is only for plugging into a three prong outlet. The plug side of this is for connecting to the back of the dishwasher and the junction box at the end of it is for a hard wired connection.

Do new dishwashers come with a power cord?

No - it comes with wires to the dishwasher in a box on the front. If your existing dishwasher uses a standard plug under the sink, you would need a power cord. If your existing dishwasher taps into a romex cable in the cabinet you can just use a couple wire nuts to hook it up in the power box.

Can you run a refrigerator and a dishwasher on the same circuit?

We all know refrigerators and dishwashers require a power source to operate, but can they be on the same circuit? Yes, a dishwasher and refrigerator can be on the same circuit if you can reach the requirements on the NEC.

Can a dishwasher and garbage disposal be on the same circuit?

Yes, the dishwasher and garbage disposal can run on the same circuit. But they are more preferred to be powered by two different circuits rather than one.

What is code for dishwasher outlet?

422.16(B)(2) Built-in Dishwashers and Trash Compactors. The receptacle for a built-in dishwasher shall be located in the space adjacent to the space occupied by the dishwasher.

Can a dishwasher outlet be under the sink?

Can You Put an Electrical Outlet Under A Sink? The National Electrical Code, a minimum standard for electricians in the United States, allows for electrical outlets to be placed under the sink. However, all electrical outlets within a distance of 6 feet from the sink must have GFCI protection.

Where do you put a dishwasher outlet?

Registered User. The receptacle should not be behind the dishwasher. To access it; you would have to remove the dishwasher. Just like the dishwasher drain and water line that go to the sink water valve and drain; the dishwasher electric cord plug should go to a receptacle under the kitchen sink.

Can I use an extension cord with a Keurig?

Yes you can use an extension cord , power strip or outlet!!!!!

Can I run a fridge off an extension cord?

Why you shouldn't plug a refrigerator into an extension cord

Extension cords have a thinner wiring compared to regular house sockets. This makes them susceptible to failing and causing a fire especially if the appliances plugged into it are have a wattage that is higher than what the extension cord is rated for.

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