QA

Quick Answer: How To Wire Garbage Disposal

How should a garbage disposal be wired?

Wrap the bare-copper end of the green (ground) wire of the cord clockwise around the ground screw on the disposal (or use the ring connector). Tighten the ground screw with a screwdriver to secure the wire. Connect the white (neutral) cord wire to the white (neutral) wire on the disposal, using a wire connector.

Should I hardwire my garbage disposal?

Garbage disposals should be either hardwired or connected to an outlet through a grounded electrical outlet. A dedicated circuit is generally recommended, although a circuit that is shared with a dishwasher is sometimes appropriate.

Does a garbage disposal need a special switch?

Replacement Switch for Garbage Disposal Purchase a replacement switch with the same amperage rating as the old one. Some garbage disposals run at 15 amps while others require a 20-amp circuit and switch. You should be able to find the switch you need in home centers and hardware stores in your area, if not online.

Can I use an extension cord for my garbage disposal?

These garbage disposal extension cords are designed for electrical appliances such as electrical motors, garbage disposals or anywhere flat parallel cords may be used. Reliable garbage disposal cords from Prime come in gray with 16/3 wire gauge and come in 3ft or 6ft cord length.

What kind of wire do you use for a garbage disposal?

Have an electrician run a 12/2 wire from the circuit box to the switch hole. Contact an electrician and let them know you’re installing a new switch and outlet for a garbage disposal. Allow them to install a dedicated circuit in your home’s main electrical box and let them run wires to the hole you made for the switch.

How many amps does garbage disposal use?

Garbage disposal requires a circuit of 15 amps ideally. A 15 amp dedicated circuit is the best option for setting up one garbage disposal. Other than that, a garbage disposal can also work on a 20 amp circuit. Because in the kitchens of most houses, there is an electrical 20 amp GFCI outlet under the kitchen sink.

Does outlet under sink need to be GFCI?

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.

Can I put dishwasher and garbage disposal on 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. It is very important to make sure that both the appliances do not exceed the amperage rating more than the circuit amperage or even close to it.

How do you manually turn on an InSinkErator?

Use the wrench to manually turn the disposal’s motor shaft first counterclockwise, then clockwise until the obstruction is dislodged and the motor shaft spins freely. It’s okay to use some force when turning the wrench, just be sure to support the disposal unit as you do.

Can you run dishwasher and garbage disposal at same time?

InSinkErator’s Evolution disposals can actually grind avocado pits and bones, Severson says. Another urban legend floating around: You shouldn’t run your disposal while the dishwasher is operating. This is false, experts say. Just be mindful of what and how much you put in there, and read your manual.

Why do garbage disposals not come without a power cord?

No power cord included. It can be hard wired into the house wire at the disposer switch. It can be hard wired into the house wire at the disposer switch.

What gauge wire do I need for a garbage disposal?

A garbage disposal requires a dedicated 15-amp circuit, fed by a 14/2 NM cable with a ground. You may also elect to feed the disposer with a 20-amp circuit, using 12/2 NM wire with a ground. This is often done when the local code allows the disposal to share a circuit with the dishwasher.

What size is the wire clamp on a garbage disposal?

Many people forget this cable connector clamp when they install a garbage disposal. Don’t. It’s there for your safety. Be aware that if you use your own power cord, you’ll also have to provide a 3/8-inch electrical cable clamp connector.

Where is knockout plug on disposal?

Usually located near the top of the unit is a drainage port where the dishwasher’s drainage tube gets attached. If this tube is attached already, disconnect it using the appropriate screwdriver for the job. Inside the garbage disposal, behind this tube mount, is where the knockout plug lives.

What is a knockout plug on a disposal?

Knockout plugs are often used to connect dishwashers to garbage disposals. When the dishwasher drains down, it can push water into the disposal through this tube. Since not all homes have a dishwasher, disposals with this feature will typically have the opening blocked off by a knockout plug.

What is a knock out plug?

A knock out plug is a hole that has a cover over it. You will usually need to use a screw driver and a hammer to “knock out” the cover. Check out this picture. Once you knock out the plug, be sure to remove the plug because it may clog the drain if you leave it in there.