What size switch is needed for a dishwasher?

As an electrician, I am often asked what size switch is needed for a dishwasher, as the wrong choice can lead to many electrical problems.

Generally, a dishwasher will require a single-pole circuit breaker, and it is best to keep its circuit separate from those of your other appliances.

A 15 amp circuit is the ideal circuit breaker. However, if your dishwasher draws more electricity, or if you use a waste chute on the same circuit, you can install a 20 amp circuit breaker.

How do you know? Check the information plate. If your dishwasher draws 13 amps or less, a dedicated 15 amp circuit breaker will work well.

Also check the wiring. A 15 amp circuit breaker can only be wired with #14 or #12 wire, and a 20 amp circuit breaker can only be wired with #12 wire or better.

Make sure it has a ground connection and that the cable from your size switch box to the dishwasher goes straight to the dishwasher.

Using the amplifier in a dishwasher of some common brands

Amplifier consumption varies by brand and model. Here is a list of how much amperage each brand uses on average.

• Bosch - 12 ampere
• KitchenAid - 15 amps
• LG - 15 amps
• Black and Decker - 12 amps
• Maytag - 15 amps

Why do dishwashers need a size grinder?

Dishwashers typically have a power rating of 1000 or higher, indicating that they have higher power consumption and require a dedicated circuit breaker.

In addition, depending on the power, some municipalities require that household equipment with a power rating of at least 1000 be placed on separate electrical circuits. Dishwashers, ovens, washing machines, dryers, hot tubs, and stovetops are all home appliances that fall under this category.

Household appliances connected to the same circuit and having switches of the same size share electricity. This is not a problem if they only use a small amount of electricity, such as lamps, fans, etc. However, items such as computers are sensitive to voltage fluctuations and they are prone to loss of power or malfunction.

As a result, your dishwasher should not share a switch with other equipment or appliances that are as sensitive as they are.

Does a dishwasher need a size 1000 switch?

According to the rules, all appliances consuming more than 1000 watts of power must be connected to their dedicated circuits. Dishwashers need a circuit of at least 15 amps and nothing else is connected to it.

The goal is to prevent short circuits that could damage appliances on the same circuit and even your home. Be aware that a short circuit may cause a fire.

Homeowners need to know how much power their appliances use so they don't use all the power in the outlet. Dishwashers that use more power should only be on a 20 amp circuit breaker.

Should I replace a 15 amp dishwasher switch with a 20 amp one?

If you use the wrong circuit breaker in the wrong way, you can start a house fire. The reason is that the wiring for a typical 15 amp circuit breaker can usually safely handle draws up to that amount.

So if you suddenly switch to a 20A breaker and the wiring collects more electricity than it can handle, it can overload the circuit.

Should the dishwasher be on a GFCI circuit breaker?

Some homes have dishwashers connected to GFCI circuit breakers. But GFCI switches are not required by code, although they are safer.

The GFCI switch is not bad, but larger motors may trip the switch. People use GFCI to protect their equipment so that in the event of a complex short circuit, it does not cause much damage.

Switches should not be hidden (for example, under a sink); they should be easy to reach. When installing a dual purpose GFCI, make sure you have AFCI protection in place.

A ground fault circuit breaker or GFCI is a standard requirement for large dishwashers. This gives you extra protection if the outlet gets wet by turning off the power or turning off the circuit breaker to prevent electrical shock or severe short circuits.

But you need a GFCI if you're connecting your dishwasher and chute to the same circuit breaker.

The National Electrical Code states that the GFCI must protect the garbage chute. This means that you plug it into a grounded electrical outlet or wire it.

Only one GFCI protection is required per circuit. Dishwashers require 14/2 Nm wire with separate circuit breaker and earth. In most cases, GFCI protection is required, but AFCI protection depends on how the code is read in each area.

Is a 15 amp dishwasher enough?

Dishwashers must be connected to a different circuit than other appliances rated 1000W or more. A 15 amp breaker can power most dishwashers.

On the other hand, some dishwashers use more power and need a 20 amp circuit breaker.

How do you know?

If the dishwasher does not work when connected to the circuit breaker, it needs a higher amperage.

Contact an electrician and have them replace your current circuit breaker with one that can handle 20 amps. You can also buy a new dishwasher that uses less electricity.

Where to place the outlet for the dishwasher?

The outlet for the dishwasher must be in an easily accessible place. So it can't be behind the dishwasher because you have to take it out to get to it.

The plumbing from the sink water valve to the sink will help you figure out where to put it. The dishwasher's power cord and the plug under the kitchen sink go to the same place.

The dishwasher is hardwired into your home's plumbing system, which is different from most other household appliances. Therefore, place electrical switches and plugs at least 30 cm from the sink horizontally.

It prevents water from getting in the way of electrical current. Also, it should be easy to connect things.

Summing up

One of the most important electrical appliances in the kitchen is the dishwasher. Thus, you must follow the installation rules to ensure its safety and durability. You need a switch that can handle 15 to 20 amps.

Since dishwashers consume a lot of energy, they must be their automatic switch. It would be better if GFCI protection was installed on the switch to avoid shocks and fires.

F.A.Q.

How many amps and voltage do you need for a dishwasher?

All home dishwashers are rated at 120 volts, but not all draw the same amount of current. You may need to size the breaker depending on the amperage. To determine the amperage, read the label on your appliance to find out how many amps it draws, then match the circuit breaker to that number.

How much space do you need for a dishwasher?

You should be about a meter from a power source and about 50 cm from water and sewer pipes. You move the dishwasher closer to the sink.

Most dishwashers have a lifespan of 12 years, but with reasonable care they can last longer. A GFCI wall outlet is required for the portable dishwasher to operate. According to OSHA, the GFCI cuts off power to the dishwasher in the event of an overload, short circuit, or ground fault.

Take a look at some of our articles below.

• What wire for a 40 amp machine?
• How to connect a circuit breaker
• How to test a circuit breaker with a multimeter