Exposed dishwasher wiring

secutanudu

My dishwasher is at the right-most side of the counter. There is an approximately 6" wide section between the right side of the dishwasher and the wall that is unfinished. I plan to cover this section after taking care of the wiring issue.

The electrical wires are visible with wire nuts that connect the dishwasher to the power source.

Now I'm no electrician, but having wiring on the floor next to an appliance that uses water seems dangerous. What should I do to fix this? See atached pictures. Thanks!

Attached Thumbnails

   

Leah Frances

I'll let the experts answer this one...but good use of pictures to illustrate your question.

__________________
If I could only remember to THINK about what I was doing before I did it.

Speedy Petey

The 120v feed splice should be in a box built into the unit. Typically in front right behind the toe kick panel.
Thing is once the wires leave that box they are just floating under the unit. ALL the unit wiring is, and it's mostly line voltage (120v).

Bottom line, that splice SHOULD be in a box.

__________________
Sometimes I feel like if I answer any more questions it is like someone trying to climb over a fence to jump off a bridge and me giving them a boost.

secutanudu

Thanks for the response. So just buy a junction box, and shove the splices in there? Can I just leave the junction box on the floor, where the splices are now?

jbfan

No. There should be a box built into the dishwasher that the junction must be in.
You may have to remove the plate on the bottom of the dishwasher to find it.

__________________
Yes I am a Pirate, 200 years too late. "Jimmy Buffett"

secutanudu

Thanks. I will take it off tomorrow morning and see if there's a box in there. Appreciate it.

Speedy Petey

Yup. This is exactly what I meant.

__________________
Sometimes I feel like if I answer any more questions it is like someone trying to climb over a fence to jump off a bridge and me giving them a boost.

secutanudu

Took the kick plate off, sure enough there was a box there with nothing in it. I rerouted the wires to the box, and put new wire nuts on w/ electrical tape.

I don't know how the previous owner of the home could have left it like that...then again, I don't know how they did lots of the things they did. Thanks for your help.

darren

Because people are dumb, he is probably one of those homeowners who would come on here and claim how easy electrical work is.

jbfan

Glad we are able to help.

__________________
Yes I am a Pirate, 200 years too late. "Jimmy Buffett"

flyboy2610

One of those "What were they THINKING?" moments, huh?
If it were me, I would frame a narrow cabinet on the side of the dishwasher. We have one along the side of our dishwasher, and it is perfect for things like pizza pans and cookie sheets.

Daniel Holzman

The dishwasher connection box also has a green screw for grounding the dishwasher. You need to find the equipment grounding wire (probably a bare copper wire) and attach it to the screw in the dishwasher junction box.

Chemist1961

Daniel ,
There should be a UL clamp nut on that box where your wire enters it to hold your wiring secure when the dishwasher is moved in and out of its space. Make sure it is snug.
When all is said and done adjust the leveling feet front and back of the DW. If you have it leaning forward after install you will upset the proper drainage and may develop a drip at the front of the DW.
Adjust the feet to to fit the height of your countertop, then lower the front, slide it in place and raise the front again making sure to remain level front to back.

secutanudu

Hmm, a cabinet is a nice idea. I was just planning to put a piece of paneling or painted wood to cover that spot. Would I need to build something like that, or do they make pre-built slim cabinets?

theatretch85

You might have to have something like that built, the smallest I have seen the cabinets pre-made is 12" wide with one door and a drawer.