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Dishwasher circuiting from existing outlet

3730 Views 3 Replies 2 Participants Last post by  AandPDan
Howdy, all. Apartment owner in NYC here for about 8 months now, still hitting my first time on a lot of home repair stuff and could use a hand from the pros. I'll just lay it out there and you can feel free to point out any problems.

I'm putting in an 18" dishwasher to replace the cabinet next to my sink. The only thing I haven't figured out yet is how to get the electrical connection there. The circuit I'm planning to use has only one load: a 20A GFI outlet which serves the igniter for the gas stove. No other loads on the circuit, but it shares a neutral with the other appliance circuit, which we have a microwave plugged into. The two circuits are on separate phases.

The igniter outlet (my power source) is about 2.5 feet above the floor and 1.5 from the left edge of the sink. The dishwasher is going to go just to the right of the sink. I need to figure out the best way to get that electrical connection about 2.5' down and 5' across, given that there's a kitchen sink cabinet between the two points.

I'm figuring either conduit & wire or 12/2 BX cable between the outlet and my destination on the other side of the sink. I'd do in-wall BX if I thought I could successfully guide it through, but I've never done it before so I don't know how easy/hard it is. Once I get there, do you guys recommend an outlet or do you think a hard-wired connection is better? Am I correct to assume that the GFI in the existing outlet would protect the circuit in either case?

Thanks for any advice.

Joe
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Hi Beans,

Congrats on the new apartment.

I'm big on DIY but you likely can't legally do the wiring in your apartment. Check with the AHJ but in most cases since it isn't a single family home, you'll need an electrician.

Dishwashers don't need to be on a GFCI.

The dishwasher should not be on the small appliance circuit. NEC 210.52 (b) (1) exceptions. The two or more small appliance circuits specified in 210.52 (b) (1) shall have no other outlets: Exception No. 2: Receptacles installed to provide power for supplemental equipment and lighting on gas-fired ranges, ovens, or counter-mounted cooking units.

Check with the inspector first.

Good luck.
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Thanks for the quick answer. I was going to have someone come in to install the dishwasher anyhow so I'll check for someone who can do that, too. Regarding the outlets, I think I mis-spoke. My kitchen actually has three circuits: 1) 20A serving the refrigerator and one countertop outlet 2) 20A serving the other countertop outlet and an outlet in the dining room 3) 20A serving the aforementioned outlet behind the stove The first two circuits are the ones I consider part of the 210.52 requirement (refrigerator is allowed, right?) and the third circuit is essentially my "spare" that I want to use for the dishwasher. Does that sound kosher? Anything else I should be aware of before I let someone have a go at it. Regarding outlet vs. HW and BX vs. pipe & wire. Thanks again!
You seem to be covered on the small appliance circuits. I'd defer to the AHJ on using that circuit however.

I'd probably put in a new outlet for the range on one of the small appliance circuits and use the existing range circuit as a dedicated feed to the DW.

Is running a new circuit out of the question?

In my locale it seems that most dishwashers are on a dedicated circuit. Most are hardwired as well.

I'd check with the AHJ again on the wire. Romex may not be allowed. Even if it is, I'd rather use BX or flexible conduit.

The best source Beans is really the local inspector. Most are more than willing to answer these questions. Ultimately, it is up to them.

Good luck with your project.
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