[wraiththe]

HI,
I would like to get a dual stack switch like the Leviton 5634-R which is rated 15A and is a single/single which I believe allows two separate circuits...
https://www.leviton.com/en/products/5634-e


(currently using two normal light switches now)

Can I use this switch safely:

1 is on the dedicated insinkerator circuit

1 is on the dedicated dishwasher circuit

Not too worried about the insikerator, but the dishwasher I am sure uses a bit of power.

Why? I would like to go to a single gang box rather than a double. Just dont want things heating up.

 

[Wiredindallas]

Yes, just break off the tab between the 2 screws on 1 side.

 

[Oso954]

If it’s two dedicated circuits, break both the hot and neutral tabs.

Edit: I’d rather see a single 20 amp circuit with a 20 amp switch and branching to DW &GD. That way all power is killed when working in the box by killing one breaker.

 

[rjniles]

If it’s two dedicated circuits, break both the hot and neutral tabs.

There are no neutral tabs. There is a tab on the hot side to separate the 2 circuits, there is no tab on the switched hot side.

 

[surferdude2]

I have to ask, why turn off the power to the dishwasher? Maybe these are switches for an undercounter disconnect? If so, I'd prefer single switches but perhaps you have other needs.

Both of mine are cord/plug connected, same circuit, one duplex receptacle, works fine.

 

[Oso954]

There are no neutral tabs. There is a tab on the hot side to separate the 2 circuits, there is no tab on the switched hot side.

You are right, Don’t know why I got off track there.
Thanks!

 

[seharper]

Since both circuits go to the same yoke (the dual switch body), their circuit breakers must be handle-tied. Or they may be a single 2-pole breaker, at which point you can delete one neutral and you have yourself a *multi-wire branch circuit*.

You know, you don't need a disconnect switch for a dishwasher if it's cord-and-plug connected.

 

[wraiththe]

Yes, just break off the tab between the 2 screws on 1 side.

Yeah, thanks I am aware of that... I just want to make sure the switch can handle the draw from the Dishwasher... with out heating up... maybe burning a hole in the wall eventually... (I only know that I might not know.)

 

[AllanJ]

You will need to recalculate the box fill. With two circuits (two cables) feeding power in and two cables out to the dishwasher and disposer respectively then you have eight hots/neutrals (8 points) one device (the duplex switch for 2 points), one point for all of the ground wires, one point for all of the box clamps, zero points for wire nuts and pigtails, total 12 points, 2-1/4 cubic inches per point for 12 gauge wire equals 27 ci. box needed (USA standards).

Also check the amperes rating for the switches. The labeled amperes rating applies to each of the two switches on the yoke (mounting strip).

 

[wraiththe]

12 points, 2-1/4 cubic inches per point for 12 gauge wire equals 27 ci. box needed (USA standards).

Extremely useful info! I had not considered that! I have an idea, perhaps unorthodox, please see below

Also check the amperes rating for the switches. The labeled amperes rating applies to each of the two switches on the yoke (mounting strip).

The switch was rated at 15A. When talking with at tech, he implied that each individual switch would be half that, but kind of not. He was talking about the heat created... or so he said. I believe he meant use at any given time. Since the diposal is only used for a few seconds at a time... I do not think it will be an issue. (as it was not for the separate switches being used now.) If the switch is rated at 15A and you can use them on two different circuits... then why would they make it so each one is 7.5 A?

What if i kept the double gang box and just dry walled over and tiled over the half I am not going to use? That would leave me plenty of room for rolling the wire behind the switch. Or would that be a fire hazzard?

 

[joed]

Each switch can handle 15 amps. It is not split between them.
There should not be any heat generated in a switch. If there is, the switch has a bad contact and needs to be changed.