Can a built-in dishwasher be plugged into a receptacle?

Question

We just bought a house in California. Can a built in dishwasher be plugged into an outlet or must it be hard wired?

Answer 1

Some local codes require the dishwasher to be plugged in with the receptacle accessible, like in the sink cabinet. A dedicated 15A 120V GFCI-protected circuit is also required for most residential machines. A GFCI duplex receptacle is not acceptable since another device may be able to be plugged in, thus rendering the circuit non-dedicated.

Answer 2

It can definitely be plugged into a receptacle. Some new dish washers come with the cord already attached and some give you directions. Almost all require a GFCI outlet and you need to read what size circuit you need.

My experience in the past 3-4 years. Installed 6 dishwashers. 1 had cord already on it - which is kind of a pain because often there is no outlet. The other 5 all had instructions that said it allowed for wiring to be turned into cord. 1 we did that because it made sense - used outlet behind fridge (not the same outlet as fridge). Just look up manufacturer's instructions online if you have any questions but the short answer is YES.

Answer 3

I agree with most already said. Dedicated 15 A circuit. However, one can use a gfci outlet provided the non used half is rendered non usable (silicon caulking). If hardwiring a gfci outlet inline with it then both outlets must be rendered non usable.