8

Part of me always cringes when I turn on the garbage disposal with a wet hand, which got me thinking... Does this thing need to be on a GFCI? And on that same thought, does the dishwasher need to be on a GFCI? Both currently are not and wondering if they should be to meet current code.

diceless
  • 4,446
  • 1
  • 18
  • 18

5 Answers5

11

There are no requirements in National Electrical Code (NEC) that a residential disposal must be GFCI protected. However, there may be requirements in the installation instructions, which would make GFCI protection required.

210.8(A) requires receptacles serving the kitchen countertop to be GFCI protected. It also requires GFCI protection for receptacles within 6' of a sink, but only sinks not in a kitchen.

The 2014 edition added 210.8(D), which requires dwelling unit dishwashers to be GFCI protected.

National Electrical Code 2014

Chapter 2 Wiring and Protection

Article 210 Branch Circuits

210.8 Ground-Fault Circuit-Interrupter Protection for Personnel

(D) Kitchen Dishwasher Branch Circuit GFCI protection shall be provided for outlets that supply dishwashers installed in dwelling units locations.

Community
  • 1
Tester101
  • 133,087
  • 80
  • 327
  • 617
2

A lot has changed over the years:

  • 2014 - Dishwasher - 210.8(D):

Kitchen Dishwasher Branch Circuit

GFCI protection shall be provided for outlets that supply dishwashers installed in dwelling unit locations.

Note that in code "outlet" means "supplies electricity whether plug/cord/receptacle or hardwired". If you see "receptacle" then it excludes hardwired, if you see "outlet" then it includes hardwired.

  • 2014 - Disposal - As far as I can tell, required if it is plug/cord connected (because the receptacle would be within 6' of the sink, even if below and in a cabinet rather than "countertop') but not if hardwired

  • 2020 - Dishwasher - No change in practice, but the rule was moved to 422.5(A)(7)

  • 2023 - Change to 210.8(A) which now lists "Kitchens" generically rather than limiting the requirement to countertop receptacles or within 6' of a sink. Which eliminates any question of "does the 6' rule count if the receptacle is under the sink where you can't really plug in anything else".

  • 2023 - Dishwasher - Included again in a list in 210.8(D), but still in 422.5(A) as well.

As far as I can tell (and I am not an electrician or code expert), as of NEC 2023 there is still no absolute (i.e., "outlet" rather than "receptacle") requirement for a garbage disposal to be GFCI-protected if it is hardwired. Not a bad idea, but not required. If someone has information to the contrary, please let me know!

As of August 1, 2024, NEC adoption includes:

  • 2023 - 13 states
  • 2020 - 24 states
  • 2017 - 7 states
  • 2008 - 2 states
  • County/Municipality only - 4 states

Many counties and cities have their own NEC adoption schedule and/or modifications, so if you are not sure then either put in GFCI and play it safe or check with your local jurisdiction.

Also remember that in most situations, grandfathering applies. If you replace a dishwasher or disposal that was installed properly when GFCI was not required then generally you don't need to add GFCI. However, that is not always the case (jurisdiction dependent) and that doesn't apply if you are renovating your kitchen and not just doing direct replacements.

manassehkatz-Moving 2 Codidact
  • 139,495
  • 14
  • 149
  • 386
2

nec 210.8 states where GFCI are required all receptacles within 6' of a sink (to service countertops). the exception where GFCI are not required areas not easily accessable (Behind a dishwasher, fridg) or if the device is hardwired, I have 1 inspector that wants GFCI on disposal units and several others that do not require them (hard wired) I dont like putting them in on the disposals because they trip fairly often and I have found them not to last more than a few years and I get called back. Their may also be local requirements for them in your area not covered in the NEC.

Ed Beal
  • 103,727
  • 4
  • 79
  • 158
0

Obviously Dishwashers should have GFI Protection, high power, wet and in direct proximity to use of the sink, often the user will have one hand in the Dishwasher and the other on or in the sink water, and both the 2017 & 2020 NEC specifically require the same. I always also put the Disposer on the same 20A GFI Circuit Breaker for added customer safety. I also always push for GFI Circuit Breakers protecting Receptacles in all wet areas for durability.

Chuck Tanner
  • 1
0

He just said he uses the same circuit for the dishwasher and the disposal I do it too but I don't think it's the code

Jeffrey Weems
  • 1