When I removed my dishwasher in order to level the floors and install new flooring, this is what I found:
It looks like the electrician just left the wire sticking out of a hole in the wall, but not enough, and then whoever installed the dishwasher pulled and ripped the wall until they got enough cord.
I live in Rock Hill, York County, SC. Is this up to code? How do I find out? Do I need to call an electrician? Can I fix it myself? Or should I leave it like it is?
For a hardwired appliance, either one of two things are true in order for the connection to comply with Code:
If it's the former, then the drywall damage is pure sloppiness (and wouldn't qualify as "neat and workmanlike" if you ask me -- some sort of LV bracket could be used for cable routing purposes I suppose?). If your dishwasher does the latter (which is my suspicion), then you need to install a box and NM clamp for the cable (a surface mounted "handy box" would do, as would an old work box cut into the wall) and then use a faceplate with a knockout on the front along with a cable clamp or bushing to route the appliance whip into the box.
This is perfectly up to code, just messy. Your dishwasher like many others is direct wired, with the junction box as part of the dishwasher. No additional junction boxes are needed here. Nor does it require GFCI protection because it is existing and not a new circuit.
I have been a Carpenter by trade for about 15yrs, I've been doing High-end Remodeling for the past 10 or so yrs. This is nothing new even in million dollar, I've encountered Hardwired Dishwashers, the occasional roll away ones that'll plug into your Gfi... I've disassembled & installed new ones at least 30+ times by now & all the same, I've seen some with much bigger holes that technically shouldn't have passed fire codes but you have nothing to worry about! If you're worried about the cosmetics you can Hot patch the drywall or it looks small enough you could simply tape & mud it
All electrical connections should be made in a listed box. You can install a single gang "old work" box in the wall. Wire nut a new longer piece of wire to connect to the box on the dishwasher. You will need a cover plate with a hole and a clamp to protect the wire. Current code requires a GFCI for new installs but since this is repair work you are not required to update to a GFCI. My state exempts dishwashers from GFCI protection even on new installs. I have heard some states require all work like this to be done by a licesened electrician. Many states allow a home owner to do all there Electricial. Checking your state amended Electrticial code would be a good idea so you know.
Terminate the NM sheathed cable with a strain relief/clamp at a box in the wall. Install a receptacle with a metal cover. Plug in a 6' appliance pigtail and wire that to the integral box on the dishwasher.
