I am installing a new dishwasher (never had one before). How do I add a light switch to dishwasher? I am installing dishwasher on its own circuit.

Thanks for the help!

 

Switch for a Dishwasher?
A Dishwasher should be hardwired and not on a switch.

Do you mean "Garbage Disposer" ? If so, you install a switch to control the outlet that the Disposer is plugged into.

 

I did mean dishwasher. I am hardwiring the dishwasher to a separate circuit. I also wanted to have a switch so I can turn it off so my 2 1/2 yr old daughter can't accidentally turn it on. Is it possible, and if so, how do I do it?
Thanks

 

You switch a dishwasher in the same way as you switch any other device. If you are talking about a dishwasher that plugs in then you switch the receptacle. With all respect, if you are having trouble with this or don't understand trhe concept then perhaps you should study a few more books before proceeding.

 

With all due respect Bob, perhaps you should work on your people skills. I have never heard of a dishwasher that "plugs in" to a recpetacle, but maybe there is one out there. I'm not a master electrician (my husband does most of it). I was simply trying to get some basic information so we can try to tackle it this weekend. I guess I'll go read some books now.

 

OK, I understand what you want to do.

Run the wiring so that the hot wire goes to the line side of the switch. Then from the opposite side of the switch to the line input for the dishwasher. The common then goes from the dishwasher back to the panel. You should ground both the switch and the dishwasher.

IOW, install the switch inline on the "hot" line (normally black) and make sure you run a ground wire (either green or bare copper) to both the switch and the dishwasher.

Make sure this circuit is GFCI protected since I sure you will have the switch located above the countertop near the sink.

 

I did not mean any disrespect and I am sorry that I offended you.

Most dishwashers are connected via cords and plugs. Typically a receptacle is installed under the sink, because the dishwasher typically is next to the sink. If the cord and plug is not supplied with the dishwasher, then it is added as part of the installation.

Often the receptacle under the sink is a duplex receptacle, half switched and half always hot. The switched half is generally used for a disposal. Again, most disposals have a cord and plug so that they can be plugged in.
Sometimes the switch for the receptacle for the disposal is also under the sink, meaning that the cabinet must be opened to turn on and off the disposal. This is usually when the disposal is added after the fact and running a switch is either difficult or just too much of a bother.

If you are adding something new to your house and this will be for next to the sink then I recommend that you add two circuits, one for a disposal. I also suggest that you wire them both to be switched. If you aren't going to add the disposal now, then perhaps just add one switch and plug the dishwasher into the switched half of the receptacle.

As for my concerns, please understand that I am concerned about life safety issues. In my spare time I am a volunteer firefighter/medic. I have seen fires and death caused by unsafe wiring. Neither are much fun.

Your posts indicate (apparently correctly) that you yourself don't know much about wiring. That's okay. It's okay too that you are asking questions. However, you clearly stated that you (singular) would be installing a dishwasher. You did not say that your husband would be installing a dishwasher. Regardless of who is installing the dishwasher, it's important that basic safety precautions be followed and the wiring be safe. You cannot (without getting very lucky) safely install any new electrical circuit. That is why I suggest that you should read up on this before proceeding.

Good luck with this project.

One last comment. The dishwasher does not need to be GFCI protected (unless the directions call for it, which I have never heard of). GFCI protecting a dishwasher will only add to the confusion and could be costly.

 

snow bunny, this is certainly possible and if you don't yet have the information you need, please post back. You're not the only one who adds a switch for the dishwasher. It's not common but it's not that uncommon either.

But I disagree with Joe in that I don't recommend GFCI here. It is not required, and in my opinion, not a very good idea either.

I also disagree with Bob. I don't think most dishwashers are connected with a cord and plug. Some are, but I don't think it's most.

We've thrown a lot of random information at you. Post back with more questions and information, and we can try to organize our advice more clearly. Tell us what you've got to work with.

 

One other thought: If you haven't purchase the dishwasher yet, many have a control lock designed for exactly the reason you want a switch. Ours has one, as does the oven, microwave, washer and dryer. All of them were more than sufficient to keep our overly curious toddler out of trouble while our backs were turned, which, in the kitchen, was never for more than a moment. Now that our toddler is 6 y/o, there's no such thing as child proof.

Doug M.