Hey! What’s going on? Are you experimenting to make your dishwasher and disposal work on the same circuit? Experimenting this may seem like fun but can also be dangerous if you’re not a pro at it. So, without wasting a second, let’s get into the details to check out if we can or we cannot use them on the same circuit?
Can Dishwasher And Disposal Be On the Same Circuit?
Both disposal and dishwasher work properly on the same circuit if the load doesn’t exceed 80% of the total circuit capacity.
In the beginning of these services; it is not allowed to operate dishwashers and disposal on the same circuit. But then, it is permitted on specific basis. Garbage disposals are hardwired because they have to shred waste food and keep your water waste management system safe.
So the dishwasher and disposal can be used on the same circuit. Dishwasher mainly operates on 120/125 volts. To feed 15 ampere of current to the both disposal and dishwasher; in this situation the wiring which is usually used is 14/2 NM and to feed 20 amp, wiring is 12/2 NM and this is grounded wiring.
What Is Dishwasher And Disposal? And How Do They Work? What Is Their Purpose Of Use?
Dishwasher is like a robotic machine that works to comfort human problems. If you are manually washing dishes, it takes too much time to scrub and remove stains and then rinse them properly and then drain them out. But a dishwasher performs all duties in a systematic way, there is just a need to set up the function then it is best for your delicate dinnerware or any other kind.
Disposal or in other words Garbage disposal; mostly used under the sink to grind small waste food materials. It keeps the pipes from blockage due to trapped food pieces. It keeps your kitchen and sink clean and safe.
Are Dishwashers And Disposals Connected? Is It Necessary?
It is not necessary to attach your dishwasher with Disposal but to avoid your sink and other drainage system problems; connect dishwasher and disposal. Dishwashers have a properly working system but to safely dispose of the waste water with food wastes, there is a need for a disposer or garbage disposal connection that is fitted under the sink.
What Is GFCI And AFCI? Are They Important In Disposal And Dishwasher Properly Functioning?
GFCI which is abbreviated as Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter; is designed for protecting the users in the kitchen from severe electric shocks due to operating electric systems. AFCI which is abbreviated as Arc Fault Circuit Interrupter; is designed to protect from fire; when current jumps through the faulty wire connections or in case any damage occurs in the wire while current flows then AFCI connections stop the current flow in the wires to prevent from fire damage. Basically AFCI are designed specially to sense sparking means arcing.
Should Your Kitchen Have The Same Circuit Setting As In Your Home? Is There Any Need For Special Kinds Of Circuits In The Kitchen?
There is a need of seven to eight circuits (one lightning circuit and others are for operating appliances) specifically for the kitchen appliances to operate these things safely. The circuits that are mostly used in our homes are simple, not so complex. For our home appliances, like light bulbs, fans; the fixtures and outlets (including plug-in outlets) are operating on the single general circuit. But for our kitchen or kitchen appliances like refrigerator, oven, dishwasher and disposal; single circuit cannot bear the burden.
What Is The Role Of GFCI And AFCI In The Working Of Dishwasher And Disposal?
Usually, there is a plug and cord connection for these kinds of kitchen appliances. For dishwashers there is a need for Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCI) according to the Local Interpretation Code.
While AFCI (ARC Fault Circuit Interrupters) and GFCI are the safest approach for the disposal but due to the tripping of GFCI they are omitted and only AFCI are dedicated to use. Because GFCI stops the flow of current if there is an issue in the circuit or breaker and disposal cannot get power to start working.
What Kind Of Breakers And Circuits Are Good For Dishwasher And Disposal?
Double breaker circuit is used in mostly kitchens with AFCI protected breakers and GFCI outlet receptacles for appliances like dishwashers and disposal. The two receptacles for DW and GD are AFCI protected.
According to authorities; it is allowed to use dishwashers and disposal on the same circuit but only in one case if the load doesn’t exceed 80%. For example; for a 20amp circuit the maximum load should be 16amp. More than it; will damage your appliance or the circuits also.
For disposal or dishwasher if there is a use of 15amp circuit then the wire gauge used is of 14/2 not 12/2. 12/2 NM cable is used for 20 amp circuit breaker, because dishwasher mostly consume 10 amp current and disposal may be 4 or 8 A. The dedicated circuit; which is used to run that specific appliance, mostly used in kitchens is recommended.
Is There Any Need For A Stabilizer?
It is not compulsory to use a stabilizer for your dishwasher, but if you use it, it will help you a lot. Stabilizer is used to maintain a specific voltage level. To protect your home appliances from sudden damage, voltage stabilizer is used.
According to my experience; some of the best recommended dishwasher and disposal for you are;
Frigidaire Inch Built In Dishwasher
- Filtration System – Self-cleaning filter eliminates food particles, keeping dishes clean.
- Stay-Put Door – The door stays put at whatever angle you open it for easy loading and unloading.
- Heated Drying System – Heating element helps dry your dishes the first time.
HomeAid Quiet Food Waste Disposer
- 1/2 HP AC Motor
- 2-Stage Multi-Grind Technology
- Stainless Steel Grind Components
- Real Ultra-Quiet Technology
Final Verdict
Disposal and dishwasher can be operated on the same circuit; if their load is adjusted in a 20 amp or 15 amp circuit. It should not exceed 80%. There is a need for a dedicated circuit to deal with plug and cord connection mostly protected with AFCI protections but GFCI is also important in connections.
