How can I improve this straight wiring to the garbage disposal?
(The garbage disposal is on the same 20 Amp circuit with the dishwasher. The dishwasher is wired similarly. I will be replacing the kitchen cabinet.)
The longer length of these 3-in. stair gauges makes it easier to ensure an accurate layout when working with waned lumber.
"I have learned so much thanks to the searchable articles on the FHB website. I can confidently say that I expect to be a life-long subscriber." - M.K.
Dig into cutting-edge approaches and decades of proven solutions with total access to our experts and tradespeople.
Start Free Trial NowGet instant access to the latest developments in green building, research, and reports from the field.
Start Free Trial Now
Replies
What exactly is wrong with the current configuration?
The electric wire is not protected. It goes straight from some junction box who knows where trough the wall and drywall out to the garbage disposal. Is this acceptable?
It's possibly acceptable. I guess a new cord with a plug and an outlet would be an improvement. The circuit also requires GFCI protection since all outlets located within six feet from a sink need to be GFCI protected.
Outlet.
Put the garbage disposal wire into an outlet box in the wall. Put a plug in cord on the disposal. Do the same for the DW. Don't worry about the circuit. It's not current (no pun intended) code but I've never known it to be a problem.
The usual configuration is to place an outlet under the sink somewhere and plug the disposal into that. (Pretty sure the last disposal I bought came with a standard 3-prong power cable already attached.) Usually the outlet is "switched" by a wall switch on the back wall above the counter, adjacent to the sink, since few disposals have built-in switches.
Air switch.
If there's no wall switch you can get an air switch. Easy to find at the big box stores or a plumbing supply. It plugs in to an unswitched outlet and the disposer plugs into it. An air tube leads to a button that can be mounted on the counter or on the face of a cabinet or almost anywhere. No electrical danger. No wiring.
Executed! With an extra hole I could not use because of a stud left from it! LOL