Dishwasher on a switch?

[Joe Funderburk, CMI]

Is a dishwasher required to be on a switch (new construction)? Did a new home today and the dishwasher was not on a switch. Most homes are, yet I cannot find a reference in the IRC about it.

Thanks.

[Bruce A. King]

Many AHJ's required it back in the early 90's I think after a run of units caught fire due to a poor design or chaffed wire.

It was code I think in 2001 for york county but they told me that they did not enforce it then.

I am seeing it on almost all new homes now though.
Even though most units have a child override no one uses it so a switch is needed to keep kids from overcleaning the dishes.

I don't write it up since all units I see have an override feature available and if a problem comes up with a model the CPSC will handle it.

[Jeffrey R. Pope]

I don't think I've ever seen a dishwasher on a switched receptacle.

[Dale Duffy]

Originally Posted by jpope

I don't think I've ever seen a dishwasher on a switched receptacle.

Nope...never have.

Must be a SC thing.......

[Paul Pendley]

I have never seen it either...Maybe its plugged into the disposal recepticle?

[jclark1]

Definitely must be a SC thing.

[smcarthur]

Fastened in place appliances are required to have a service disconnecting means. That can be a switch or a cord and plug arrangment. It's disign is to protect the person servicing the equipment, the same as the service disconnect on the A/C unit per NEC.

[Russel Ray]

Originally Posted by jpope

I don't think I've ever seen a dishwasher on a switched receptacle.

Nor have I.

[Speedy Petey]

The reason for the switch is what Steve said.
A switched receptacle would be redundant since the only reason for the switch is a means of disconnect, not for controlling the applaince.

[Blaine Wiley]

In some areas the disconnect may also be a circuit breaker in the service panel provided a breaker lock is installed on the breaker.

I have seen them on a switch here, but that was simply because it was plugged into the switched receptacle meant for the disposal.

[Russel Ray]

Originally Posted by Speedy Petey

The reason for the switch is what Steve said.
A switched receptacle would be redundant since the only reason for the switch is a means of disconnect, not for controlling the applaince.

We simply move aside all the chemicals in the kitchen sink cabinet and unplug the dishwasher.

[Jason A. Sieg, CMI]

Originally Posted by smcarthur

Fastened in place appliances are required to have a service disconnecting means. That can be a switch or a cord and plug arrangment. It's disign is to protect the person servicing the equipment, the same as the service disconnect on the A/C unit per NEC.

There must be more to it than that? The way you have it stated would mean that a switch would be required for a built in cooktop, built in microwave, a range hood, trash compactor, etc. I can agree with that when it comes to a furnace, A/C unit, sink disposal unit, electric hot water tank, etc. Although, I don't know how you would be able to distinguish what devices would require a switch from that would not without listing each specific type of unit and not forgetting any or being able to accommodate new appliances.

I have never seen a switch for a dishwasher here either, other than the circuit breaker.

As for needing the power turned off to service a dishwasher, every appliance repairperson I have ever seen working on a dishwasher (and I have seen a lot) wanted the power on to inspect all the circuits in the switches & controllers. Once they have located the problem they turn off the breaker if necessary for the repair.

[Russel Ray]

Originally Posted by jsieg

The way you have it stated would mean that a switch would be required for a built in cooktop, built in microwave, a range hood, trash compactor, etc. I can agree with that when it comes to a furnace, A/C unit, sink disposal unit, electric hot water tank, etc.

In my area we would simply unplug all of those except for the A/C unit, which has a disconnect close by.

[Jeffrey R. Pope]

Originally Posted by smcarthur

Fastened in place appliances are required to have a service disconnecting means. That can be a switch or a cord and plug arrangment. It's disign is to protect the person servicing the equipment, the same as the service disconnect on the A/C unit per NEC.

Agreed. But that's not how I read the initial question.

Can you clarify your question Joe? Where do you normally see the switch?

[Greg Fretwell]

There must be more to it than that? The way you have it stated would mean that a switch would be required for a built in cooktop, built in microwave, a range There must be more to it than that? The way you have it stated would mean that a switch would be required for a built in cooktop, built in microwave, a range hood, trash compactor, etc. hood, trash compactor, etc.

It is. All of those need a means of disconnect. that could be the cord and plug, a switch or a "lockable" breaker.