Dedicated circuits have been a top priority to avoid electrical damage, but does a dishwasher need a dedicated circuit?
Dishwashers are no less than a life savior. We are living in a hectic world that demands our time. Hence, most of us need applications like a dishwasher to save time and perform chores without delay.
Dishwashers don’t just wash our utensils; they help us save water, time, and energy. But everything comes at a price. Dishwashers make our life easier, but they also need some maintenance. As it runs on electricity, we must take specific actions to prevent any harm to the appliance and ourselves.
So, would a dedicated circuit make any difference? Let’s find out!
Does a dishwasher need a dedicated circuit?
A dishwasher does need a dedicated circuit. If you are installing a dishwasher at home, make sure you don’t plug it into a regular wall socket. A regular outlet won’t be able to handle the load until and unless it is dedicated, grounded, and protected with a breaker.
A dedicated circuit ensures no overloading and mitigates risks and fire hazards. Besides a dishwasher, garbage disposals, refirgerators, ovens, and stovetops require a dedicated circuit.
And if you are worried about the expenditure, don’t worry. Safety comes first. Installation of a dedicated circuit won’t cost more than $500.
However, the price depends on the circuit’s material and the installation time required. The price ranges from $250 to $1500, and this investment is worth your money. Your home must be equipped to handle a dishwasher.
Can the dishwasher and disposal be on the same circuit?
You must not connect two appliances on the same circuit. Otherwise, it could trigger short circuits and power shortages that can damage overall electrical appliances.
People often put dishwashers and disposals on the same circuit without realizing they are inviting danger. It could be dangerous if the load exceeds 80% of the total circuit capacity.
But if you manage to lessen the load, you can use both appliances on the same circuit. Yet, you are recommended not to use both appliances on the same circuit for safety concerns.
Can a dishwasher be plugged into a normal outlet?
You can plug a dishwasher into a regular outlet, but it has mandatory requirements. Usually, a dishwasher requires 15 amp of power. If your standard outlet provides this much power, you are good to go.
However, some dishwashers require 20 amps or more; hence they require circuit breakers with the same amps.
Dishwasher outlet requirements must be fulfilled. It must be easily accessible so you can turn it off and on without any stress. For example, it shouldn’t be behind the dishwasher or near the water faucet.
Make sure you know what the exact amp of your dishwasher is. Ideally, it must be 15 amps, but if it exceeds 20 amps, you must acquire a dedicated circuit. Install ground fault circuit interrupter outlets for extra security and prevention of problems. The outlet trips itself to avoid electrocution.
How many amps for a dishwasher circuit?
A dishwasher circuit needs a minimum of 10 to 15 amps (120-125 volts) to work correctly. If you use the circuit breaker as a garbage disposal, you’d need 20 amps. This range is ideal for operating the dishwasher successfully.
Most household dishwashers use a minimum of 10 amps of power but ensure the breaker has a high rating for safety purposes. Industrial and commercial dishwashers use a lot of power; hence they use 20 amp.
How Do I Know if I Have a Dedicated Circuit?
Major electrical appliances need a dedicated circuit to operate without causing a fire or short circuit. But if you are not sure whether your dishwasher or any other electrical appliance has a circuit or not, here’s what would help.
A dedicated circuit has its circuit breaker in the electric box. It ensures the safe and secure running of the electric appliance.
How many amps does a dishwasher use (each brand)?
If you are wondering how much amps dishwashers use, here’s a quick brief for your guide.
Bosch:
If you’re using the Bosch brand, which happens to be the quietest dishwasher in the USA, it has 12 amps of electricity per hour.
Kitchen Aid:
KitchenAid dishwashers thoroughly clean your dishes by consuming 120 Volts at 15 amps.
Kenmore:
Kenmore is a renowned brand for home and kitchen appliances. It has been serving households for more than 100 years. Its dishwashers do not use more than 8.3 amps.
Samsung Dishwasher:
Samsung has been serving its customers since 1938. This Korean company has introduced some of the finest dishwashers that use 15 amps.
LG Dishwashers:
If you are a big LG fan, installing its dishwasher would only consume 15 amps. Mind you, LG is known for its reliability and quality products.
General Electric (GE):
General Electric is an American company that manufactures different kitchen supplies and appliances. Its smaller dishwashers require a minimum of 6 amp, and large modules don’t use more than 15 amps.
Frigidaire:
Your Frigidaire dishwasher would draw 15 amps and 1500 watts of power.
Maytag:
A typical Maytag dishwasher is 15 amps, equating to 1800 watts of power usage.
Whirlpool:
Your Whirlpool dishwasher uses ten amps at 2200 watts.
If you are confused about how amps work, then we’ve got your back. AMPS depends on the load or device. The volume of water running through the hose determines the amps. Every appliance has a different amp.
Things to Keep in Mind When Choosing a Dishwasher
Buying dishwashers isn’t a piece of cake. You are about to make a life-long investment, making intelligent choices that would benefit you in the long run.
If you buy a dishwasher, here are some valuable tips to keep in mind. Don’t miss any of it!
Area
Dishwashers take considerable space in the kitchen. And if you have a small kitchen, you are sacrificing valuable space. Before buying a dishwasher, decide its placement that won’t trouble you in the future.
Ideally, the dishwasher opening must be far from the sink wall. Take proper measurements from cabinet to cabinet; don’t ever go for a tight fit. Always leave at least 2 inches on each side. Dishwashers require at least 27 inches of open space for loading and unloading.
Size of Dishwasher
Dishwasher size is determined based on its placement. Nonetheless, it is available in a range of sizes from 6- to 16-. If you go for 14, it will hold 12 dishes, including spoons, plates, and bowls.
You have to choose according to availale space and your family size. 6- and 8- size is ideal for a family of three, but larger families require more oversized dishwashers.
Type of Dishwasher
It is crucial to determine the correct type of dishwasher for your kitchen. Choose the right type, which will help you in the long run. There are three different types available in the market, and you can choose any of them as per your needs,
Built-in
Built-in dishwashers are the most popular dishwashers used in homes and placed beneath the countertop. Due to the plumping connection, they are placed under the sink.
You can choose a standard size or compact size. The latter measures 34 inches tall and 24 inches wide, while the former measures about 17 to 18 inches wide.
Countertop
Now you can place your dishwashers on the countertop. They measure between 20 to 24 inches wide and 25 to 28 inches high. They can accommodate six to eight settings in a single wash.
But don’t forget that they require a well-connected water intake hose, sink faucet, and a drain to release dirty water into the sink. As it runs on electricity, ensure there’s an electrical outlet for power.
Portable
Portable dishwashers are fantastic for renters and people living in smaller places. Even if you are not changing homes, it adds ease to your life. Portable dishwashers measure 20 to 24 inches wide, 27 to 30 inches deep, and 34 to 38 inches high.
Their height allows them to accommodate a maximum of 12 settings per wash. It can be stowed away when not used, but it requires access to the kitchen sink and drainage.
Features
Don’t ever compromise on a dishwasher’s features. Look out for the best that fulfill your needs.
- Look out for eco-friendly dishwashers.
- Various dishwashers have adjustable racks to suit the size of your dishes.
- Look for soil sensors that improve water efficiency by adjusting the cycle’s time and water usage. Other than that, temperature sensors help maintain the appropriate temperature for water, and detergent and water sensors release the exact quantity.
- Ensure your dishwasher has a Hold Cycle to wash dirty dishes by reducing odors and preventing food from setting.
- Recent dishwashers have innovative technology and a Wi-Fi connection that enables operating via computer or smartphone. Having such features allows you to use wash dishes while doing your work.
Noise Level
Let’s be clear; you won’t like to hear dishwashers’ sounds even if you are in your room. The standard model can be bothersome, and you can’t blame the manufacturers because that’s how it works. Therefore, some people prefer turning on dishwashers when nobody’s home or after dinners.
But if you seek solace, switch to quieter models. Though they’ll be expensive, you get to sit in peace. For your information, countertop and portable units exposed on all sides tend to be noisier. It would eventually muffle the sounds if encased from all sides.
Cost
Budget considerations are necessary when buying a dishwasher. On average, a portable dishwasher costs from $400 to $700, excluding the installation cost that reaches up to a maximum of $200. You can buy a countertop dishwasher for the minimum price of $250.
But if you want something fancy, additional features like bells and whistles, a top, and a built-in dishwasher would cost around $2000.
Nonetheless, make a choice that suits your pocket!
Energy Efficient
Energy-efficient dishwashers save you a great deal of money. Look out for dishwashers that save you energy to reduce electricity bills and water consumption.
Mainly, dishwashers don’t consume more than 5.8 gallons of water per cycle, but you can go for efficient ones that don’t require more than half a galleon of water per wash.
Do Dishwashers Use A Lot Of Electricity?
Yes. Dishwashers use a lot of electricity. It is inevitable since the dishwasher has three major components that use the most watts. The heater uses approximately 84% of total wattage, the motor requires at least 14% watts, and the drain pump uses 2% of total wattage.
On average, dishwashers use 600 watts to 2500 watts of electricity. Per a rough estimate, your dishwasher uses 1.17 kWh of electricity per cycle. No wonder dishwashers are known as energy guzzlers.
If truth to be told, a regular dishwasher consumes as much electricity as a TV consumes after running for straight 20 hours. Generally, cooling and heating appliances use the most energy in our homes.
But, compared to refrigerators, heaters, and dryers, dishwasher still consumes only 2% of electricity.
Does the dishwasher increase the electric bill?
Dishwashers have an impact on your electricity bills. After all, they use a significant amount of energy to run the appliance perfectly.
The overall running cost of your appliance varies from $40 to $70 per year, depending on daily usage.
However, now you can install energy-saving dishwashers with eco-settings that cost less than $40 per annum. These dishwashers cut down electricity bills and save you gallons of water.
In comparison to handwashing, dishwashers are helping you reduce the carbon print. It might increase the electrivity bill, but dishwashers are greener than conventional washing methods.
Conclusion | Does a Dishwasher Need a Dedicated Circuit?
After reading this article, you know that a dedicated circuit is a must-have for dishwashers. As dishwashers are becoming necessary, take adequate safety measures to use your appliance for a long time.
You can use hardwiring for a dishwasher to save energy and money, but plugging helps significantly if you face frequent power shortages.
Regardless of dishwasher knowledge, always read the manual before and after the purchase. You’ll thank us for this tip.
Good luck with your purchase!
