Tag: GFCI Dishwasher Outlet

Dear Mr. Electrician: How do I go about testing my dishwasher appliance for power?  Last night, I tried to wash dishes, but nothing happened.  There were no sounds or visible indicator lights. Answer: Testing a dishwasher appliance for power is a good starting point.  However, an appliance such as a dishwasher usually requires the services of an appliance technician for repair and not the expertise of an electrician. Table of Contents: Testing A Dishwasher For Power Dishwasher GFCI Outlet NOTE: Some text links below go to applicable products on Amazon.  As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.  Using my links helps to keep this website FREE. TESTING A DISHWASHER APPLIANCE FOR POWER First, make sure that the fuse or circuit breaker is not off.  Go to your home's main fuse box or circuit breaker panel and reset the circuit breaker for the dishwasher by pushing fully to the "Off" position and then to the "On" position. If you don't know which circuit breaker is for the dishwasher, reset them all.  If you have fuses instead of circuit breakers, replace the fuse for the dishwasher.  Now check to see if the dishwasher is working again. If resetting the circuit breaker or replacing the fuse does not get the machine running again, you will need to look inside the dishwasher.  Start by removing the bottom front cover to expose the components of the dishwasher.  This is usually accomplished by removing a few screws on each end or pushing some clips to release the panel. It is also possible that the bottom cover is just hooked in place and only needs to be lifted for removal.  The dishwasher owner's manual may have detailed steps for the cover's removal. CLICK HERE to see Dishwashers on Amazon You must get down on the floor to work inside the dishwasher.  A furniture pad or blanket on the floor will make it more comfortable.  Remove the cover in the toe kick area under the dishwasher's door.  Sometimes a screw at each end will need to be removed.  On other model dishwashers, the toe kick cover snaps in and is removed by pushing the clips in or down. At the bottom of the dishwasher, you should see a small electrical box with a cord or cable going into it.  Use a Non-Contact Voltage Tester and touch the side of the cord or non-metallic cable to see if there is electricity.  The non-contact tester will not work properly with a metal jacketed cable such as Type AC (BX) or Type MC cable. If the non-contact tester indicates voltage on the cord or cable, you should shut off the power at the fuse box or circuit breaker panel.  Remove the fuses or shut off the circuit breakers until the non-contact voltage tester indicates no power. Top Of Page With the power to the dishwasher turned OFF, remove the cover on the small electrical box on the bottom, not inside where the dishes get washed, but underneath.  Double-check the wires inside the small electrical box with the Non-Contact Voltage Tester.  If...