Do Garbage Disposals need GFCI?
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A garbage disposal is an essential kitchen appliance that helps you get rid of food waste safely and effectively. Therefore, it’s important to ensure that your disposal has the correct outlets and electrical wiring for proper operation.
Generally, GFCI outlets are standard in areas where appliances may come into contact with water like bathrooms and kitchens. That way, the outlet will shut off power to the appliance if it comes into contact with water to prevent electrocution and other bodily harm.
But do garbage disposals need a GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter) outlet?
According to the NEC (National Electrical Code), GFCI protection for a garbage disposal is optional. However, in some instances, GFCI protection may be necessary for garbage disposal.
What are some of those instances? Why do garbage disposals need GFCI protection?
Well, those are some of the issues we’ll be addressing in this article. But first, do you even know what a GFCI outlet is?
Let’s start from there!
What is GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter) protection?
A Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) is an electrical outlet that prevents appliances and electrical systems from overheating. Specifically, it prevents fires, electrocution, and associated injuries by cutting off power to the appliance before an injury can occur.
GFCI outlets were invented by a professional of electrical engineering at California University known as Charles Dalziel in 1961. Since then, they have been used to protect businesses and homes from electrical systems by detecting electrical current imbalances in the circuit and shutting off power to the outlet before any accident can happen.
At first glance, a GFCI outlet has 3 holes, just like a typical electrical outlet. The top right hole with a smaller blade slot is the hotline, while the top left hole with a longer blade shot is the neutral line. That way, electricity flows through the hotline to the plugged-in appliance and goes back into the neutral line to create a circuit.
However, unlike other outlets, a GFCI outlet has a circuit breaker and reset button. If there is more electricity going out of the circuit than is coming in, the GFCI outlet notices this imbalance and trips the breaker, turning off the circuit.
Do garbage disposals need a GFCI outlet?
As mentioned earlier, the National Electrical Code (NEC) does not deem it mandatory for garbage disposals to have a GFCI outlet. Therefore, installing a GFCI outlet for your garbage disposal is optional.
However, there is no harm in setting up your garbage disposal in a GFCI outlet. Besides, all outlets within 6 ft of your kitchen sink are supposed to have GFCI protection. And garbage disposals are usually plugged into outlets that are directly beneath the kitchen sink. On top of that, most garbage disposal manufacturers often recommend having GFCI protection for these appliances.
Benefits of using a GFCI outlet for garbage disposals
GFCI outlets are designed to prevent electrical fires that are caused by electrical problems. At the same time, they protect your appliances from power surges and keep your family safe from electrical currents that can cause electrocution.
Moreover, if your garbage disposal outlet is too close to the sink, it can be exposed to water from large spills or leaks. In that case, installing a GFCI outlet for your garbage disposal is a good precaution as it will automatically shut down the appliance if water comes into contact with the outlet.
Why does a garbage disposal trip a GFCI outlet?
If your garbage disposal keeps tripping the GFCI outlet, there is a good chance the unit’s receptacle is fed from the load side of the GFCI receptacle. As a result, a ground fault occurs between the GFCI and the garbage disposals, causing the breaker to trip. This helps to prevent further accidents from occurring because of the ground fault.
Similarly, if your disposal is leaking and water comes into contact with its electrical components, the GFCI outlet will trip. Also, the GFCI outlet may trip if the garbage disposal is on the same circuit as another appliance.
What type of outlet is needed for garbage disposal?
As you know, there are 2 types of outlets for garbage disposal; plug-in and hardwired installation.
A hardwired outlet is connected to a dedicated circuit. While the plug-in outlet has a wall outlet under the kitchen sink cabinet to connect to the power cord of a garbage disposal.
Hardwiring a garbage disposal can be a costly and complicated process. For that, this installation requires a professional electrician since it’s permanent. However, the unit will be connected directly to the power source, either at the junction box or the power box. This option is recommended for those who do not intend to renovate or change their kitchen layout in the near future.
On the other hand, a plug-in configuration allows you to easily connect your garbage disposal to an existing wall outlet. Better yet, this can either be a standard wall outlet or a GFCI outlet. Either way, a plug-in garbage disposal outlet is easier to use and install. However, you should carefully check the amperage and voltage rating of the outlet and wiring to ensure they match the electrical requirements of the garbage disposal.
