Dishwashers require many components to work safely and reliably, and connecting the electrical wires correctly requires following clear instructions and color-coding to achieve that end goal. Connecting wires should not be too daunting of an endeavor for any homeowner!
Help a helper lift the dishwasher upright onto cardboard to make its power cord, water supply and drain hose more accessible. Remove screws securing its access panel at the bottom to reveal a junction box with three exposed wires.
Installing the Drain Hose
A high loop at the top of a drain hose helps prevent water from pooling at its base and flooding into your garbage disposal. Run it as high up inside your cabinet as possible before securing with a screw-on pipe strap to avoid potential back up.
Before installing your new dishwasher, take time to read its manual and carefully follow any specific steps listed therein. Next, turn it onto its back and remove its kickplate (a thin rectangular access panel at its base) so as to increase access for electrical wiring and plumbing connections.
After turning off your electricity at your circuit breaker and shutting off water at the valve under your sink, gather together shallow pan, bucket or sponge to collect any of the excess liquid that drains out when disconnecting wires and the water line. Also keep pliers nearby should modifications to front level legs be required. Finally, disconnect and connect the new drain hose that should easily fit to either your garbage disposal tailpiece or dishwasher tailpiece.
Connecting the Water Supply
Before installing your dishwasher, be sure to switch off its electricity at your circuit breaker and water at its source under your sink, then unplug and disconnect any existing models if applicable. Finally, disconnect and unplug any previously used models if required.
Once everything has been disconnected, make sure that the area under your new dishwasher is clear of obstructions such as tables or chairs; remove its front access panel for better accessing its wiring connections and water supply line.
Connect the dishwasher’s water inlet by attaching an adapter elbow that has been prepped with plumber’s tape to prevent leaks, followed by tightening a dual-outlet shutoff valve with wrench. Make sure that it fits securely but don’t overtighten as this could strip threads on the valve and compromise its functionality.
Connecting the Electrical Connections
Once the drain and water supply connections are secured, it’s time to plug in your power cord. Before doing so, switch off electricity at your circuit breaker and water at its valve under your sink; additionally it would be wise to place a bowl below any connections to catch any potential dribbles that might leak out.
Hardwired dishwashers typically feature a junction box that holds three different colored cords attached: one smooth gray cord and two ribbed ones (typically green and gray respectively), which serve to power the machine; these power cords connect directly to its power source: one is hot for power supply while neutral is provided by one ribbed cord and grounding by another (an ideal arrangement is to connect all three cords at the same time for optimal results).
To wire your dishwasher, unplug its green cord before connecting its white and black counterparts to their respective terminals. Replace the cover on the junction box before securing its wiring with wire nuts for maximum security. After connecting its power cord, it’s ready for installation! Simply slide it into its space between cabinets while making adjustments so its feet lie flush against them.
Installing the Dishwasher
Dishwashers may seem intimidating for homeowners as they require both water and electricity hookups and are sometimes hidden between cabinets where these connections can be hard to access. By following these simple tips and consulting your dishwasher manual, however, installing your new appliance shouldn’t take much longer than expected.
Start by turning off both electricity and water at the circuit breaker, as well as at the valve underneath your sink. Next, remove the front access panel of your dishwasher to gain better access to its power cord connection fittings and water inlet valve.
Use a screwdriver to open the wire connection housing and thread your cord through. Connect using wire connectors (wire nuts) that match its color code (black to black, white to white, and green/yellow to green/yellow). Replace its cover.