Wiring Dishwasher with 3-Prong Plug

Is it okay to wire a dishwasher with a 3 prong plug (GFCI)? I'm having trouble direct wiring it due to previous owners wiring. I have a 3 wire coming from the box (2 red, 1 white). It is connected to a 3 wire that goes to an outlet box which is located under the cabinet, by the dishwasher. I think that is the way they had the old dishwasher but I'm not 100% sure.

One other thing, 1 of the red wires from each of the 3 wire is not connected. Could they have spliced a connection to wire the dishwasher using the red wire? I know there are dishwashers that are portable and hook up/plug in, when they are operated. I don't have any problem going the plug route as long as it is safe.

Greg from Willoughby, OH

By GregS

Answers: Wiring Dishwasher with 3-Prong Plug

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By 11/04/2008

depends on the dishwasher. The bigger problem is the wiring. Normally, you would have a black hot wire, a white neutral and a green ground. Reds are also hot in a normal system. Usually they are used on a 240 volt hookup. I would have an electrician check this circuit with a tracer to find out what has been done. I know electricians are expensive but not as much as a fire. They also know current codes which are meant to keep you safe. I work for an electrical distributor so I am not up on all of the codes but I do know we sell cords to hook up dishwashers so it is possible.

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