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Garbage Disposal Electrical Code Inquiry

Original forum discussion regarding electrical code requirements for garbage disposal circuits.

Post #1: Initial Question

I was running conduit in a home that had been roughed in by another contractor. this is a new home and my partner and i noticed that they had ran a 14-2 romex for the disposal. we looked in the code book to see if that was legal. i thought all small kitchen appliances had to be 20 amp circuits. we looked under the '99 book and i couldn't find where it had to be 20 amp.

Post #2: Response from Charlie b

Re: Garbage Disposal

The 20 amp rule relates to receptacle outlets. If this is a dedicated circuit and if the disposal is hard-wired (no receptacle), then a 15 amp circuit is acceptable. Reference: 210.11(C)(1).

Post #3: Response from ryan_618

Re: Garbage Disposal

210.11(C)(1) refers you to the receptacle outlets required by 210.52(B). 210.52(B)refers you to countertop receptacles and general use receptacles. Since the garbage disposal is not covered by 210.52(A) or (C), it is permitted to be on a 15 amp circuit.

EDIT: Looks like Charlie and I posted at the same time

Post #4: Response from George

Re: Garbage Disposal

The disposal can be cord connected to a 15A single receptacle in the cabinet.

Post #5: Follow-up Question from charlie b

Re: Garbage Disposal

George: Why would the receptacle have to be singular?

Post #6: Response from ryan_618

Re: Garbage Disposal

George said that it could be done, and I think we can all agree that that is correct. But I agree with you, in that I don?t think that it has to be a single outlet. 210.52 says that its requirements are ?? in addition to any receptacle that is ? located within cabinets?.?

Post #7: Further Question from charlie b

Re: Garbage Disposal

Ryan, Can a duplex receptacle be used if the disposal draws more then 7.5 amps? By using a single receptacle it would limit what would be pluged in.

Post #8: Response from charlie b

Re: Garbage Disposal

George: I agree that a single receptacle would be a good idea, and I agree with your reason (to prevent other things from being plugged into the same circuit). But that's a design issue, not a code issue.

By the way, where did the "7.5 amps" come into the picture? You can load a 15 amp circuit to 80%, or 12 amps. Even if you threw in another 80% factor (i.e., for the motor load), you could still go as high as 9.6 amps.

Post #9: Response from mjc

Re: Garbage Disposal

George was correct ,and the reason behind a single 'RECEPTACLE' :

• a disconnecting means , 430-109 (f)
• in reference to Article 430 part M (Grounding)the NEC found that when an owner/occupant/plumber was called to replace a problemed disposal the proper grounding of a hard wired (flexible conduit)system was missing or inadequate. The grounded three prong attachment plug remedies this situation and safety will continue.
• Therefore 1999 NEC 430-42(C) becomes applicable , a 15a circuit (opps! sorry Hurk good catch, RATING OF THE ATTACHMENT PLUG AND RECEPTACLE DETERMINE THE CIRCUIT RATING we usually use a 15a)

Post #10: Response from George

Re: Garbage Disposal

7.5 amps is 50% of the circuit if it goes over you can't have other loads

Post #11: Response from HUH?

Re: Garbage Disposal

3. Therefore 1999 NEC 430-42(C) becomes applicable , a 15a circuit

HUH?

Post #12: Response from Jimwalker

Re: Garbage Disposal

Thank you,Jimwalker!

Post #13: Response from Pierre

Re: Garbage Disposal

422.16 Flexible Cords.(B) Specific Appliances.

• Electrically Operated Kitchen Waste Disposers.

In referencing this section, there is no restriction here as to using a single receptacle.

Pierre