Acceptable locations for a dishwasher junction box?

Submitted by Jack_Mackerel t3_zv91v1 in DIY

Greetings!

I'm installing a new dishwasher. The old one was hard-wired with the junction box integral to the dishwasher. The new one requires a junction box and a connector.

The cabinet currently has the romex power line coming straight into the back of the dishwasher cabinet (picture 1). The junction box instructions say to mount the j-box in an adjacent cabinet, and specifically state not to mount the j-box behind the dishwasher (picture 2). Is this for any specific safety or code reason, or just because there usually isn't sufficient space in a dishwasher cabinet?

As you can see from the picture of the cabinet, I have about 4 inches of space to work with on the right side. Would it be safe/ok to mount the j-box in that empty space (as it's not technically "behind" the dishwasher, but it's also not in an adjacent cabinet)? If not, could I get away with just putting the j-box in the adjacent cabinet, drilling a hole in the side of the cabinet to run the romex through, then run the connector cable back into the dishwasher cabinet, or would I need to relocate where the power line comes through the wall (read: hire an electrician because that's beyond the limit of my comfort)?

Thanks!

16

Comments

You must log in or register to comment.

jinbtown t1_j1nunhx wrote

Do not install the junction box in the same cabinet space as the dishwasher. Dishwashers can occasionally vent into their cabinets if the one way air equalization valve fails, and junction boxes are a notorious spot for electrical failures, smoke, and fires. You need to be able to get at it if something happens. Pulling your dishwasher out to get to it is not a good option. Mount it as high up as possible as well.

12

Jack_Mackerel OP t1_j1nvd9s wrote

Right-o, thank you for the explanation! Sounds like a safety reason then. Adjacent cabinet it is. Thanks again!

6

jinbtown t1_j1nvipm wrote

you've got plenty of wire to do so! good luck with the rest of the install

4

Reelplayer t1_j1nzldp wrote

A junction box needs to be easily accessible. I think the dishwasher being screwed into place makes it considered inaccessible, like if you had to remove the counter top to get at it. Under the sink is fine. So long as you can get at it by opening cabinet doors or pulling a drawer.

8

jewishforthejokes t1_j1o1j0k wrote

You're thinking of "readily accessible":

> The NEC’s definition of readily accessible states: “capable of being reached quickly for operation, renewal, or inspections without requiring those to whom ready access is requisite to actions such as to use tools, to climb over or remove obstacles, or to resort to portable ladders and so forth.”

Just "accessible" requires not damaging anything, but does allow removing screws.

I'm guessing it must be "readily accessible" and that's why it's usually located in an adjacent cabinet.

7

Reelplayer t1_j1ot5va wrote

Thanks for clearing that up. Yes, removing screws and pulling out the dishwasher would definitely not count as readily accessible.

2

ICYaLata t1_j1ntgvv wrote

Read the installation manual of the dishwasher. It will show the available/suggested areas it should be located.

6

Jack_Mackerel OP t1_j1nuepx wrote

The suggested area is in an adjacent cabinet (https://imgur.com/5KPnFvq), and instructions specify not to install the j-box behind the dishwasher (though they don't say anything about other locations within the dishwasher cabinet). If this was a new install I'd just do it as in the picture. Given the current location of the power cable and the available space beside the dishwasher in the dishwasher cabinet though, I feel like it would be a cleaner install to just put the j-box there (seems silly to drill a hole in the side of the cabinet to run the power line into an adjacent cabinet just to run the power right back in), but I only want to do it like that if there's not a compelling (i.e. safety or code) reason not to.

1

Fmlyhmalm t1_j1qa7jg wrote

You don’t drill a hole to bring it into the adjacent cabinet you bring the wire back through the drywall to come through the back of the adjacent cabinet then with a power cord you run the the bottom corner of the adjacent cabinet back to the dishwasher. The romex that is there shouldn’t be left exposed to possible damage.

0

muckpucker t1_j1o24zz wrote

While tempting, that space is not appropriate. Your dishwasher installation manual will specify the exact location to drill a hole through the side of the cabinet to run the wires, water supply and drain line.

2

danauns t1_j1o3i8m wrote

New dishwasher has a manual. Read it.

This information is in the manual.

2

HeadOfMax t1_j1o50mr wrote

You should put it under the sink with a switch where it's easily accessible.

2

DeepThinker392 t1_j1qnn6r wrote

Your installation is considered "hard wired" and you do not need a junction box as long as you wire the dishwasher directly into the electric line.

The last kitchen remodel I did, the owner didn't know if they wanted a dishwasher yet because the kitchen was so small, but they wanted power available in case they changed their minds in the future. In this case, I terminated the circuit in a junction box under the sink cabinet which was next to the cabinet that would have been removed to install a dishwasher.

As long as a dishwasher is a permanent part of your kitchen, you don't need to install a junction box and hard wiring as in your current configuration is the best choice and meets code.

What is not acceptable is terminating a circuit in a hidden junction box, like behind the dishwasher, because all junction boxes are required to be accessible to look for evidence of arcing during an inspection. In the case of a direct or hard wired dishwasher, the junction box is actually installed beneath the dishwasher where the electrical connection is made and is considered to be a safe way to wire an appliance.

2

upstateduck t1_j1o1pww wrote

one caveat

The pull down faucet's hose can be interfered with by the junction box

0