Just a question out of pure curiosity.
New dishwasher installation, manual calls for a 20 amp breaker. No problem, run 12Ga/2 (with ground ) Romex from breaker to J-Box, Run 12Ga/2 (with ground ) BMX up to dishwasher. Open dishwasher electrical cover and it has
16Ga wire?????So if code requires 12Ga for a 20 amp circuit how can the UL/CSA labeled Kenmore dishwasher have 16GA wire for the final connection. Same thing with the garbage disposal system.
Any thoughts on this one?
PV
Appliance manufacturers don't bother with things like NEC requirements for ampicity. Look inside your electric water heater, same thing. You're suppose to run #10 wire on a 30 amp breaker to it, just to find that your tying on to 12 or 14 gage wires inside. It's UL listed that way, so it's OK to use it.
The appliance circuit from you panel to the appliance is usually a longer distance than the smaller wires within the appliance. And besides, the smaller wire probably has a greater heat resistant insulation.
Perfectly normal and safe. It is a totally different enviornment from the feed cable. Appliance wire is usually totally contained in the metal appliance shell and usually has an insulation which will stand higher temperatures.
Don Young
Hi, Consider distance from breaker panel to dish washer for one.
Wasn't really concerned, just one of those things that make me go hmmmmmmmm,
PV
Now you know plus thousands of others who read these posts. But thats what they are here for to live and learn. As the saying goes, Theres a reason for everything" Jack
Most appliances are wired with 105 degree or higher wires plus they are not sealed in a cable. House wire is 90 degree, some is 60 degree.
The breaker is there to protect the house-wiring (and the house) in case of overload. Not the appliance.
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