Quick Electrial Question

[Doug Miller]

You can -- but you violate Code if you do.

Yep.

[Doug Miller]

Sorry, that's *not* correct: flexible cord is not Code-approved for permanent connection to the wiring system except under limited circumstances that do not pertain here.

[Eric]

"Robert Bonomi" wrote

What wall switch? Not every disposal has a wall switch. Mine is plugged into a receptacle under the cabinet and the stopper is magnetic and controls an internal switch.

To the OP, it is better to keep the plug end if possible. Makes taking it out easier. You can make a very short cord to extend it if needed.

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Without a real switch on the unit you may want to unplug the beast when you have to get your hand down it's throat and pull out some string to untangle the jam in there.

[Eric]

The sink is pretty thoroughly grounded in most residences.

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No ground on my sink via the ABS drain pipes or the PEX supply tubes either.

[Bill]

Thanks. I'm going to do that. I just got the box screwed up with the romex connector firmly attached. The working conditions are tight, otherwise I wouldn't be taking a break..lol.

[Bill]

I'm surprised it is allowed to use a flexible cord which, because of the nature of the device, has such a high probability of laying in water at some point if the 36" cord is merely plugged in. I won't let the cord rest on the bottom surface.

Admittedly, the cord appears to be of very good quality. Surely it is waterproof unless it cracks.

[-MIKE-]

A lot of things aren't code approved that would work perfectly fine.

[Bill]

That's the standard that some contractors I've hired use. What's sad is that their prices are higher than what perfect fine should really get (IMO). When I hire something done by a professional, I don't expect it to be done perfectly fine unless I'm offered a choice.

[John G]

Jam (Oh! Jello)goes down very easily. :-)

[J. Clarke]

Then it's grounded though the water in the pipes. And the ground wire to the disposal.

To get a shock you need a voltage _difference_. Not gonna happen with a garbage disposal full of water.

[J. Clarke]

If it's plugged in the electrical code does not apply. Code stops at the outlet. Fire code or other codes may apply but not the electrical code. I don't know why people have so much trouble with this.

[Bill]

Thanks for helping me out folks.

I installed the outlet and I'm getting a green light from the outlet tester Swingman suggested that I get, so life is good. For the time being, the switch for the garbage disposal will turn a lamp on and off. : )

Splicing together three guage 12 ground wires under pitiful conditions seemed to be the hardest part. I think it was Mike M. who said last year that one can do it even if the wires are not straight. Gosh, I can't. But I did end up with a really nice-lookin' splice--and it was a good thing I did when I did, because wire was getting scarce : )

The rest of the garbage disposal install should be like a piece-of-cake, or something else if you don't like cake.

Bill

[Dave]

Can't find it in previous messages. What outlet tester did Swingman suggest you get?

[HeyBub]

Like the start-up of a 1HP motor?

[Stuart]

Why should a 1hp motor trip a GCFI, its an earth fault current trip not a current overload device.

[Dave]

That's something I can't answer because my electrical knowledge is pretty limited. However, the small 8" desk fan I use in my bathroom which is plugged into a GFI outlet, occasionally trips the GFI when I turn the fan on. What could be the explanation for that?

[J. Clarke]

That would trip a circuit breaker. If there's a ground fault at startup something's wrong.

[Swingman]

Similar to this one:

building a house, and during electrical trimout and inspections I always carry one in my pocket.

Most inspector aren't going to accept that a receptacle requiring GFCI is indeed that unless they can see it/hear it trip. Sometimes GFCI is located on other floors (utility room for an outdoor circuit, ect) so when they question, you have a ready means to answer.

Saves a lot of unnecessary questions, and helpful in trouble shooting circuits also.

[Swingman]

As you have no doubt noted, there is no such thing as a quick answer to an electrical question on the wRec. Where one answer will suffice, you will get a dozen of the same, adding nothing more but noise. :)

[Dave]

difference between these two or is it just the nomenclature one chooses to use?