FAQ: How Many Amps Does A Typical Garbage Disposal Draw?

Garbage Disposal Circuit Requirement: Provide one 15-amp, 120-volt dedicated circuit wired with 14/2 cable. Why: The reason for this is the same as for the dishwasher circuit. Garbage disposals do not have an extended run, like ranges or microwaves.

Can a garbage disposal be on a 15 amp circuit?

Ideally, a garbage disposal should be on its own 15-amp or 20-amp circuit. Second choice is to have it share a 20-amp circuit with the dishwasher. Putting the disposal on a circuit serving countertop receptacles is not an option. It is prohibited by code.

Do you need a 20 Amp switch for a garbage disposal?

A switch only needs to be rated for the load it controls. Unless your GD draws more than 15 amps a 15 amp witch is fine.

Does a garbage disposal need its own circuit breaker?

Garbage disposals should be either hardwired or connected to an outlet through a grounded electrical outlet. A dedicated circuit is generally recommended, although a circuit that is shared with a dishwasher is sometimes appropriate. The best authority on this distinction is the disposal’s user manual.

How much power does a garbage disposal need?

Garbage disposals with ½ hp or ¾ hp should be adequate for the typical home. Cooks who use the disposal on a daily basis and need to grind tougher waste, including bones, may want to opt for a 1-hp model.

Can a garbage disposal and dishwasher be on the same circuit?

Disposal and dishwasher can be operated on the same circuit; if their load is adjusted in a 20 amp or 15 amp circuit. It should not exceed 80%.

What gauge wire should I use for a garbage disposal?

Garbage Disposal Circuit A dedicated 15-amp circuit is required, fed by a 14/2 NM cable with a ground. You may also elect to feed the disposer with a 20-amp circuit, using 12/2 NM wire with a ground.

Can you use a 15 amp switch on a 20amp circuit?

As you’d be using the switch to control loads that may exceed their capacity. That is, for a 20 amp circuit, you can use one 15 amp outlet. If your circuit is 15 amp, you can control the entire circuit with a 15 amp switch. This is because it won’t exceed the maximum load.

Will a garbage disposal trip a GFCI?

In simple terms, yes. It’s possible for a garbage disposal to trip a GFCI outlet.

Does a dishwasher need GFCI protection?

GFCI protection is not required for receptacles serving appliances like dishwashers, or convenience receptacles that do not supply countertop surfaces. Receptacles installed within 6 ft of the outside edge of a wet bar sink must also be GFCI-protected [210.8(A)(7)].

Do I need 20 amp outlets?

Large consumers, especially kitchen appliances, such as microwaves, blenders and toasters, need a dedicated 20 amp circuit, to ensure a constant energy flow, which means they cannot share the circuit with other devices.

Do all garbage disposals fit all sinks?

The two primary types of garbage disposals are batch feed and continuous feed disposals. Before you shop, look under your sink to see how much room you have to add or replace a disposal. Not all models will fit under all sinks, but small disposals are available for small spaces.

Are garbage disposals worth it?

The main advantage of a garbage disposal is that it makes cleanup after meals easier. Rather than have to move plates from your sink to your trash can to scrape off food waste, you can generally just dump everything down the drain, grind it up, and call it day, all without damaging your pipes.

How long does a garbage disposal last?

If you should especially consider replacing your disposal if it’s been at least a decade since your last renovation or garbage disposal installation project. Most disposals have a life expectancy of about 10 years, after which they may start clogging more often.