Are Dishwashers Hardwired? [How To Convert Hardwired To Plug-In?]

Dishwashers are readily available in major stores, so you can buy one and install it at your home anytime. But are dishwashers hardwired?

Most dishwashers are hardwired. Many of the dishwashers nowadays must be hooked up and hardwired to the home’s electric circuit. However, some dishwasher models come with an electrical cord and a three-prong plug that you can put in the socket. It really depends on the dishwasher’s brand and model.

With the right tools, hardwired dishwashers can be converted into plug-in dishwashers. This way, you can plug the dishwasher directly into a wall socket without permanently fixing it to the wall’s wiring.

Are All Dishwashers Hardwired?

Some dishwashers are hardwired, while others are plug connected.

If you’ve purchased a hardwired dishwasher, you’ll have to permanently connect the machine’s cords to the circuit wires in the wall.

The circuit wires are usually located in the same area where you’ll install the dishwasher.

Once installed, you can’t move or pull the appliance more than the wiring would allow, else you risk electrical damage.

You won’t have this issue with plug-connected dishwashers.

Dishwashers with plug-in connections can be moved anytime and placed anywhere, as long as an electrical socket is available.

If the dishwasher malfunctions, it’s easy to disconnect and inspect.

This isn’t to say that plug-connected dishwashers are better than hardwired dishwashers.

Both have their advantages and disadvantages.

Hardwired Dishwashers vs. Plug-In Dishwashers: Advantages And Disadvantages

Hardwired dishwashers and plug-in dishwashers have their distinct benefits and weaknesses.

If you’re planning to buy a dishwasher soon, consider the following.

Pros And Cons Of Hardwired Dishwashers

As the name suggests, hardwired dishwashers are installed directly into the circuit wiring on the kitchen wall.

Because of this, the wiring will most likely be more than capable of supporting the dishwasher’s power-hungry load.

This is especially true if the wiring was installed specifically for a dishwasher during the home building/renovation process.

Hardwired dishwashers appear much cleaner and more organized simply because their wiring is hidden and out of the way.

So if you’re planning to add a more sophisticated, modern look to your kitchen, you can’t go wrong with a hardwired dishwasher.

With that said, hardwired dishwashers are typically more expensive and difficult to install than plug-in dishwashers.

This is especially true if you don’t have the background electrical knowledge to do it yourself.

They’re also much harder to move without professional help as they first need to be disconnected entirely from the wall’s circuit wiring.

Pros

• It gives a cleaner and more organized look.
• It easily supports dishwashing load.
• It’s a long-term solution to dishwasher connection.

Cons

• Harder to move.
• It almost always requires professional help to install.
• Must be placed in a specific area in the kitchen.
• Wiring mistakes could present a fire hazard.

Recommended Further Reading:

• Are All Dishwashers Uniformly Sized?
• What is the Current Consumption of a Dishwasher?
• Should You Put Your Food Processor in the Dishwasher?

Pros And Cons Of Plug-In Dishwashers

Plug-in dishwashers are often the preferred choice of nomadic apartment dwellers and individuals who don’t have much space in their kitchens.

After all, plug-in dishwashers are way easier to install and move than hardwired dishwashers.

You don’t have to deal with costly or complex wiring because you only need to plug the cord into the socket for it to work.

The majority of the plug-in dishwashers are portable dishwashers, compact dishwashers, and countertop dishwashers.

Plug-in dishwashers are usually much smaller than built-in and integrated dishwashers and can often be placed on top of your kitchen counter.

These types of dishwashers come with a plug so you can place them anywhere you want without space considerations.

With that said, plug-in dishwashers generally have a lower volt capacity than hardwired dishwashers, so they’re not as powerful.

This is done on purpose to make sure that electrical sockets of any kind can support them.

Furthermore, plug-in dishwashers may potentially make a tiny kitchen more cramped and disorganized.

While some plug-in dishwashers are intended to fit under the counter like hardwired dishwashers, most of these models are portable.

The good news is that it’s easier to transfer a plug-in dishwasher to hardwired dishwashers than vice versa.

So if you ever decide to convert your plug-in machine to a hardwired one, you shouldn’t face any major issues during installation.

Pros

• Easy to move and install.
• You can place it anywhere.
• You can disconnect it in case of malfunctions and repairs.
• Little risk of wiring issues.

Cons

• Not as powerful as hardwired dishwashers.
• May make the kitchen cramped and disorganized.

How To Convert A Plug-in Dishwasher To A Hardwired Dishwasher?

Converting a plug-in dishwasher to a hardwired dishwasher is a relatively easy affair.

But as with most major appliances that deal with wiring, it’s best to call a professional to do it for you.

Here’s a quick rundown to give you an idea of how it works:

1. First, switch off the power.
2. Open the junction box on the lower console of the dishwasher. The junction box should contain the spliced connection.
3. Expose the wires by removing the wire nuts.
4. Cut the bare copper ground wire and cover it with the wire nuts you’ve just removed.
5. Peel about half an inch of the insulation cover, then twist the ends to the matching colors on the cord and cover the wires with nuts.
6. Now attach the copper and green wires on the power plug.
7. Wrap electrical tape on the wire connections, as well as around the three wires together. Make sure it’s wrapped up to an inch of the cable from the plug and dishwasher.

With this, you’ve successfully converted a plug-in dishwasher to a hardwired dishwasher.

Related Further Reading:

• Can You Clean a Rice Cooker with a Dishwasher?
• Can Hand Mixer Froth Milk?
• Can The Dishwasher And Disposal Be On The Same Circuit? [Explained]

Are Bosch Dishwashers Hardwired Or Plug-In?

Some of Bosch’s newer dishwasher models, like the Bosch 800 Series, come with a standard plug rather than a hardwired connection.

The Bosch 300 and 500 Series are hardwired but can be converted to a plug-connected if desired.

Furthermore, Bosch sells an outlet kit that contains everything you need to change a hardwired outlet to a plug outlet for the dishwasher.

The 300, 500, and 800 Series require an electrical supply of 120V and 60 Hz.

They must also be connected to a dishwasher-dedicated electrical circuit with a 15 amps fuse or breaker.

Are Samsung Dishwashers Hardwired?

The majority of Samsung dishwashers are hardwired, but Samsung makes it easy for users to convert them into a plug-in dishwasher if needed.

In most cases, it’s simply a matter of connecting the appropriate three-prong plug on the end of the original wiring.

Are GE Dishwashers Hardwired?

Under-the-counter General Electric dishwashers are all hardwired.

However, they can be installed by using a power cord with the aid of a professional if required.

Are LG Dishwashers Hardwired?

Like Bosch, LG dishwashers are available in hardwired models and plug-in models.

Built-in and under-the-counter models are hardwired, while compact and portable models are plug-in.

Interesting Further Reading:

• Is it Possible to Knead Dough with a Hand Mixer?
• Are Dishwashers Worth It? [How To Judge Their Worth?]
• Uncovering the Mystery of the Anti-Griddle
• Why Is an LG Dishwasher Always Wet Inside?

Are KitchenAid Dishwashers Hardwired?

Most of KitchenAid’s dishwasher models must be hardwired into the electrical system during installation.

Even so, some models come with instructions for both hardwired and plug installation.

Others, like the Top Control Tall Tub Built-In Dishwasher, use a plug rather than hardwiring.

Are Whirlpool Dishwashers Hardwired?

Whirlpool dishwashers, particularly built-in and integrated Whirlpool dishwashers, come with a hardwired design.

However, there’s a dedicated three-prong dishwasher power cord that connects the dishwasher to the wall outlet without having to hardwire the machine.