How To Wire A Garbage Disposal With Plug-in Cord?
A garbage disposal unit (food waste disposer) can be connected to the electrical power supply in two ways: hardwired into a dedicated circuit or wired with a power cord.
Compared to the hardwired method, the plug-in method is easy.
As a homeowner, you can easily wire the garbage disposal with the power cord. Just connect the wiring of the power cord to the disposal’s electric connection.
Then, plug the power cord into the electric outlet.
In short, the plug-in cord is easy, safe, and saves the cost of hiring an electrician to wire the disposal unit.
This guide provides step-by-step instructions on how to wire a garbage disposal with a plug-in cord.
Without further ado, let’s dive in.
Table of Contents
- Tools & Materials Needed
- Safety Precautions:
- How To Wire A Garbage Disposal With A Plug-in Cord: Step-by-Step Instructions?
- FAQs
- Conclusion
Tools & Materials Needed
- List of essential tools:
- Wire strippers
- Screwdriver
- Electrical tape
- Wire nuts
- Power drill (if necessary)
- Materials:
- Plug-in cord kit
- Wire connectors
- Garbage disposal unit
Safety Precautions:
Turn off the power supply before starting the wiring workflow to avoid accidental electric shocks.
Next, follow the NEC code to wire the garbage disposal unit. When connecting the garbage disposal unit to an electric outlet using a power cord, ensure:
- The power cord has a grounding plug (the kind with three prongs)
- The length of the power cord should be between 18 and 36 inches
- Place the outlet where the power cord won’t get damaged.
- The outlet should be easy to access
Meet the code requirements and follow the safety tips to ensure proper electric connections.
Explore Further: Garbage Disposal Code Requirements
How To Wire A Garbage Disposal With A Plug-in Cord: Step-by-Step Instructions?
To wire a garbage disposal with a plug-in power cord, follow these simple five steps:
1. Remove The Terminal Plate
To access the electric connections of your garbage disposal unit, remove the terminal plate from the bottom of the unit.
The terminal plate is secured with a single screw.
Use a Phillips head screwdriver to unscrew the terminal plate. Then, take it aside.
Keep the terminal plate safe to cover the electrical connections after completing the wiring.
2. Pull Out The Black and White Wires
Reach in the splice compartment.
It’s the compartment covered by the terminal plate you removed earlier and where the wires remain hidden.
Insert your finger into the compartment, locate the wires, and pull them out.
3. Install The Romex Connector
Install the Romex connector into the connector hole, which is located near the wiring compartment.
Position the Romex connector on the little hole and secure it until it’s tight.
4. Attach The Plug-in Cord To The Disposal Electric Connections
Attaching the plug-in cord to the disposal electric connection is the most important part of wiring the food waste disposer.
Feed the plug-in cord through the Romex connector into the wiring compartment.
Now, connect the power cord wiring to the disposal electrical connections.
Connect the power supply with the ribs to the disposer white wire. Then, attach the smooth black cord power wire to the disposer black wire.
5. Secure The Wiring With Wire Nuts
Ribbed wire and white wire are now together. I am going to use the orange wire nut to screw the wiring. Insert the wires into the wire nut and twist clockwise until tight.
Next, strip the smooth black power cord wire and the disposer black wire together, insert the wires into the wire nut, and tighten by twisting the wire nut clockwise.
Afterward, remove the green Phillips screw and secure the ground wire with the screw.
Wrap the wiring with electrical tape and place all wires inside the wiring compartment.
6. Replace the Terminal Plate and Test The Disposal Unit
Replace the terminal plate in its place and secure it with the nut.
Finally, plug the power cord into an electric outlet. Turn on the cold water supply and run the disposal unit to test the operation.
Read: Garbage Disposal Installation: The Ultimate Guide
FAQs
When should I wire the garbage disposal unit before mounting it or after?
I highly suggest you wire the garbage disposal unit before mounting it under the sink, as it’s easier. However, you can complete the wiring after mounting the garbage disposal unit.
Should I buy the power cord separately, or does it come with the garbage disposal unit?
Yes, you need to purchase the power cord kits separately, as the manufacturers sell the power cord kits separately.
What does the power cord kit include?
The power cord kit includes a three-prong power cord, two wire nuts, and a Romex connector.
How much does it cost to get power cord kits for the garbage disposal unit?
The price of power cord kits can vary based on the brand. The cost of most power cord kits, regardless of the brand, typically ranges from $10 to $15. If you purchase the InSinkErator Garbage Disposal Power Cord Kit, it will cost you $10.89.
Conclusion
Wiring the garbage disposal unit with a plug-in cord is practical and safe. You can disconnect the power cord and relocate the garbage disposal unit whenever you need.
By following this step-by-step instruction, you can confidently complete the wiring of your garbage disposal yourself.
For more detailed tips on installing and maintaining your garbage disposal, check out our comprehensive manual.
Sohel Rana is the founder of FixTheDisposal.Com. He is a plumbing expert with 7+ years of hands-on repairing garbage disposals, water heaters, space heaters, and other appliances used in a home. Before the launch of Fix The Disposal, he wrote and provided advice on water heaters, sump pumps, and space heater repairing & troubleshooting tips for LilDutchUncle.Com.
