How to Hardwire a Dishwasher

How to Hardwire a Dishwasher

In Ontario, dishwashers can be connected to power either by plugging into a dedicated outlet under the sink or by hardwiring directly to a circuit. Hardwiring is common in kitchen renovations where no outlet is accessible behind the unit. This guide covers what hardwiring a dishwasher involves and the code requirements that apply in Ontario.

Ontario Code Requirements for Dishwasher Circuits

Under the Ontario Electrical Safety Code (OESC), a dishwasher must be supplied by a dedicated 15-amp or 20-amp, 120-volt circuit. The circuit must have a disconnect means that is accessible without moving the appliance. For hardwired installations, this means either a junction box with a service disconnect switch, or an accessible breaker panel that serves only this appliance. An ESA permit is required for new circuit work.

What You Need

• 14/2 or 12/2 NMD90 cable (14/2 for a 15A circuit, 12/2 for a 20A circuit)
• Wire connectors (wire nuts or Wago connectors)
• Electrical tape
• Junction box (if the dishwasher has no internal connection box)
• Strain relief connector (cable clamp)
• Non-contact voltage tester
• Screwdrivers and wire stripper

Step-by-Step: Hardwiring the Dishwasher Connection

Note: The circuit from the panel to the dishwasher location must already be run and terminated. If it is not, that portion of the work requires an ESA permit and must be done by a licensed electrician in Ontario.

1. Turn off the circuit breaker feeding the dishwasher location and verify with a non-contact voltage tester that power is off
2. Pull the dishwasher forward and locate the electrical connection access point — usually a small metal box at the lower front of the unit
3. Remove the access panel cover to expose the wiring terminals or wire leads inside the dishwasher
4. Insert the supply cable through the strain relief connector into the dishwasher’s wiring compartment and tighten the strain relief so the cable cannot be pulled out
5. Connect black to black (hot), white to white (neutral), and bare copper or green to the green ground screw or bare ground wire
6. Use wire nuts or Wago connectors to secure each connection, then fold the wires into the compartment and replace the access panel cover
7. Slide the dishwasher back into position, restore power, and test the unit

When to Call a Licensed Electrician

If there is no existing circuit run to the dishwasher location, a licensed electrician must install the circuit with an ESA permit. The same applies if you need to upgrade the panel, relocate the circuit, or install a disconnect switch. EZSMART installs dedicated kitchen appliance circuits and hardwires dishwashers across Ontario. Contact us for a quote.

Amir Azimipour

Electrician Since 2008 Journeyman Electrician Designated Master Electrician at EZSMART Corp