How to Wire a Garbage Disposal Plug

How to Wire a Garbage Disposal Plug

Most residential garbage disposals are plug-in units wired to a standard 15A or 20A outlet under the sink, controlled by a wall switch. Some units are hardwired directly into a junction box. If your disposal came without a power cord, or you are replacing a hardwired unit with a plug-in model, you need to install a power cord with the correct plug. This is straightforward electrical work but requires the circuit to be de-energized before any connections are made.

Adding a Power Cord to a Garbage Disposal

• Turn off the circuit breaker for the disposal circuit and verify with a non-contact tester before touching the disposal’s wiring compartment
• Remove the cover plate on the bottom of the disposal unit to access the wiring compartment
• Purchase a disposal power cord kit rated for the unit’s amperage — most standard disposals use a 15A cord with a standard 3-prong plug
• Thread the cord through the strain relief bushing on the disposal wiring compartment and tighten the strain relief to secure the cord
• Connect black to black (hot), white to white (neutral), and green or bare to the green ground screw inside the compartment — secure all connections with the wire nuts provided in the kit
• Replace the cover plate and restore power

When a Dedicated Circuit Is Needed

Ontario Electrical Code requires a dedicated circuit for a garbage disposal if it is the only load on that circuit and the unit’s wattage warrants it. In practice, most residential disposals share a 20A kitchen circuit with the dishwasher or under-sink outlet. If you are adding a disposal to a kitchen that does not have an existing outlet or dedicated circuit under the sink, EZSMART can install the circuit and handle the ESA permit. Contact us for kitchen circuit additions across Ontario.

Amir Azimipour

Electrician Since 2008 Journeyman Electrician Designated Master Electrician at EZSMART Corp