Should a garbage disposal be on a GFCI?

**Erico** · 02-20-2011, 10:14 AM

I opted to install a switched outlet under the sink for the disposal (rather than a hard wire with a whip). Should I install a GFCI?

Also, there will be a non-switched outlet for a potential hot water dispenser. I thought I remembered seeing in one set of specs that they recommend a GFCI but the specs I printed for a model we are considering do not say anything about recommending GFCI.

My inclination is always GFCI near water. But will there be tripping issues with a switched appliance such as a G/D?

**LLigetfa** · 02-20-2011, 10:23 AM

Originally Posted by Erico

...will there be tripping issues with a switched appliance such as a G/D?

Sorry, I cannot answer your first question but as for this one, I think it could have a propensity to trip. All my outdoor recptacles are GFCI and when I use them to power motorized tools like saws and drills, they easily trip when shutting off the tool. I think it has to do with the collapsing magnetic field on the motor coils and/or the motor becoming a generator. Possibly not all GFCIs are created equal and YMMV.

**jwelectric** · 02-21-2011, 02:48 AM

Originally Posted by Erico

I opted to install a switched outlet under the sink for the disposal (rather than a hard wire with a whip). Should I install a GFCI?

Also, there will be a non-switched outlet for a potential hot water dispenser. I thought I remembered seeing in one set of specs that they recommend a GFCI but the specs I printed for a model we are considering do not say anything about recommending GFCI.

My inclination is always GFCI near water. But will there be tripping issues with a switched appliance such as a G/D?

Is this a kitchen sink? If so then no GFCI required

**Erico** · 02-21-2011, 04:26 PM

Originally Posted by jwelectric

Is this a kitchen sink? If so then no GFCI required

Yes. Kitchen sink. Two outlets. One switched for the disposal and the other non-switched for a hot water dispenser.

**LLigetfa** · 02-21-2011, 05:04 PM

If it is a regular wall switch then it should be GFCI protected. Don't most disposers have an air coupled push button?

**Terry** · 02-21-2011, 06:07 PM

I agree with jwelectric. I've never seen a GFI on a disposer.

And I sold very few air switches for disposers. They are handy if there is no space on the wall for a switch though.

**Jim Port** · 02-21-2011, 06:13 PM

Originally Posted by LLigetfa

If it is a regular wall switch then it should be GFCI protected.

Would you like to provide a code citation for this?

**LLigetfa** · 02-21-2011, 07:09 PM

Originally Posted by Jim Port

Would you like to provide a code citation for this?

Not really. The operative question was "should", not "must" as was my advice. There is no point in me quoting Canadian Electrical Code to the OP who lives in NY.

If you can ground one hand on the sink or tap and reach the unprotected switch with the other perhaps wet hand, common sense dictates that a GFCI "should" be used. Canadian code may dictate it too. When I built my home 12 years ago, I did my own wiring and read through the code books at the time, but am too lazy to scour through it now.

A quick google search suggests that GFCI outlets must be installed on all receptacles within 1.5 meters of a sink.