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Topic: Dishwasher + garbage disposal + receptacle?

User: Nhepz2020, Location: Brownsville

Asked on: Saturday, May 10, 2025 at 2:38 pm EDT
Answered on: Saturday, May 10, 2025 at 4:09 pm EDT

Question: Hello,At my main breaker I have an AFCI 20 amp circuit breaker. It feeder 1 gfci outlet in my kitchen.Can I use that GFCI Receptacle as a landing point to install another GFCI service for a new sink with a garbage disposal + a new dishwasher.Summary:1 afci 20 amp circuit breaker on main panel.On the down stream of the circuit:1 gfci receptacle1 gfci dishwasher1 gfci garbage disposal

Okay, let's break this down and see if your proposed plan is safe and compliant.

The Short Answer



NO, this is NOT a good or likely compliant plan. You should NOT have multiple GFCI receptacles in series on the same circuit.
Here's Why


GFCI Functionality and Tripping

GFCI outlets are designed to detect current leaks to ground (ground faults). When they detect a leak, they trip and interrupt the circuit. Having multiple GFCIs in series (one feeding another) creates a potential for confusion and nuisance tripping. If a ground fault occurs downstream of the first GFCI, either GFCI could trip, and it might not be obvious which one is causing the problem. This makes troubleshooting difficult.2.

Code Compliance (Likely Violation)

The National Electrical Code (NEC) doesn't specifically prohibit multiple GFCIs on the same circuit in all cases, but it heavily implies it's problematic and unnecessary to do so. The intent is to protect the wiring and people from ground faults, and one properly placed GFCI should be sufficient. Furthermore, the code requires a specific GFCI for the disposal and dishwasher.3.

Dishwasher and Disposal on Separate Circuits

This is critical.

Dishwashers and garbage disposals generally require their own dedicated circuits.
They are high-power appliances that can draw a significant amount of current. Putting both on the same 20-amp circuit with other outlets is a recipe for frequent tripping and potentially overloading the circuit. Dedicated circuits are mandated by the NEC for these appliances.4. AFCI and GFCI Combination

Your existing AFCI breaker protects the entire circuit from arc faults (dangerous sparking). You only need the GFCI Receptacle in the kitchen for ground fault protection within the kitchen.

Here's what you should do (The Correct Approach)


Dedicated Circuits



Dishwasher

Run a
dedicated 20-amp circuit from your main panel to the dishwasher location. This circuit must be GFCI-protected (usually a GFCI breaker is the easiest way to accomplish this).

Garbage Disposal

Run a dedicated 20-amp circuit from your main panel to the garbage disposal location. This circuit must be GFCI-protected (usually a GFCI breaker is the easiest way to accomplish this).2.

Kitchen Receptacles

Your existing 20-amp AFCI/GFCI circuit should be sufficient for general kitchen receptacles (including the one you already have) if it's not overloaded. Make sure all receptacles are grounded.3.

Consider an Electrician

Given the complexity of running new circuits, ensuring proper grounding, and dealing with AFCI/GFCI protection, I highly recommend consulting with a licensed electrician. They can assess your existing wiring, determine the best approach, and ensure the work is done safely and up to code. Improper wiring can be dangerous and lead to fires or electrocution.

Summary of Changes
You will need two additional circuits to accommodate the dishwasher and garbage disposal. These new circuits must be GFCI protected (using a GFCI breaker will be the simplest.) You can remove the GFCI Receptacle and replace it with a standard outlet on the original circuit. This will prevent multiple GFCIs on the same circuit.

Important Safety Notes



Turn off the power

Always turn off the circuit breaker before working on any electrical wiring.

Test your work

After completing any wiring, test the GFCI protection to ensure it's working correctly.


Permits and Inspections:
Check with your local building department about permit requirements for electrical work. An inspection will ensure the work meets code and is safe. Flag for review

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