What Is the Grounding Clip on a Kenmore Dishwasher?

Terminal Block

• The dishwasher's terminal block is the point at which the dishwasher's wiring connects to the conduit cable from your home's electrical system. The terminal block is located behind the bottom-front panel of the dishwasher and is secured with two screws. Once the panel is removed, the terminal block is located on the right-side of the underside of the dishwasher, and is covered by a metal cover. Inside of the terminal block are two wires, as well as the grounding clip or screw, which is used to ground the dishwasher.

Saftey Precautions

• Before installing or performing any maintenance on your Kenmore dishwasher, it is imperative that you disconnect the dishwasher's power supply. To disconnect the power supply, turn off the breaker in your home's service panel. Although the dishwasher does not require a 240-volt connection like many major appliances such as your range or dryer, the 120-volt connection is enough to cause lethal jolts.

Identifying the Grounding Screw or Clip

• Once the terminal block cover is removed, look at the base of the terminal block. There is a screw installed, either to the left or below the conduit cable hole on the terminal block. In some instances this screw may be painted green, indicating that it is the grounding screw.

Grounding the Dishwasher

• Using a flat-head screwdriver, loosen the grounding screw. The grounding screw often has a washer installed on the bottom of it, which you must move toward the head of the screw. With the screw post accessible, wrap the grounding wire from the conduit cable, which is either bare or covered with green shielding, around the screw post, below the washer. Tighten the screw to securely ground the dishwasher.