How to Add a Plug to the Wiring of a Dishwasher

Built-in dishwashers don't typically have an electrical plug. Instead, they are usually wired directly into an electrical junction box located at the back of the dishwasher nook under the counter of your kitchen. In some settings, though, you may encounter a kitchen that is equipped with an electrical outlet in the dishwasher installation location. Alternatively, you may choose to install the dishwasher in a location that has readily available outlets. You can rework the existing wiring of your dishwasher to add a plug with some simple tools and a little easy wiring.

Wire strippers
Three-prong electrical plug
Screwdriver
Needle-nose pliers

Instructions

- 1
  Remove 2 inches of the outer jacket of the dishwasher's electrical cord, revealing the three wires inside. Be careful not to nick the jackets of these wires when cutting through the outer jacket.
- 2
  Remove 1/2 to 3/4 inch of the insulation from the ends of the black, white and green wires.
- 3
  Loosen the screw on the face of your three-prong plug. Slide the cover off of the plug. Slide the plug cover onto the dishwasher's electrical cord and push it back about a foot from the end.
- 4
  Loosen the three screws on the sides of the three-prong plug. Wrap the end of the white wire around the silver screw, using a pair of needle-nose pliers to bend it around the screw. Match the black wire to the brass screw and the green wire to the green screw. Tighten the screws until the wires are tightly fastened.
- 5
  Slide the plug cover over the plug. Insert the screw into the front of the plug and tighten it to hold the cover in place.

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