Question: Dishwasher unit switch
Does the unit switch on a household dishwasher qualify as a disconnect in accordance with NEC 422.34?
Answer
No, the unit switch in a household dishwasher is not required to disconnect all ungrounded conductors from the source of supply and does not qualify as a disconnect in accordance with NEC 422.34.
Household dishwashers are listed under the product category Dishwashers, Household (DMIY), located on page 97 in the 2008 UL White Book. They are evaluated for compliance with the Standard for Safety for Household Dishwashers, UL 749. UL 749 does not require the unit switch to disconnect all ungrounded conductors from the source of supply. In fact, many more advanced dishwashers rely on constant power to maintain the memory circuits as the dishwashers run diagnostics at regular intervals when not in use.
