Switch location for Disposal

Discussion in 'Plumbing Forum, Professional & DIY Advice' started by psjr56, Jan 21, 2012.

  1. psjr56

    psjr56 Member

    Joined:
    Apr 23, 2009
    Location:
    S. Jersey
    How close to the sink can you put the switch for a garbage disposal? Is it ok to put it in the cabinet under the sink. I searched here and a electrical form but couldn't find the answer.
     
    psjr56, Jan 21, 2012
    #1
  2. Terry

    Terry Administrator Staff Member

    Joined:
    Aug 17, 2004
    Occupation:
    Plumber
    Location:
    Bothell, Washington
    The switch can be in the cabinet.

    Or you can also use a button on the sink hooked up with a air hose to a control box.

    Or you can use to top switched disposer. Insinkerator has an Evolution Cover Control® model.
     
    Last edited: Jan 21, 2012
    Terry, Jan 21, 2012
    #2
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  4. hj

    hj Moderator & Master Plumber Staff Member

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    Cave Creek, Arizona
    I have often seen the switch mounted to the front of the sink's cabinet, so your answer is "put it anywhere it is handy".
     
    hj, Jan 22, 2012
    #3
  5. Hackney plumbing

    Hackney plumbing Homeowner

    Joined:
    Jan 6, 2010
    Location:
    Alabama
    I do not like that type install because standing at the sink you can accidentally turn the disposal on with your body. I prefer the air switch,wall switch,batch fed or a switch under the cabinet.
     
    Hackney plumbing, Jan 22, 2012
    #4
  6. psjr56

    psjr56 Member

    Joined:
    Apr 23, 2009
    Location:
    S. Jersey
    Thanks for the replies. I bought the insinkerator cord now I need a 20 amp line and a switch in the cabinet. If it were a new kitchen install I'd put it on the wall.
     
    psjr56, Jan 22, 2012
    #5
  7. hj

    hj Moderator & Master Plumber Staff Member

    Joined:
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    Occupation:
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    Location:
    Cave Creek, Arizona
    quote; I do not like that type install because standing at the sink you can accidentally turn the disposal on with your body.

    That is only a disadvantage if you use the "Decora" style switches. It doesn't happen with toggle switches, and it is sometimes the most convenient spot to use it.
     
    hj, Jan 23, 2012
    #6
  8. Hackney plumbing

    Hackney plumbing Homeowner

    Joined:
    Jan 6, 2010
    Location:
    Alabama
    Maybe after the homeowners get use to it they dont bump it very much but on service calls I bump the toggle switches on when they are present. Just a crappy way to do somthing with a switch in the face of the cabinet.
     
    Hackney plumbing, Jan 23, 2012
    #7
  9. psjr56

    psjr56 Member

    Joined:
    Apr 23, 2009
    Location:
    S. Jersey
    Talked to a friend who is a licensed electrician who I haven't seen in a while and he said it has to be on a GFCI in our area. They make combo receptacle/switch/GFCI that I'll use and put it in the cabinet under the sink. He also said it has to have a cord on it too. Thanks for all the replies.
     
    psjr56, Jan 24, 2012
    #8
  10. hj

    hj Moderator & Master Plumber Staff Member

    Joined:
    Aug 31, 2004
    Occupation:
    Plumber
    Location:
    Cave Creek, Arizona
    disposer

    I have never seen a disposer plugged into a GFCI, and while most are connected with a plug in cord, there are many which are direct wired. Some would consider a switch inside a cabinet, where you have to open the door to get to it, inconvenient.
     
    hj, Jan 24, 2012
    #9
  11. psjr56

    psjr56 Member

    Joined:
    Apr 23, 2009
    Location:
    S. Jersey
    The electrician told me it was code in our area since 2011. I may still try and put the switch in the wall but fishing a wire in a wall with insulation is a pain.
     
    psjr56, Jan 24, 2012
    #10
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