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Hi, I'm replacing a hardwired dishwasher and I was thinking while I'm at it, I'd update my power connections to plug-in and install a receptacle under the sink to support it.
However it looks like electrical code would require it to be GFCI, which makes sense. But I'd want to split the duplex receptacle so the (switched) disposal would be in the top outlet, and the DW in the bottom. And unfortunately GFCI outlets cannot be split-fed. And the Romex lines powering these devices are not already on a GFCI run.
I've read elsewhere some suggestions to install a GFCI breaker in the breaker panel to protect the whole circuit right from the panel. That sounds great but can get complicated and expensive.
Also, as I understand it I don't necessarily have to go this route and could just keep the hardwired connections (possibly grandfathered?), but I'm not sure if we'd get flagged on an inspection if we were to sell the house down the line. Moreover, I like the improved safety of having GFCI on these runs.
So the only other thing I can think of to work around this is to install 2 duplex receptacles, side-by-side, both GFCI, and use one for the DW and the other for the disposal. But this would leave an unused outlet in each and seems wasteful and hack-ish.
Then again I've also seen it debated that a GFCI doesn't belong in a sink cabinet because it's arguably not "readily accessible." But it seems to me that having GFCI under the sink, vs. not having it at all, is still a win?
Is there a simpler answer here that I'm missing?
@Thesis3522 actually it is my understanding that the outlet below the sink does not have to be GFCI. I know the code says within 6' of a water source but since it doesn't serve the countertop I think it gets a pass on the need for GFCI. The homes in my area are still be constructed with a standard outlet installed below the sink for the exact purpose you have outlined. With that said we are still on NEC 2014 so our standards are a bit behind.
