We recently received a call from a homeowner in Lebanon, PA who was having a strange electrical issue — his microwave and dishwasher wouldn’t work at the same time. Either one worked fine on its own, but when both were running, one would shut off or trip the breaker.
When our team at Mid Penn Electric arrived, we found more than just an overloaded circuit — we discovered a series of serious code violations caused by an attempted DIY wiring job.
🔍 What Was Happening
After a short inspection, we found that the homeowner’s son had attempted to install a new outlet under the sink for a garbage disposal. Unfortunately, the installation included multiple hazards:
❌ No Electrical Box
The receptacle was wired without a junction box, meaning the live electrical parts were completely exposed — a major fire and shock risk.
❌ Improper Mounting
The outlet was screwed directly to the inside of the cabinet, not a legal or safe mounting method.
❌ No GFCI or AFCI Protection
There was no GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter), which is required in kitchens where water is present. There was also no AFCI (Arc Fault Circuit Interrupter) protection, which helps prevent electrical fires.
❌ Hardwired Dishwasher
The dishwasher was hardwired directly into the wall, instead of being plugged into a dedicated outlet as required by code. This makes servicing difficult and increases the chance of wiring damage.
⚠️ Why This Setup Was Dangerous
Between the overloaded circuit and the exposed, unprotected wiring, this kitchen had multiple code violations that could have led to:
- Electrical fires
- Electric shock (especially under the sink near water)
- Equipment failure
- Failed home inspection or insurance claim
🛠 How We Fixed It
Our licensed electricians took the following steps:
- Removed the unsafe, exposed wiring and cabinet-mounted outlet
- Installed a proper electrical box with a tamper-resistant, GFCI-protected receptacle
- Ensured AFI (arc fault) protection was in place at the panel
- Rewired the dishwasher to a dedicated plug-in outlet
- Evaluated the microwave and dishwasher loads, and provided dedicated circuits where necessary to avoid overloads
Now, both the dishwasher and microwave can run at the same time — safely and without tripping breakers.
✅ The Right Way to Power a Kitchen
Here’s what every kitchen should include to meet current code:
| Appliance | Code Requirement |
|---|---|
| Garbage Disposal | GFCI outlet, securely mounted in electrical box |
| Dishwasher | Plug-in outlet with GFCI, not hardwired |
| Kitchen Circuits | GFCI + AFCI protection, separate circuits for heavy loads |
| All Receptacles | Must be housed in approved electrical boxes |
🏡 Need Help After a DIY Electrical Project?
If you’ve discovered an old DIY wiring job — or you’re dealing with unexplained power issues — don’t guess. Call in a professional.
📞 Call Mid Penn Electric at (717) 287-4008
💻 Or book a code-compliance inspection
We serve homeowners in Lebanon, Palmyra, Annville, and beyond, helping turn dangerous DIY projects into safe, code-compliant systems you can trust.
Tags: Lebanon PA electrician, kitchen electrical repair, GFCI AFCI protection, dishwasher wiring, garbage disposal outlet, DIY electrical hazard, Mid Penn Electric
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