Dishwashers use both electricity and water - and for that reason there are some fairly specific rules about how they can be installed.
Dishwashers are one of the few appliances you're likely to have in your house that use both electricity and water. These two are a pretty dangerous combination when they come into contact with each other, so building regulations are designed where possible to reduce the likelihood of any risk or danger that might be caused by a dishwasher gone berserk.
Dishwasher and power point regulations
Under the guidelines set out in the Building Code of Australia, power points (or GPOs, as they're known) or protruding pipes must not be installed in the same cabinet void in which the dishwasher is installed.
The power points and supply and drainage pipes must be installed inside the next cabinet along, and the cables and pipes for the dishwasher must be run through a hole of about 150mm x 100mm cut through the base of the cabinet and kickboard into the dishwasher void.
Sealing benches to prevent steam damage
Dishwashers often give off steam, and can splash a bit of water around if they're opened at the wrong time. Because of this, a dishwasher installed under a laminate or solid timber benchtop should have the underside of the benchtop sealed with an appropriate sealer. This will help to reduce the likelihood that moisture will damage the bench from the beneath.
This seal on the underside of the bench needs to extend for a distance of 150 millimetres on either side of a fitted dishwasher.
Who should install a dishwasher?
While it's not always necessary, in many cases it's sensible to call a plumber or have the retailer arrange installation. This may cost you extra money, but will help to ensure that your fittings are appropriate, that everything's connected properly - which in turn can save you from plumbing or electrical headaches in the future.
Dishwashers are normally installed close to sinks to reduce the amount of plumbing required, however this isn't always the case. A supplier may be able to may provide extension hoses for water inlet and waste hoses if you're installing your dishwasher in a part of the kitchen where standard hoses won't reach the existing plumbing.
An installer or plumber can also install a pressure limiting valve if it's required. Depending on your situation, you may also need to assess whether your cabinets need to be altered to accommodate your dishwasher, or if any flooring needs to be removed.
