How difficult is it to replace a hardwired garbage disposal DIY?

That's what I was thinking when I looked under the cabinet and saw my setup. I don't know why the original owner had it wired to a box like that rather than just having an outlet that's turned on by the switch, but I think that's what I might replace with.

quote:

---

can't find many guides online about replacing the disposal when you've got the armored cable tying into the box

---

The instructions that come with a new Insinkeraters have sections specifically for that situation. The default connection that comes with it fits your needs.

It's only three wires. Black, white, and green. Hard to mess up unless you're color blind.

Make sure you remove the knockout plug on the side.

quote:

---

I can't find many guides online about replacing the disposal when you've got the armored cable tying into the box like that.

---

Its exactly the same as romex, its just metal clad.

Just undo the wire nuts under the disposal and remove/replace disposal.

One of those cables probably goes to a normal switch or air switch. You dont really need to mess with that though.

Whole job is a 3/10 on the DIY difficulty scale

I is so easy that I did it at my last house, that says a ton about it.

Not hard but I'll tell you two things almost every DIY'er who hasn't done one of these before fricks up: if there is a connection for a dishwasher they don't loop it high enough and they forget to knock out the plug in the dishwasher connection in the disposal itself. That second one gets a lot of "pros" too, I caught that in my inspection of the house my fiancée and I bought a few years ago and again for a client who had hired a contractor for a major remodel of their new house before they moved in. They were lucky the dishwasher could sense the problem and just kept beeping an error warning vs flooding the cabinet.

You sure it’s actually armored cable and not just flexible conduit? If it’s flex just use the wire inside or run a new one.

And as others have said, putting an outlet under there is a better permanent installation so you’re not having to turn off the breaker and mess with wiring if the unit needs service or replacement. And connecting that is very simple - white to neutral, black to hot (brass colored screw on the new outlet), and green to ground. Then get a small appliance cable with a plug on the end. Done.

quote:

---

Don’t just turn off the switch

---

if you’re a novice, yes