E6
AmazonCommercial Short Circuit or Ground Fault in Motor Circuit

Disposal turns on but immediately trips the circuit breaker or GFCI; may show six internal LED flashes on some models before losing power.

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Safety Warning

This repair may involve working with high voltage components or water connections. Always unplug the appliance before removing any panels.

If you are not confident in your ability to perform this repair safely, we strongly recommend contacting a professional technician.

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Possible Causes

Moisture intrusion into motor housing, Damaged power cord insulation, Shorted motor windings, Pinched or exposed wiring at junction box

How to Fix / Troubleshooting

Safety First: This is an electrical safety issue. Turn OFF the breaker and leave it OFF while inspecting. Do not repeatedly reset a tripping breaker.

  • Step 1 – Inspect for visible damage: Check the underside of the AmazonCommercial unit for cracks, burn marks, or water leaks onto the motor housing.
  • Step 2 – Check the power cord and junction box: Look for cuts, crushed sections, or melted insulation on the cord or internal wires. Tighten loose wire nuts in the wiring compartment with power OFF.
  • Step 3 – Dry any moisture: If there is evidence of a leak from the sink flange or plumbing onto the motor, correct the leak first and allow the unit to dry completely for 24 hours before testing.
  • Step 4 – Test on a known-good circuit: If possible, plug the unit into a different GFCI-protected outlet using a proper cord kit to rule out a bad breaker.
  • If breaker still trips: The motor windings or internal wiring are likely shorted. Replacement of the disposal is recommended; internal motor repairs are not cost-effective for this class of unit.
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Repair Difficulty

Hard 4/5

Required Part

Motor Assembly
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