InSinkErator
High Inrush Current / Marginal Circuit
Disposal causes noticeable dimming or flickering of kitchen lights when starting
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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
Disposal and lighting on same circuit, Undersized branch circuit wiring, Loose neutral or hot connection in panel or junction box, High starting current of larger HP InSinkErator model
How to Fix / Troubleshooting
Safety first: Electrical panel work should be done by a qualified person. Turn off the main breaker if inspecting panel connections.
- Check circuit loading: Identify which breaker feeds the disposal and which loads (lights, outlets) share it. Heavy combined loads can cause dimming.
- Inspect connections: Have a qualified person check for loose neutrals or hots at the panel and at the disposal's junction box.
- Dedicated circuit: For higher HP Evolution series models, consider installing a dedicated circuit per InSinkErator and local code recommendations.
- Monitor: Mild, brief dimming at startup can be normal; severe or prolonged dimming indicates a wiring or loading issue that should be corrected.
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Repair Difficulty
Hard
4/5
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