Whirlpool High Inrush Current / Weak Electrical Supply

Whirlpool garbage disposal causes lights to dim or flicker 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

Shared circuit with lighting, Undersized branch circuit, Loose neutral connection, Aging motor drawing excessive start current

How to Fix / Troubleshooting

Safety first: Turn off power before inspecting electrical panels or junction boxes.

  • Check circuit configuration: Ideally, the Whirlpool disposal should be on a dedicated circuit separate from lighting. Consult an electrician if it shares a circuit.
  • Inspect connections: Have a qualified person check for loose neutrals or hots in the panel and junction boxes.
  • Monitor performance: If the disposal starts quickly and runs normally, minor dimming may be acceptable. If dimming is severe or prolonged, the motor may be failing or the circuit undersized.
  • Consider replacement: An older motor drawing excessive current may require replacement of the disposal.
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Repair Difficulty

Medium 3/5

Required Part

Branch circuit wiring and Whirlpool disposal motor
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