GE GDWF160RSS, CDWT980RSS, GLD4456RCS, GDWT100R, GDWT160RSS Installation Instructions Manual

GE Consumer & Industrial

Appliances

Installation Instructions

Built-In Dishwasher

If you have questions, call 800.GE.CARES (800.432.2737) or visit our Website at: GEAppliances.com
In Canada call 1.800.561.3344 or www.GEAppliances.ca

STOP

Read these instructions completely and
carefully.

IMPORTANT – Observe all governing codes and

ordinances.

• Note to Installer – Be sure to leave these instructions for the

consumer’s and local inspector’s use.

• Note to Consumer – Keep these instructions with your

Owner’s Manual for future reference.

• Skill Level – Installation of this dishwasher requires
basic mechanical, electrical and plumbing skills. Proper

installation is the responsibility of the installer. Product
failure due to improper installation is not covered under
the GE Appliance Warranty. See warranty information.

• Completion Time – 1 to 3 Hours. New installations require
more time than replacement installations.

READ CAREFULLY.
KEEP THESE INSTRUCTIONS.

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BEFORE YOU BEGIN

ENHANCEMENTS

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ADDED

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2 4 8

IN
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HEAT

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IN

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DELAY

SELECTIONS

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HOURS

START

ANTI

RESET

COOK

BACTERIA

NORMAL

WARE

SPEED

WASH

CHINA

CYCLE

RINSE

CRYSTAL

ONLY

Stainless Steel Tub Models

IMPORTANT – The dishwasher MUST

be installed to allow for future removal from the enclosure
if service is required.

If you received a damaged dishwasher, you should
immediately contact your dealer or builder.

Optional Accessories – See the Owner’s Manual for available
custom panel kits.

FOR YOUR SAFETY

Read and observe all CAUTIONS and WARNINGS
shown throughout these instructions. While performing
installations described in this booklet, gloves and either
safety glasses or goggles should be worn.

imagination at work

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Installation Preparation

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PARTS SUPPLIED WITH
INSTALLATION KIT:

■ Two #8-18 x 5/8" Phillips special head screws, to

secure dishwasher to underside of countertop or
sides of cabinets.

■ Junction box cover and #10-1/2" hex-head screw

■ Side and top trim

■ Trim Panel Accessory Kit (not shown)

(Custom panel models only)

■ Sound upgrade kit (some models)

■ Drain hose (78") , drain hose hanger and hose

clamp

■ Literature, product samples and/or coupons

■ Hard water test strip (Models with Bulk Dispenser)

MATERIALS YOU WILL NEED:

■ Ferrule, compression nut and 90° Elbow (3/8" NPT

external thread on one end, opposite end sized to
fit water supply)

■ Thread seal tape

■ UL-listed wire nuts (3)

Screw Kit

#8 Phillips
Special Head Screws
5/8” long

Sound Upgrade Kit
(Some Models)

Hard Water Test Strip
(Models with
Bulk Dispenser)

90° Elbow,
Ferrule and
Compression Nut

#10 Hex-Head
J-Box Screw
1/2" long

Hand
Shut-Off
Valve

Trim Pieces

Drain Hose Hanger

Drain Hose (78")

Thread
Seal Tape

Side Trim

Side Trim

Top Trim

Junction
Box Cover

Hose Clamp

Wire Nuts (3)

Materials For New Installations Only:

■ Air gap for drain hose, if required

■ Waste tee for house plumbing, if applicable

■ Electrical cable or power cord, if applicable

■ Screw-type hose clamps

■ Strain relief for electrical connection

■ Hand shut-off valve

■ Water line 3/8" min. copper

■ Coupler for extending drain line, if applicable

■ GPF10L 10' drain hose, if needed

TOOLS YOU WILL NEED:

■ Phillips-head screwdriver

■ 1/4" and 5/16" nutdriver

■ 6" Adjustable wrench

■ Level

■ Carpenter’s square

■ Measuring tape

■ Safety glasses

■ Flashlight

■ Bucket to catch water when flushing the line

■ 15/16" socket

■ Gloves

For New Installations Only:

■ Tubing cutter

■ Drill and appropriate bits

■ Hole saw set

2

Waste Tee

Air
Gap

Phillips­Head
Screwdriver

1/4" and
15/16" Socket

Gloves

Hot Water Line

Electrical Cable
(or Power Cord, if applicable)

Screw-Type
Hose Clamps

1/4" and
5/16" Nutdriver

6" Adjustable
Wrench

Safety GlassesFlashlight

Bucket Hole Saw Set Drill and Bits

Strain Relief

Level

Tubing Cutter

GPF10L
10' Drain Hose

Coupler

Carpenter’s
Square

Measuring Tape

Installation Preparation–Enclosure

PREPARE DISHWASHER ENCLOSURE

WARNING

ADVERTENCIA

• The rough cabinet opening must have a minimum width
and depth of 24" and height of 34-1/2" ± 1/4" from the fl oor
to the underside of the countertop.

• The back wall should be free of pipes or wires.

• Adjacent cabinets should be square and plumb to ensure
a good fi t. Refer to Figure A

• For a corner installation, allow 2" minimum clearance
between the dishwasher and the adjacent wall.

• Provide at least 28-3/8" in front of the dishwasher to allow
the dishwasher door to open fully. Refer to Figure B

To reduce the risk of shock, fire, or injury
to persons, the installer must ensure that
the dishwasher is completely enclosed at
the time of installation.

Para reducir el riesgo de choque, incendio
o lesión a personas, el instalador se
debe cerciorar de que la lavadora esté
completamente cerrada en el momento
de la instalación.

• The dishwasher must be installed no more than 10 feet
from sink for proper drainage.

• The dishwasher must be fully enclosed on the top, sides
and back.

• The dishwasher must not support any part of the enclosure.

Clearances:

Countertop

Dishwasher

28-3/8" Minimum

2" Minimum

Figure B

In a corner installation, provide at
least 2" clearance between the
dishwasher and the adjacent
cabinet, wall, or other appliance.

Provide at least 28-3/8" of clearance
in front of the dishwasher.

This Wall Area

Must Be Free of

Pipes or Wires

34-1/2" ± 1/4"

Underside of

Countertop

5" 5"

4"

4"

24"

Min.

to Floor

Cabinets

Square

6"

24" Min.

and

Plumb

Floor MUST

be Even with

Room Floor

Figure A

• Make sure the fl oor is level inside the opening and even with
the fi nished fl oor of the kitchen. This will facilitate removal
of the dishwasher at a later date for service, if needed.

Special consideration for a dishwasher installed on
a elevated platform

The elevated platform must be flat and level.

Plumbing and Electric Service

Must Enter Shaded Area

3

32"

Min.

18"

Min.

32"

Min.

18"

Min.

Installation Preparation–Drain

PREPARE DRAIN PLUMBING

Drain Requirements

• Drain hose must not exceed 10 feet in length.

• A high drain loop or air gap is required. See below.

Drain Method

The type of drain installation depends on the following:

• Do local codes or ordinances require an air gap?

• Is waste tee less than 18" above the fl oor?
If the answer to either question is yes, an air gap must be used.

Refer to Method 1 (Figure C) in the adjacent illustrations.

If both answers are no, either an air gap or high drain loop may
be used. Refer to Method 1 (Figure C) or Method 2 (Figure D)
in the adjacent illustrations

NOTE: Drain hose elevation must not exceed 48".

Special consideration for a dishwasher installed on
a elevated platform

lf the dishwasher is installed on an elevated platform, a high
drain loop of at least 32" above the platform must be provided
in addition to the air gap or drain loop requirement determined
above. This is necessary for proper drain performance.

METHOD 1–Air Gap with Waste Tee or Disposer

Figure C

Waste Tee Installation

Disposer Installation

METHOD 2–High Drain Loop with Waste Tee
or Disposer

Use the drain hose hanger included in the installation kit to
attach the drain hose to the underside of the countertop.
Attachment will be made in a later step.

Figure D

Waste Tee Installation

Disposer Installation

CAUTION

An air gap MUST BE USED if the drain hose is connected to
waste tee or disposer lower than 18" above the floor level.
Failure to provide the proper drain connection height with
an air gap or 32" minimum, high drain loop will result in
improper draining of the dishwasher, which may cause
damage.

PRECAUCIÓN

SE DEBE USAR un espacio de aire si la manguera
de drenaje se conecta a la T de desechos o al triturador
menos de 18" por encima del nivel del piso. No disponer
la altura correcta de la conexión del drenaje con
un espacio de aire o 32" de mínimo, una curva alta
de drenaje resultará en un drenaje incorrecto
de la lavadora, lo que pude causar daños.

Install waste tee or disposer and the air gap according to the
manufacturer’s instructions.

Cabinet Preparation for drain line

Drill a 1-1/2" diameter hole in the cabinet wall within the
shaded area shown in Figure A for the drain hose. Make
sure there are no sharp edges. The drain hose will be passed
through this hole and connected to the drain in a later step.

IMPORTANT – When

connecting the drain line to a
disposer, check to be sure that
drain plug has been removed.
Dishwasher will not drain if
plug is left in place.

Remove

Drain

Plug

4

Installation Preparation–Electrical Supply

PREPARE ELECTRICAL WIRING

WARNING

ADVERTENCIA

Electrical Requirements

• This appliance must be supplied with 120V, 60Hz., and
connected to an individual properly grounded branch circuit
protected by a 15- or 20-ampere circuit breaker or time­delay fuse.

• Wiring must be 2 wire with ground and rated for 75°C (176°F).

• If the electrical supply does not meet the above
requirements, call a licensed electrician before proceeding.

Grounding Instructions–Permanent Connection

This appliance must be connected to a grounded-metal,
permanent wiring system, or an equipment-grounding
conductor must be run with the circuit conductors and be
connected to the equipment-grounding terminal or lead on
the appliance.

Grounding Instructions–Power Cord Models

This appliance must be grounded. In the event of a malfunction
or breakdown, grounding will reduce the risk of electric shock
by providing a path of least resistance for electric current.
This appliance is equipped with a cord having an equipment­grounding conductor and a grounding plug. The plug must
be plugged into an appropriate outlet that is installed and
grounded in accordance with all local codes and ordinances.

WARNING

FOR PERSONAL SAFETY: Remove house fuse
or open circuit breaker before beginning
installation. Do not use an extension cord or
adapter plug with this appliance.

PARA SEGURIDAD PERSONAL: Retire el
fusible de la casa o abra el interruptor de
circuitos antes de empezar la instalación.
No use un cable de extensión o enchufe
adaptador con este aparato.

The improper connection of the equipment
grounding conductor can result in a risk
of electric shock. Check with a qualified
electrician or service representative if you
are in doubt that the appliance is properly
grounded.

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Figure E

For models equipped with power cord: Do not modify the plug

provided with the appliance; if it will not fit the outlet, have a
proper outlet installed by a qualified technician.

Cabinet Preparation and Wire Routing

• The wiring may enter the opening from either side, rear
or the fl oor within the shaded area dimensioned in Figure A
and illustrated above.

• Cut a 1-1/2" max. diameter hole to admit the electrical cable.
Cable direct connections may pass through the same hole
as the drain hose and hot water line, if convenient. If cabinet
wall is metal, the hole edge must be covered with a bushing.
Note: Power cords with plug must pass through a separate
hole.

Electrical Connection to Dishwasher

Electrical connection is on the right front of dishwasher.

• For cable direct connections the cable must be routed as
shown in Figure E. Cable must extend a minimum of 24"
from the rear wall.

• For power cord connections, install a 3-prong grounding
type receptacle in the adjacent cabinet rear wall, 6" min.
or 18" max. from the opening, 6" to 18" above the fl oor.
The receptacle must be accessible and therefore cannot
be installed in the back wall of the dishwasher enclosure.

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ADVERTENCIA

La conexión incorrecta del conductor de
conexión a tierra del equipo puede resultar
en choque eléctrico. Consulte con un
electricista calificado o representante
de servicio si tiene dudas de la conexión
a tierra del aparato.

5

Installation Preparation–Hot Water Supply

6"

5"

5"

4"

Cabinet Face

Shut-off
Valve

4"

2" From Floor

19" From Wall

2"

From

Cabinet

1-1/2" Dia.

Hole

Hot

PREPARE HOT WATER SUPPLY

Hot Water Line

• The line may enter from either side, rear or floor within the
shaded area shown in Figure F.

• The line may pass through the same hole as the electrical
cable and drain hose, or an additional 1-1/2" diameter hole
may be cut to accommodate the water line. If a power cord
with plug is used, the water line must not pass through the
power cord hole.

CAUTION

The hot water supply line pressure must be at least 20 PSI.
Lower pressures could cause the water valve to leak and
cause water damage.

PRECAUCIÓN

La línea de presión del suministro de agua caliente debe
ser al menos 20 PSI. Presiones inferiores podrían causar
que la válvula del agua gotee y causar daños por agua.

Figure F

Water Line Connection

• Turn off the water supply.

• Install a hand shut-off valve in an accessible location, such
as under the sink. (Optional, but strongly recommended
and may be required by local codes.)

• The water connection is on the bottom-left side of the
dishwasher. Install the hot water inlet line, using 3/8"
or larger copper tubing. Route the line as shown in Figure F
and extend forward at least 19" from rear wall.

• Adjust the water heater to deliver water between 120°F
and 150°F.

• Flush water line to clean out debris. Use a bucket to catch
water and debris.

• The hot water supply line pressure must be between 20
and 120 PSI.

6

Dishwasher Installation

CAUTION

Do not remove the wood base until you are ready to
install the dishwasher. The dishwasher will tip over
when the door is opened if the base is removed.

PRECAUCIÓN

No retire la base de madera hasta que esté listo para
instalar la lavadora de platos. Cuando la puerta se abra,
la lavadora de platos se inclinará si la base se retira.

STEP 1 – LOCATE INSTALLATION ITEMS

• Locate the items in the installation package and set aside for
use in the listed steps.

• Trim pieces – Step 2

• Junction box cover – Step 7 or Step 18

• Drain hose and clamp – Step 10

• Screw Kit – Step 15

• Drain hose hanger – Step 17

• Owner’s Manual – Step 19 and Step 24

• Hard Water test strip – Step 21

• Sound upgrade kit (selected models) – Step 22

• Product samples and/or coupons – Step 24

STEP 2 – INSTALL TRIM PIECES

In this step, you will need the trim pieces set aside in Step 1.

• Press top trim piece onto top of tub fl ange. Start with the
right edge and work your way to the left.

• Repeat process with the left and right trim pieces working
from the top down.

• Open and close the door to check that trim does not bind
and does not interfere with door latch or door hinges.

Trim Strip

Type 1 – One-hole cable

Adjust tension by moving spring hook to one of the three holes
on the tub leg.

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Figure H

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Type 2 – Three-hole cable

Adjust tension by moving spring hook to one of the three holes
on the pulley cable.

Use This

Mounting

Hole

Decrease
Tension

Trim
Strip

Trim
Strip

Figure G

STEP 3 – CHECK DOOR BALANCE

• With dishwasher on the wood skid, check the door balance
by opening and closing the door.

• If the door drops when released, increase the spring tension.
If the door rises when released, decrease the tension.

• There are two types of counterbalance and therefore two
methods of adjustment. Identify which counterbalance is
present and adjust tension accordingly. Please note: If there
are 3 holes on the cable, use the cable to adjust; if there is
one hole on cable, use the tub leg to adjust.

Increase

Figure I

After adjusting spring tension, open and close the door to
make sure the door operates smoothly. If the door is hard
to move or if the spring cable binds, check the routing of
the spring cable. The cable should be routed between the
shoulders of the pulley cable roller. If the cable is off the roller:
latch door, remove spring tension and route the cable between
the shoulders of the roller. See Figure J.

Pulley

Shoulder

Figure J

Correct Spring
Cable Routing

Tension

Incorrect Spring
Cable Routing

7

Dishwasher Installation

STEP 4 – REMOVE WOOD BASE,

INSTALL LEVELING LEGS

IMPORTANT – Do not kick off wood base! Damage

will occur.

• Move the dishwasher close to the installation location and lay
it on its back.

• Remove the four leveling legs on the underside of the wood
base with an adjustable wrench or 15/16" socket.

• Discard base.

Approx.

1/8"

Figure K

STEP 7 – INSTALL POWER CORD

Skip this step if dishwasher will be permanently connected
to the house electrical system.

In this step you will need the junction box cover and the
#10 x 1/2" hex-head screw from the screw kit set aside in
Step 1.

The power cord and connections must comply with the
National Electrical Code, Section 422 and/or local codes and
ordinances. Maximum power cord length is 6 feet. Power Cord
Kit WX09X70910, available for purchase from an authorized
GE Appliance Dealer, meets these requirements.

White

Ground

Black

• Screw leveling legs back into the dishwasher frame
approximately 1/8" from frame as shown.

STEP 5 – REMOVE TOEKICK

• Remove the 2 toekick screws
and toekick.
Set aside
for use in
Step 23.

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STEP 6 – REMOVE TOEKICK BRACE

Skip this step if your model does not have a sound upgrade
kit. If your model does have a sound upgrade kit, this brace
must be removed.

• Remove the 2 toekick brace
screws and
toekick brace.
Discard brace
and set
screws aside
for use in
Step 22.

Figure M

Remove 2

Toekick Screws

Figure N

• Install strain relief in junction box bracket.

• Insert power cord through strain relief and tighten.

• Make sure black, white and green dishwasher wires are
threaded through small hole in junction box bracket.

• Connect like-colored dishwasher and power cord wires. If
power cord wires are not color-coded, connect the ribbed
power cord wire to the white dishwasher wire, the smooth
power cord wire to the black dishwasher wire and the ground
to the green dishwasher wire. Use UL-listed wire nuts of
appropriate size.

• Install junction box cover set aside in Step 1, using #10 hex­head screw. Be sure wires are not pinched under the cover.

8

Dishwasher Installation

Hose Clamp

Hose Stops

Pump Outlet

Check Valve

Do Not Remove

STEP 8 – INSTALL 90° ELBOW

• Wrap 90° elbow with thread seal tape.

• Install a 90° elbow onto the water valve.

Front of Dishwasher

Water Valve

Bracket

90°

Elbow

Fill

Hose

Thread

Figure O

• Do not overtighten the 90° elbow; water valve bracket could
bend or water valve fi tting could break.

• Position the end of the elbow to face the rear of the
dishwasher.

Seal Tape

STEP 9 – POSITION WATER LINE AND

HOUSE WIRING

• Position water supply
line and house wiring
on the fl oor of the
enclosure to avoid
interference with
base of dishwasher
and components
under dishwasher.

Figure P

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STEP 10 – INSTALL DRAIN HOSE TO

DISHWASHER DRAIN PORT

In this step you will need the drain hose and clamp set aside
in Step 1.

• Stand dishwasher upright.

• Place drain hose clamp over 1-3/16" inside diameter end
of drain hose with the clamp screw positioned on the bottom
of the hose.

IMPORTANT – Prevent drain hose damage and

possible leaks. Be careful not to nick or cut the drain hose.

• Push the end of the drain hose over the drain pump outlet
being careful not to disturb the check valve. Refer to Figure Q.

• Seat the drain hose end against the hose stops on the pump
outlet.

• Position hose clamp against the front lip of the drain hose
and tighten clamp.

NOTE: Drain hose
supplied with dish ­washer is approxi­mately 78" long.
If a longer hose is
needed, a 120" long
hose (10 feet) may
be purchased from
an authorized
GE appliance
dealer. The
10' long
hose is
part
number

GPF10L.

Figure Q

Tip: Avoid unnecessary service charges. Make a leak free
connection

Insert hose against stop on pump. Position clamp against front
lip of drain hose with clamp screw on bottom side of hose.
Tighten clamp to at least 15 inch-pounds of torque.

Tip: Reduce drain pump noise

Position drain hose clamp so screw is on the bottom side of the
hose. This will prevent noise caused by the clamp coming in
contact with the tub bottom. Refer to Figure Q.

9

Dishwasher Installation

STEP 11 – INSERT DRAIN HOSE

THROUGH CABINET

• Position dishwasher in front of cabinet opening. Insert drain
hose into the hole in cabinet side. If a power cord is used,
guide the end through a separate hole.

Maximum Drain
Hose Length 10'

Insulation

Blanket

Figure R

Tip: Position water line and house wiring on the floor to avoid

interference with base of dishwasher.

Water

Line

Drain

Hose

House Wiring

(If Power Cord

is NOT Used)

Power Cord

(If Used)

STEP 12 – SLIDE DISHWASHER THREE-

FOURTHS OF THE WAY INTO
CABINET

IMPORTANT – DO NOT PUSH AGAINST FRONT PANEL

WITH KNEES. DAMAGE WILL OCCUR.

• Grasp the dishwasher by its sides and slide it into the opening
a few inches at a time.

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Figure S

• As you proceed, pull the drain hose through the opening
under the sink. Stop pushing when the front of the
dishwasher is a few inches forward of adjacent cabinets.

• Make sure drain hose is not kinked under the dishwasher
and there is no interference with the water line, wiring or any
other component.

Tip: Make sure the dishwasher will fit in the cabinet. Check to
be sure the power cable, drain hose and hot water line are not
trapped behind the dishwasher. Utility lines trapped behind the
dishwasher prevent the dishwasher from being pushed fully
into the enclosure.

10