General Electric GDF511PGRWW Built-In Dishwasher Instruction Manual
- June 6, 2024
- General Electric
Table of Contents
General Electric GDF511PGRWW Built-In Dishwasher
Installation Preparation
PARTS SUPPLIED IN INSTALLATION PACKAGE:
- The junction box cover and #10 hex-head screw
- Hose clamp
- Drain hose (approximately 58” long)
- Drain hose hanger
- 2 #8-18 hex head screws to secure brackets to the washer tub frame
- 2 Plug buttons
- Toekick (pre-installed on some models)
- 2 Tub trim pieces (on some models)
- 2 Mounting brackets for wood countertops
- 2 #8-18 x 5/8” Phillips special head screws, to secure dishwasher to the underside of countertop or to side cabinets
- Insulation pieces (on some models)
- Literature, samples, and/or coupons
MATERIALS YOU WILL NEED:
- 3/4” GHT (Garden Hose Thread) 90˚ elbow (including gasket) – with opposite end sized to fit Hot Water Line
- Thread seal tape
- UL-listed wire nuts (3)
- Masking tape
Materials For New Installations Only:
- Air gap for drain hose, if required
- Waste tee for house plumbing, if applicable
- Electrical cable or Power Cord Kit WX09X70910 (5’ 5” long)
- Screw-type hose clamps
- Strain relief for electrical connection
- A hand shut-off valve (recommended)
- Hot Water Line–3/8” minimum, copper tubing (including ferrule, compression nut) or GE Appliances Part # WX28X326, flexible braided hose.
- WD24X10065 drain hose (12’ long), 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
- 15/16” socket (optional for skid removal)
- Gloves
- Pliers
For New Installations Only:
- Tubing cutter
- Drill and appropriate bits
- Hole saw set
PREPARE DISHWASHER ENCLOSURE
- The rough cabinet opening must be at least 24” deep, 24” wide and approximately 34-1/2” high from floor to underside of the countertop.
- The dishwasher must be installed so that drain hose is no more than 12’ in length for proper drainage.
- The dishwasher must be fully enclosed on the top, sides and back, and must not support any part of the enclosure.
WARNING: To reduce the risk of electric shock, fire, or injury to persons, the installer must ensure that the dishwasher is completely enclosed at the time of installation.
CLEARANCES:
When installed into a corner, allow 2” min. clearance between dishwasher and adjacent cabinet, wall or other appliances. Allow 25-1/2” min. clearance from the front of the dishwasher for door opening.
DRAIN REQUIREMENTS
-
Follow local codes and ordinances.
-
Do not exceed 12’ distance to drain.
-
Drain connection height is not to exceed 72” above the bottom of the dishwasher.
NOTE : Air gap must be used if waste tee or disposer connection is less than 18” above the floor to prevent siphoning.
DETERMINE DRAIN METHOD
The type of drain installation depends on the following questions. -
Do local codes or ordinances require an air gap?
-
Is waste tee less than 18” above the floor?
CABINET PREPARATION
Drill a 1-1/2” diameter hole in the cabinet wall within the shaded areas
shown in PREPARE DISHWASHER ENCLOSURE section for the drain hose connection.
The hole should be smooth with no sharp edges.
-
Method 1 – Air Gap with Waste Tee or Disposer An air gap must be used when required by local codes and ordinances. The air gap must be installed according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
-
Method 2 – “High Drain Loop” with Waste Tee or Disposer
PREPARE ELECTRICAL WIRING
WARNING: Remove all power leading to the appliance from the circuit breaker or fuse box before beginning installation. Failure to do so can result in a risk of electrical shock.
Electrical Requirements
- This appliance must be supplied with 120V, 60 Hz., and connected to an individual properly grounded branch circuit, protected by a 15- or 20-ampere circuit breaker or time-delay fuse.
- Wiring must be 2 wires with the ground and rated for 167°F (75°C).
- 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 equipment-grounding 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: 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. If house wiring is not 2-wire with the ground, a ground must be
provided by the installer. When house wiring is aluminum, be sure to use UL-
Listed anti-oxidant compound and aluminum-to-copper connectors.
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 & Wire Routing
- The wiring may enter the opening from either side, rear, or the floor within the shaded area illustrated above in the figure and defined in PREPARE DISHWASHER ENCLOSURE section.
- Cut a 1-1/2″ maximum diameter hole to admit the electrical cable. Edges of the hole should be smooth and rounded. Permanent wiring connections may pass through the same hole as the drain hose and hot water line, if convenient. If the cabinet wall is metal, the hole edge must be covered with a bushing.
PREPARE HOT WATER LINE
NOTE: We recommend copper tubing for the waterline, but if you choose to
use a flexible hose, use GE Appliances WX28X326, a flexible braided hose.
- The water supply line (3/8” copper tubing or flexible braided hose) may enter from either side, rear or floor within the shaded area shown in the figure.
- The water supply line may pass through the same hole as the electrical cable and drain hose. Or, cut an additional 1-1/2″ diameter hole to accommodate the waterline. If a power cord with a plug is used, the water line must not pass through the power cord hole.
Water Line Connection
- If using a flexible braided supply hose, label the hose with the installation date to use as a reference. Flexible braided hoses, elbows and gaskets should be replaced in 5 years.
- 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 left side of the dishwasher. Install the hot water inlet line, using no less than 3/8” copper tubing or a flexible braided hose. Route the line as shown in PREPARE HOT WATER LINE section and extend forward at least 19” from the rear wall.
- Adjust the water heater for 120°F to 140°F temperature.
- Flush water line to clean out debris.
- The hot water supply line pressure must be 20-120 PSI.
Dishwasher Installation
PREPARATION
- Screws
- Junction box cover
- Drain hose and clamp
- Mounting brackets
- Trim pieces (on some models)
- Drain hose hanger
- Insulation pieces (some models)
- Toekick (pre-installed on some models)
- Owner’s Manual
- Product samples and/or coupons
CHECK DOOR BALANCE
- With the dishwasher on the wood base, check the door balance by opening and closing the door.
- Door is properly balanced if, when opened, itself closes within 20°from vertical, stays in position from 20° to 70°and falls fully open beyond 70°.
If a necessary increase or decrease tension as shown. Latch door and adjust both springs to the same tension setting to correct balance.
Tip: Make sure the door opens and closes smoothly.
Check door opening and closing. If the door does not open easily or falls too
quickly, check spring cable routing. The cable is held in place by “shoulders”
on the pulley. Check to be sure cable has not slipped over the pulley
shoulders and is routed as shown.
REMOVE WOOD BASE, INSTALL LEVELING LEGS
- Move the dishwasher close to the installation location and lay it on its back. NOTE: Do not place the dishwasher on its side.
- Remove the 4 leveling legs on the underside of the wood base with a 15/16” socket wrench.
- Discard base.
- Screw leveling legs back into the dishwasher frame, approximately 1/2” from the frame as shown.
REMOVE TOEKICK
Skip this step if the toe kick is not pre-installed on the unit. On some models, the toe kick is packaged separately from the unit.
Remove the 2 to kick screws and toe-kick. Set aside for use in Step 21. ****
INSTALL 90° ELBOW
- Thread 3/4” GHT 90°elbow onto the water valve. Ensure rubber gasket is located between valve and elbow.
- Do not overtighten your elbow. The water valve bracket could bend or the water valve fitting could break.
- Position the end of the elbow to face the rear of the dishwasher.
INSTALL DRAIN HOSE TO DRAIN LOOP
- Connect drain loop end to drain hose using the screw clamp as shown in the figure.
POSITION WATER LINE AND HOUSE WIRING
- Position water supply line and house wiring on the floor of the opening to avoid interference with a base of dishwasher and components under the dishwasher.
INSTALL DRAIN HOSE, THROUGH CABINET
- Position the dishwasher in front of the cabinet opening. Insert drain hose into the hole in the cabinet side. If a power cord is used, guide the end through a separate cabinet opening.
Tip: Prevent unnecessary service call charges for fill, drain or noise concerns. Position utility lines so they do not interfere with anything under or behind the dishwasher. Reposition the insulation blanket over the collar, as shown.
SLIDE DISHWASHER THREE-FOURTHS OF THE WAY INTO CABINET
- Grasp the sides of the front panel and slide dishwasher into the opening a few inches at a time.
- As you proceed, pull the drain hose through the opening under the sink.
- Stop pushing when the dishwasher extends about 6 inches forward of adjacent cabinets.
INSTALL TRIM PIECES (on some models)
- Position the trim pieces so the lips face toward the dishwasher door.
- Select a trim piece and press it onto the left side tub flange. Start with the top edge and press the trim piece completely onto the tub flange as you move towards the bottom. Repeat for the right side tub flange trim piece.
INSTALL MOUNTING BRACKETS
You will need the mounting brackets and 2 #8 hex-head screws set aside in Step
- You must install the mounting brackets onto the dishwasher tub frame top or sides prior to sliding the dishwasher into place under the countertop. Install mounting brackets on top if the underside of the countertop is wood or wood- like material that accepts screws: IMPORTANT – After installing brackets and before closing the dishwasher door, adjust the brackets by bending them up as needed, so that they do not contact the top of the dishwasher door and cause damage.
- If you are installing the dishwasher under a counter with a short overhang, the countertop brackets may extend beyond the edge of the counter. If this is the case, remove the excess length by repeatedly bending the brackets at the front notch only until they break.
INSTALL MOUNTING BRACKETS (CONT.)
Install mounting brackets on sides if the countertop is granite or similar material that will not accept wood screws:
• Break off front portion of the tab with pliers at the location shown prior
to attaching to dishwasher.
• Position the left-hand side bracket as shown. Repeat with the right bracket.
PUSH DISHWASHER INTO FINAL POSITION
- Check the tub insulation blanket, if equipped, to be sure it is smoothly wrapped around the tub. It should not be “bunched up” and it must not interfere with the door springs. If the insulation is “bunched up” or interfering with the springs, straighten and re-center the blanket prior to sliding the dishwasher into its final position.
- Slide the dishwasher into the final position by pushing on the sides of the door panel. Do not push or pull the door in a partially open or closed position when moving the dishwasher. Do not use a knee or push on the center of the panel. If you do, damage to the panel will likely result.
- The dishwasher is in the final position when the edges of the front panel are flush with the adjacent cabinets and the dishwasher is centered in the cabinet opening. Check that the dishwasher is squarely positioned in the cabinet opening at both the top and the bottom of the appliance prior to mounting to the cabinet.
IMPORTANT: Before opening the dishwasher door, be certain the edges of the dishwasher door panel are behind the face of the adjacent cabinet and not up against the cabinet face. Refer to the figure below. If the dishwasher door is opened when the edge of the door is against the face of the cabinet, dishwasher door damage and cabinet damage will occur.
PUSH DISHWASHER INTO FINAL POSITION (CONT.)
• Check dishwasher alignment prior to opening dishwasher door to prevent panel
damage.
• Open and close the dishwasher door to be sure it operates smoothly, and does
not rub on the adjacent cabinet.
Tip: Prevent unnecessary service charges for panel damage or wash
performance.
Make sure utility lines are not trapped or crushed behind dishwasher. Crushed
lines will restrict water flow.
LEVEL DISHWASHER
IMPORTANT: Dishwasher must be level for proper dish rack operation, wash performance, and door operation. The dishwasher must be leveled left to right and front to back. This ensures the dish racks will not roll in or out on their own, circulation water will flow to the pump inlet, and the door will close without hitting the side of the tub.
- Remove the lower dish rack and place a level on the door and lower rack track as shown in the figure.
- Adjust the level of the dishwasher by individually turning the 4 legs on the bottom of the dishwasher as shown. Ensure all 4 legs are firmly in contact with the floor.
- The dishwasher is properly leveled when the level indicator is centered left to right and front to back. Also, the dishwasher door should close without hitting the side of the tub.
- Replace the lower rack.
POSITION DISHWASHER, SECURE TO COUNTERTOP OR CABINET
In this step, you will need the 2 Phillips special head screws from the screws set aside in Step 1. The dishwasher must be secured to the countertop or the cabinet sides. When the underside of the countertop is wood, use Method 1. Use Method 2 when the underside of the countertop is made of a material, such as granite, that will not accept wood screws. IMPORTANT – Prevent door panel and control panel damage. The dishwasher must be positioned so the front panel and control panel do not contact the adjacent cabinets or countertop. The unit should be centered between the 2 cabinets. Mounting screws must be driven straight and flush. Protruding screw heads could scratch the door panel or control panel and interfere with door operation. Method 1 Secure dishwasher to the underside of wood countertop.
- Re-check alignment of the dishwasher in the cabinet. Refer to Steps 12 and 13. The door panel and/or control panel must not hit cabinets or countertop.
- Fasten the dishwasher to the underside of the countertop with the 2 Phillips special head screws. Refer to figure. Make certain screws are driven straight and flush to prevent panel damage.
- Plug buttons must be installed to ensure proper door-to-tub alignment. Install plug buttons to the side of the tub well in the holes provided.
Method 2
Secure dishwasher to cabinet sides.
- Recheck alignment of the dishwasher in the cabinet. Refer to Steps 12 and 13. The door panel and/or control panel must not hit cabinets or countertop.
- Fasten the dishwasher to the adjacent cabinets with the 2 Phillips special head screws provided. Refer to figure. Make certain screws are driven straight and flush to prevent panel damage. Do not screw into the cabinet face frame.
- Plug buttons must be installed to ensure proper door-to-tub alignment. Install plug buttons to the side of the tub in the holes provided.
POSITION DISHWASHER, SECURE TO COUNTERTOP OR CABINET (CONT.)
- Re-check that the dishwasher is squarely positioned in the cabinet at both the top and bottom of the appliance after mounting to the cabinets/countertop. Adjust if necessary.
- Confirm all leveling legs are in contact with the floor to prevent the dishwasher from rocking and ensure proper door and latch operation
CONNECT WATER SUPPLY
- Attach the nut to 90° elbow using an adjustable wrench. If using a copper tubing connection:
- Slide compression nut, then ferrule over end of water line.
- Insert water line into 90° elbow.
- Slide ferrule against elbow and secure with compression nut.
IMPORTANT: Check to be sure that door spring and/or door spring cable do not rub or contact the fill hose or water supply line. Test by opening and closing the door. Re-route the water supply lines if a rubbing noise or interference occurs.
CONNECT DRAIN LINE
- Determine the size of the inlet port.
- Cut drain hose connector on the marked line, if required, to fit the inlet port.
- If a longer drain hose is required, replace the provided user bag drain hose with GE Appliances service part WD24X10065, a 12’ long hose that can be connected directly to the drain loop already attached to the unit (see Step 7). If service part hose is not available, an additional hose with coupler, the ID of 5/8” or 7/8” and no longer than 66”, may be attached to the provided user bag drain hose. Secure the connection with hose clamps to the provided user bag drain hose.
Connect drain line to the air gap, waste tee, or disposer using the previously determined method. Secure hose with a screw-type clamp.
Method 1 – Air gap with waste tee or disposer
Method 2 – “High drain loop” with waste tee or disposer
With this method, you will need the drain hose hanger set aside in Step 1.
Fasten the drain hose to the underside of the countertop with the provided
hanger.
IMPORTANT: When connecting, check to be removed. THE DISHWASHER WILL NOT DRAIN IF THE PLUG IS LEFT IN PLACE.
**CONNECT POWER SUPPLY
**
If a power cord with plug is already installed proceed to Step 18.
WARNING
To reduce the risk of electric shock, fire, or injury to persons, the
installer should check to ensure that wires are not pinched or damaged, the
house wiring is attached to the junction box bracket through a strain relief,
and all electrical connections made at the time of install (wire nuts) are
contained inside of the junction box cover.
- Secure house wiring to the back of the junction box with a strain relief as shown in the MATERIALS YOU WILL NEED section.
- Locate the 3 dishwasher wires, (white, black, and green) with the stripped ends coming out of the AC jumper. Use UL-listed wire nuts of appropriate size to connect incoming ground to green, white to white, and black to black.
- Install the junction box cover using the #10 hex head screw. Check to be sure that wires are not pinched under the cover and that all wire nuts are inside the cover.
- Make sure that the junction box cover is resting on the mounting bracket.
PRETEST CHECKLIST
Review this list after installing your dishwasher to avoid charges for a service call that is not covered by your Warranty.
- Check to be sure power is OFF.
- Open door and remove all foam and paper packaging.
- Locate the Owner’s Manual set aside in Step 1.
- Read the Owner’s Manual for operating instructions.
- Check door opening and closing. If door does not open and closes freely, check for proper routing of spring cable over a pulley. If the door drops or closes when released, adjust spring tension. See Step
- Check to be sure that wiring is secure under the dishwasher, not pinched, or in contact with door springs or other components. See Step 17.
- Check door alignment with tub. If the door hits the tub, level the dishwasher. See Step 13.
- Check door alignment with cabinet. If the door hits the cabinet, reposition the dishwasher. See Step 12.
- Pull the lower rack out, about halfway. Check to be sure it does not roll back or forward on the door. If the rack moves, adjust leveling legs. See Step 13.
- Check that the door spring does not contact the water line, fill hose, wiring or other components. See Step 12.
- Verify water supply and drain lines are not kinked or in contact with other components. Contact with motor or dishwasher frame could cause noise.
- Turn on the sink hot water faucet and verify water temperature. Incoming water temperature must be between 120°F and 140°F. A minimum of 120°F temperature is required for best wash performance. See PREPARE HOT WATER LINE section.
- Add 2 quarts of water to the bottom of the dishwasher to lubricate the pump seal.
- Turn on the water supply. Check for leaks. Tighten connections if needed.
- Remove protective film if present from the control panel and door.
Check that the tub trim does not contact the door.
DISHWASHER WET TEST
- Turn on the power supply or plug the power cord into an outlet, if equipped.
- Select a cycle to run and push the Start/Reset pad.
- Ensure the door is latched. The dishwasher should start.
- Check to be sure that water enters the dishwasher. If water does not enter the dishwasher, check to be sure that water and power are turned on.
- Check for leaks under the dishwasher. If a leak is found, turn off power at the breaker, and then tighten water connections. Restore power after leak is corrected.
- Check for leaks around the door. A leak around the door could be caused by door rubbing or hitting against adjacent cabinets. Reposition the dishwasher if necessary. See Step 12.
- Press and hold the Start/Reset pad for 3 seconds to cancel the cycle. The unit will begin to drain. Check drain lines. If leaks are found, turn off power at the breaker and correct plumbing as necessary. Restore power after corrections are made. See Steps 6, 7, 8, 9, and 16.
- Open the dishwasher door and make sure all of the water has drained. If not, check that the disposer plug has been removed and/or the air gap is not plugged. Also, check the drain hose to be sure it is not kinked underneath or behind the dishwasher. See Step 16. Press Start/Reset pad once again and run the dishwasher through another cycle. Check for leaks and correct if required. Repeat these steps as necessary.
POSITION SOUND BARRIER AND INSULATION (on some models)
Skip this step if the sound barrier is assembled to the dishwasher.
• Locate the sound insulation package inside the dishwasher.
• Locate the control box.
Insulation showed correctly placed along the bottom edge of the control box,
the dishwasher bottom, and flush with the front face.
If the insulation has an extension piece (on some models) follow these
additional steps:
- Open the door all the way, if the door doesn’t stay fully open, adjust the insulation panel.
- Align the screw holes with the screw holes on the legs of the dishwasher.
- Ensure vent opening is not blocked by insulation.
INSTALL TOE-KICK
- A place to kick against the legs of the dishwasher.
- Align the toekick with the bottom edge and make sure it is against the floor.
- Insert and tighten the 2 to kick attachment screws.
- When reinstalling the toe-kick, on models with a sound barrier, ensure that the bottom edge is flush with the floor. Any excess material should be tucked up behind the outer door.
CHECK THE FOLLOWING
- Tub trim does not interfere with the door
- The dishwasher is square and level at both the top and bottom of the cabinet opening, with no twisting or distortion of the tub or door
- All 4 legs of the dishwasher are firmly in contact with the floor
- The drain hose is not pinched between the dishwasher and adjacent cabinets or walls
- Tub trim is fully seated on the tub flange
LITERATURE
Be sure to leave a complete literature package, these Installation
Instructions, product samples, and/or coupons with the consumer.
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