Replies

1. 
   canada_deck | Apr 25, 2023 04:47pm | #1

   I assumed that was the default mode of operation. If you don't specify a high-heat or sanitize mode and you don't select the heat-dry option, I figured it wouldn't use any extra power beyond the wash motor. My assumption may be wrong.

2. Expert Member
   Akos | Apr 25, 2023 05:08pm | #2

   I think you'll have a better luck with an offgrid forum on this question. This type of spec is not usually listed for most dishwashers.

   I did get an 18" Heir dishwasher a while back that did not have heat dry coil at all. Don't know if it has water pre-heat though.

3. 
   orange_cat | Apr 25, 2023 05:14pm | #3

   Many dishwasers require a dedicted 15 Amp circuit only (I was calculating energy load and Miele for example requires 15 amps at 120V).

   Bosch is even lower - 12 amps at 120V. https://media3.bosch-home.com/Documents/MCDOC01977253_SHP865WF5N.pdf (this is just an example, I think most oftheir dishwashers have the same amps).

   Frigidair 10amps at 120V
   https://na2.electroluxmedia.com/Original/Electrolux/Electrolux%20Assets/Document/Product%20Specifications%20Sheet/English/GDPP4517A_EN.pdf

4. Expert Member
   DCcontrarian | Apr 25, 2023 05:45pm | #4

   Is your interest in reducing electricity use, or in reducing the size of the circuit needed?

   An installed appliance requires a dedicated circuit if it's rated at more than 50% of the circuit capacity.

1. 
   severaltypesofnerd | Apr 25, 2023 07:27pm | #8

   Interest is in reducing the peak amps. The circuit size is irrelevant.

1. 
   orange_cat | Apr 25, 2023 08:18pm | #10

   All of their dishwasher can bypass "heat the water" option, reducing the draw.
   All Miele Dishwashers can be connected to a hot water connection at a temperature of up to 140°F (60°C). This reduces electricity consumption by up to 55% and program runtimes by up to 10%. In the Economy program, the energy consumption of the dishwasher drops to as little as 0.45 kWh.

   But they now have a new feature aimed expressly at people who use solar- the feature is called "SolarSave" Miele - second to none when it comes to sustainability. The Energy Saver wash program is ideal for households that have a solar heat system, a heat pump or a gas-oil heating system, because it only uses the temperature of the already heated, incoming water. Thanks to the intelligent program management feature you can achieve a sensationally low electricity consumption of 0.05 kWh per wash cycle.

2. Expert Member
   DCcontrarian | Apr 25, 2023 08:55pm | #11

   You should be able to do that by providing the unit with sufficiently hot water.

5. 
   jwasilko | Apr 25, 2023 06:10pm | #5

   I don't have any specific data, but the current line of Miele dishwashers in the US expect to be connected to a hot water line (but can be connected to cold, but will then heat the water more). The operating manual says:

   You can connect the dishwasher to a
   hot-water supply. A hot water con-
   nection is particularly suitable with
   energy-saving water heating sources,
   such as solar energy with a circula-
   tion system.
   If the water is heated by electricity,
   we would recommend connection to
   cold water.

6. 
   _Robin | Apr 25, 2023 06:15pm | #6

   I struggled with this problem myself in an off grid installation where I'm running a dishwasher through a small solar power system which can't handle the power draw of the heater.

   After experimenting with 3 dishwashers, it seems like all the mid range to higher end dishwashers have temperature sensors in them and if you try to disconnect the wiring to the heating element, there will be problems (endless cycles, error lights, cycle won't engage).

   What did work for me was taking a budget machine with dial control and then disconnecting the wiring to the element. In these models (mine is a Kenmore 587.1414 but I'm sure there are others that are comparable) the control mechanism seems to be a very simple timer system, no computer and no heat sensor. Look for a model that has a dial and no LED lights.

   The max draw of mine is now about 1.5A and it's worked reliably this way for several years.

   
1. 
   severaltypesofnerd | Apr 25, 2023 07:26pm | #7

   Thanks for that advice. I guess the solution is to find a really crappy dishwasher that works on timers alone and does not notice the heating element is gone.

1. 
   Malcolm_Taylor | Apr 25, 2023 07:42pm | #9

   severaltypesofnerd,

   Which will probably also have the added benefit of outlasting any expensive new one you would buy.