GE GSS1800Z1 User manual

If you have a question concerning the installation ofthis
product, callthe BEAnswer Center_ Consumer Information
Service at 800.626.2000,24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
If you received a damaged dishwasher,
you should immediately contact your
dealer or builder.
Installation of this dishwasher requires basic mechanical
and electrical skills.Properinstallation istheresponsibilty
ofthe installer.Productfailure dueto improperinstallation
is notcoveredunderthe GEApplianceWarranty. See the
back coverofthe Use & CareGuidefor warranty information.
The dishwasherMUST beinstalledto allow forfuture
removal from the enclosureifservice isrequired.
Printed in USA 154430701

Before You Begin
DO NOT INSTALL DISHWASHER
UNTIL YOU HAVE READ ALL
INSTRUCTIONS.
Electrical Shock Hazard
Discon nect electrical power at the
fuse box or circuit breaker box
before installing dishwasher.
Failure to do so can result in death
or electrical shock.
Please read this book completely before you begin. These instructions will help you anticipate water,
electrical, and drain connections, and will help you select the best location for your dishwasher. Installation tips
are located on page 3.
NOTE: Observe all local codes and ordinances for electrical and plumbing connections when
installing your new dishwasher. All electrical and plumbing work should be performed by qualified
persons.
Plan the Installation
Locate the dishwasher where there is easy access to existing water, drain, and electrical lines. Be sure the
water inlet valve will be protected from freezing temperatures. If the valve freezes, flooding may occur.
The best location for your dishwasher is on either side of the kitchen sink. This position should provide
easy access to existing plumbing and wilt be convenient for loading items into the dishwasher once your
dishwasher is installed.
Tools You Will Need
Level Wire Stripper _ _ Flaring Tool
or Knife (for copper
tubing)
Measuring _
Tape Pipe Joint compound _ Tube Cutter
(for iron pipe _ (for copper tubing)
plumbing)
Electric Drill 1_
Keyhole Saw or
1"1 " 2"
/2, 1/2,and
Hole Cutters
/16, 14,and5he"
Socket or Nut Driver
Teflon® Tape
(for iron pipe
plumbing)
Slotted and Phillips _._.._
Screwdrivers
(magnetic tip _
preferred)
2 Pipe Wrenches
(for iron pipe
plumbing)
2 Adjustable
Wrenches
(for copper tubing)
Pliers
Items You Will Need (Not Included)
Drain Hose Clamp -1 1/4" Inner Diameter (ID)
90 ° Elbow -3/8" National Pipe Thread
Strain Relief Bushing
Wire Nuts (2)

Installation Tips
Read all instructions prior to installation
• Water, electric, and drain connections are not the same for all age, brand, or models of
dishwashers. Check and compare the location and length of your current utilities so you can
plan your new installation (refer to pages 4 and 7).
Each home installation is different and some parts may be needed to meet your individual
installation needs.You will needa 3/s"National Pipe Thread "Street I" or compatible right
angle fittings (not included) to make the final water connections to the dishwasher valve (refer
to page 8).
Clean dishes require an adequate supply of hot water. The water temperature must be
between 120°F (49°C) and 150°F (66°C). A minimum water supply line of 3/8" (outside
diameter) coppertubing is recommended. Reasonable water pressure is needed (20-120
PSI [pounds-per-square-inch]) flow rate minimum (2 gallons/minute) (refer to page 8).
• A separate 15-20 amp, grounded 120V AC electrical supply is required for your new
dishwasher. You may need a strain relief bushing and wire nuts or suitable connectors
(not included) for connecting house wiring to the dishwasher.
• If the dishwasher drain hose is connected to a garbage disposer for the first time,
remember to knock out the plug in the disposer inlet. This plug is inside the inlet and you may
not see the plug from the outside (refer to page 7).
• The dishwasher drain hose to the house drain must have a 32" loop above the floor or a
suitable air gap must be used to prevent water from siphoning out of the dishwasher and
causing washing problems (refer to page 6).
• Kinked water or drain lines can cause problems. Run lines with generous curves. Make sure
lines are long enough to allow for generous curves.
• Flush the water line prior to making final connections. A bunched towel over the end of the
line can help prevent splashing. Let water drain into a bucket or pan. This will prevent
premature clogging of the filter screen in the inlet valve.
The dishwasher will look, sound, and work better if it is properly leveled. Take time to
adjust the leveling legs so that all of them touch the floor and the dishwasher is level. Use #8
x %" Phillips head screws (supplied) to anchor dishwasher to countertop (refer to pages 9
and 13).

Location and Rough-In
34=1/4" Min.
j 24"
of tub 7"
Electrical, drain and
water supply line
entrances must
be confined to
shaded areas to
avoid interference
with components.
1=1/2 Hot Water EUectricaU
Line Wiring
!8" Min,
1=1/2 "
Figure 1
Most of the installation work should be done before
the dishwasher is moved into place. First, select a
location as close to the sink as possible for ready
access to water and drain lines. For proper operation
and appearance of the dishwasher, the cabinet
opening should be square and have dimensions as
shown in Figure 1. If the dishwasher is to be installed
in a corner, there must be sufficient clearance to open
the door as shown in Figure 2. A minimum clearance
of 2" is recommended.
Rough-in the water, electrical, and drain lines before
proceeding with the installation. The lines should run
straight to their connections on the dishwasher.
Note: Make sure that the lines do not cross in
front of the dishwasher motor or its legs.
Dishwasher
Dishwasher
Door
Countertop
Figure 2

Preparing for Installation
1. Remove access panel assembly by opening door
all the way and removing two (2) screws on top of
access trim (see Figure 3).
2. Close door. Remove two (2) bottom attach screws
in access panel assembly.
3. The access panel assembly can now be removed
by pulling it forward.
,Install a 90 °elbow (not included) into the water
valve. Use Teflon ®tape or joint compound to seal
the elbow into the valve fitting. Valve fitting is s/g
National Pipe Thread.
Figure 3
Access Trim Screws
Access Panel _ Adjustable
Assembly .'_. Toeplate (not
._> Xshown)
Bottom Attach Screws\ _--
Adjusting Door Spring
Tension
The door springs are set at the factory to the proper
tension. To adjust spring tension, hook the springs in
a frame hole to the back of their original settings (see
Figure 4).
Door spring tension is correct when the door remains
horizontal in the fully opened position, yet rises to a
close with the slight lift of a finger. Front of
Dishwasher
Figure 4
Spring
3
"-- Frame Holes
Move spring to rear of dishwasher
to increase tension
Side Panel Kit
The dishwasher is not provided with a complete
enclosure. If the dishwasher is to be installed at the
end of a cabinet line, be certain that the sides and the
back are fully enclosed (see Figure 5). Side panel
kits are available from your dealer or distributor.
Figure 5

Locating Drain, Water, and Electrical Supplies
Before you begin, review this section in detail. Check your location to make sure you have the right drain,
water, and electrical supplies to make these connections.
Refer to the dimensional details in Figure 6 to help you decide where to run the drain, water, and electrical
lines. All connections must be made in the shaded area as shown in Figure 1 on page 4.
NOTE: Make sure that no lines cross in front of the dishwasher's motor or legs.
Left Side View Front View Right Side View
241/2" 173/4" 477/8"
18"
Center Line of
WaterValve
4"
to
35"
Max.
= O
Center of
Water Valve
21"
From rear to Electrical
Junction Box.
Door in Open 221/2"
Position To Tub Flange
FloorLine
of Motor
Figure 6
Drain
Review Figures 7 and 8 to determine where you will connect the dishwasher to the drain system. Cut a 2"
diameter drain hose hole in the shaded area shown in Figure 1 on page 4. Check both sides of the area
BEFORE cutting to avoid interference. If the cabinet walt is wooden, sand the edges of the hole until it is
smooth and rounded. If the cabinet wall is metal, all sharp edges MUSTbe covered by a protective material
such as electrical tape or duct tape to avoid cutting the drain hose.
Local codes may require the drain line to be connected to house plumbing with a drain air gap. If the drain hose
is to be connected to a separate drain trap, the trap must be vented with a drain air gap to prevent siphoning.
A drain loop must be fixed (with a suitable clamp or support) at a minimum height of 32" from the floor. When
routing the drain hose, be sure there are no sharp bends or kinks that might restrict drain flow. Proceed as
follows:
1. Route the hose from the dishwasher cabinet through the 2" drain hose hole you have cut for it.
2. Support or clamp the drain hose so that the loop is at a minimum height of 32".
3. Use a drain hose clamp (not included) to connect the hose to the sink drain or disposer. Do not
connect the hose to the horizontal pipe between the sink drain and the garbage disposer. Entry
into sink drain must be above trap. Be careful not to over tighten the clamp or you may damage the
end of the hose.

• If you connect to a sink drain, using the "Y" Branch Tailpiece and Connector Kit, available at plumbing and
hardware stores, will make this connection easier. The kit includes all of the necessary fittings and
complete installation instructions.
• If you connect to a disposer, use the larger end of the corrugated hose which has been designed to fit the
disposer without any special connectors (see inset of Figure 7).
NOTE: Be sure to remove the knockout plug from inside the disposer inlet fitting before attaching the
drain hose.
If the drain hose is to be routed through the floor to a separate trap, the trap must be vented to prevent
siphoning. To provide proper venting, install the Air Gap Kit, available at plumbing and hardware stores, into
the countertop. Route the drain hose up to the inlet side of the air gap. Continue drain line from outlet side of air
gap down through floor to separate trap (see Figure 8).
Do not cut the corrugated drain hose. Excess corrugated hose should be placed flat on the floor in the
dishwasher cabinet. Make sure the hose does not come into contact with any sharp edges.
Connecting to a Sink Drain Entry Must be
Above Trap
Figure 7 "Y" Branch
Tailpiece
Sink at Left
rh,dzkz
Es_d
\
Connecting to a Disposer
Sink at Right
2" Drain Hose Hole
Drain AirGap
Figure 8
Alternate
Drain Through
Floor into
Separate Trap
_J_ Plug in
Sink at Left
Sink at Right
2" Drain Hose Hole

Water
Determine where you will connect the dishwasher to the hot water supply. Review Figure 6 on page 6 and note
the location of the water valve. Water temperature limits are 120°F minimum and 150°F maximum (49°C -
66°C).
The dishwasher water inlet valve has a 3/8"National Pipe Thread female fitting. Determine how much copper
tubing wilt be required. Copper tubing must have a minimum outside diameter of 318".High-pressure rated
plastic tubing with a minimum inner diameter of V4" may be used where local plumbing codes permit.
It is recommended that a shut-off valve be installed outside the dishwasher cabinet. Water pressure should be
between 20 and 120 PSI (pound per square inch).
Cut the water access hole in the shaded area as shown in Figure 1 on page 4. Complete the plumbing rough-in
before putting the dishwasher into place.
Note: The furnished drain hose must not be used as a water supply line. Do not use a rubber garden
hose for water supply line. Either one of these hoses will burst.
Electrical Power Supply
The dishwasher operates on a 120VAC 60Hz fused electrical supply. Provide a separate circuit with a fuse or
circuit breaker rated for at least 15 amps, 20 amps if connected with disposer, but not more than 20 amps.
Fire Hazard
Do not use an extension cord.
Failure to do so can result in death,
or electrical shock.
Electrical Shock Hazard
Electrically ground dishwasher.
Connect grounding wire to
green grounding nut in
terminal box.
Failure to do so can result in
death or electrical shock.
Grounding Instructions
This appliance must be connected to a grounded metal fixture or to a permanent wiring system, or an equip-
ment grounding conductor must be run with the circuit conductors and connected to the equipment grounding
terminal or lead on the appliance. Do not connect the dishwasher to the electrical supply until the appliance is
permanently grounded. Grounding must be in accordance with the National Electrical Code and local codes
and ordinances.
Note: This unit is provided with stranded copper wire with coating to prevent corrosion. Connect with
copper wire only.
Determine where you will connect to the electrical supply. Note the location of the electrical junction box in
Figure 6 on page 6. Cut the access hole in the shaded area shown in Figure 1 on page 4. Pull electrical cable
through into the cabinet area through the access hole.
After the dishwasher has been positioned inside the cabinet, the electrical connections can be made.

Position, Align, and
Level the Dishwasher
Before moving the dishwasher into the opening:
• Adjust the front levelers so the top of the machine
is %" below the underside of the countertop
(see Figure 9).
• Using a hex end wrench or 3/_e,,socket, adjust
rear levelers to level the dishwasher from front to
back.
You can now move the dishwasher into the opening
and align it with the cabinets. Use caution when
moving the appliance to prevent damage to floor
coverings and adjacent cabinets.
• Align the front of the dishwasher as flush as
possible with front of the cabinets.
• Align the dishwasher so that the amount of space
is the same on each side and the same from top
to bottom.
NOTE: Double check the levelers to make sure
they set firmly against the floor. Leveling is
necessary for proper function of the dishwasher.
You are now ready to proceed with the final drain,
water, and electrical connections.
Drain Hose Routing
Be sure the hose is routed behind the dishwasher
motor and legs (see Figure 10). Place the excess
hose flat on the floor in the dishwasher opening.
NOTE: Be sure there are no sharp bends, kinks,
or twists in the drain hose.
Electrical Shock Hazard
Disconnect electrical power at the fuse
box or circuit breaker box before installing
dishwasher.
Make sure that the water supply line, drain
hose, and wiring do not touch any
exposed terminals of the dishwasher
wiring.
Failure to follow these instructions could
result in death or serious injury.
Motor
Tip Over Hazard
Do not use dishwasher until completely
installed.
Do not push down on open door.
Doing so can result in serious injury or
cuts.
Hex End Wrench or
3/16" Socket
Figure 9
Drain Hose
Dishwasher Leg
Figure 10

Water Line Connection
Route the water pipe or tubing as shown (see Figure
11), straight forward from the back to the inlet valve.
Pipe or tubing must not be kinked. It must be free of
scales, chips, lubricants, etc. before it is connected to
the inlet valve. Flush the water line before
connecting it to the valve.
If the water valve clogs with foreign material, turn off
the water supply, then remove the four (4) screws at
the inlet end of the valve for access to the filter
screen.
Note: Do not solder too close to the water valve.
Overheating of the valve will damage plastic parts
in the valve.
Use care that no sealer, dirt, or foreign material
can enter valve.
The furnished drain hose must not be used as a
water supply line.
Be sure the dishwasher is placed where the water
valve is protected from freezing temperatures. If
the valve freezes, flooding may occur.
Install accessible
in-line shutoff valve.
Through
Wall
Floor
Through Cabinet
Figure 11
Install Power Cord C.henused
For power cord installation only,
Skip this step if dishwasher will be directly wired,
Remove the junction box cover and install strain relief
and power cord. The power cord and connections
must comply with the National Electrical Code,
Section 422 and/or local codes and ordinances. The
cord must be no longer than 6 ft. from the junction box
to the receptacle.
Locate the two dishwasher wires (white and black)
with the stripped ends. Using UL Listed wire nuts of
appropriate size, connect incoming white to white and
black to black. Connect the ground wire to green
grounding screw. Replace the junction box cover.
Check that wires are not pinched under cover.
Junction
Box
Strain Relief Connector
Green Grounding
and Screw
Black Wire to Black
Wire (Hot)
Relief Bushing
White Wire to White Wire (Neutral)
Junction Box Cover Figure 12
10

Connect Dishwasher to Electrical Supply
The appliance MUST be permanently grounded in accordance with the National Electrical Code and local
codes and ordinances.
Electrical Shock Hazard
Disconnect electrical power at the fuse box
or circuit breaker box before installing
dishwasher.
Failure to do so can result in death or
electrical shock.
1. Remove the junction box cover (see Figure 13).
2. Pull the house wiring in the cabinet area forward to the junction box. Be sure the electrical cable is behind
the dishwasher motor and rear legs. Use a UL listed strain relief connector (not included) at the box.
3. In the junction box, connect the incoming black lead to the dishwasher's black lead with wire nuts or
suitable connectors (not included). Next, connect the incoming white lead to the dishwasher's white lead
with wire nuts or suitable connectors (not included).
4. Attach grounding wire under head of green grounding screw and tighten screw.
5. Replace the junction box cover.
f
J
\\
/
Junction Box
Through Wall
,/
_/_/ Throu h
g Cabinet
Through Floor Junction Box
Strain Relief Connector
Green Grounding
Wire and Screw
Figure 13
Black Wire to
Black Wire (Hot)
Relief Bushing
White Wire to White Wire (Neutral)
Box Cover
11

Secure Dishwasher in Opening
The dishwasher must be secured to keep it from tilting when the door is opened. Choose one of the two
methods described below for securing the dishwasher.
Countertop Anchoring:
1. If necessary, adjust leveling screws so mounting brackets touch the underside of the countertop (see
Figure 14).
2. Screw the mounting brackets firmly to the countertop using #8 x %" Phillips head screws (supplied).
Note: Check levelers to make sure weight of dishwasher rests on floor.
3. Open and close the dishwasher door slowly. If the door hits the mounting bracket screw heads, adjust
front leveling legs.
Floor Anchoring:
This is a difficult procedure. Use only where the countertop mounting brackets cannot be used.
1. Screw 114"lag screws (not included) through the holes provided in the frame rail (see Figure 14).
2. Use expansion fasteners if the floor is concrete.
Countertop Anchoring
Mounting Brackets
Use #8 X %" Phillips
head screws (supplied).
Figure 14
Floor Anchoring with
1/4"Lag Screws
Hex End
Wrench or 3/16"
Socket
To Install Custom Wood Panels
The dishwasher door and access panel can be customized to match wood cabinets. This will require a wood
panel trim kit.
Kit is available from your dealer or parts supplier--kit number GPF18.
12

Operate the Dishwasher
Before you start your dishwasher, check the following:
• Dishwasher is level and securely fastened in place.
• Open and close door to make sure it does not hit surrounding cabinet or countertop.
• Water supply is turned on.
• No leaking from joints.
• All wire connections are tight.
• Electricity is turned on.
• No kinks in water or drain lines.
• All packing material and customer literature have been taken out of the dishwasher.
Operate the machine through at least one fill and pump-out.
• Check water level after dishwasher has filled completely. Water should fill to the heating element.
• Check for satisfactory pump-out. At end of pump-out, a small amount of water in the bottom of the tub is
normal.
• Check for leaks.
If operation is satisfactory, replace the access panel assembly.
NOTE to INSTALLER: Put installation instructions back in the fiterature packet and leave with
dishwasher so all information will be readily available to user.
NOTE to OWNER: Please read the dishwasher Owner's Manual. It contains important safety
information for those operating the appliance. It also contains many suggestions for obtaining
the best results from your dishwasher.
13

14

15

Pub. No. 31-30550
SPECIFICATIONS SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT NOTICE.
16