Microwave in Island

[Bama_Electrical]

Are there any requirements for the receptacle in an island behind a microwave? I typically wire the receptacle in a cabinet adjacent to where the microwave is. In the island I am working on now, it will be all drawers.

 

[AC\DC]

As long as the microwave is not fixed in place, don’t see a problem.

 

[Bama_Electrical]

The setup will be exactly like this one.

 

[Dennis Alwon]

There is usually room behind the mw so I install the outlet there.

 

[marmathsen]

The setup will be exactly like this one. View attachment 2560617

We just did one in a peninsula. Same configuration as your picture. There was BARELY enough room for the receptacle and plug end in the top left. We waited to install the receptacle until we could pull the microwave out of the box and confirm our options.

Rob G

 

[LarryFine]

Using one of these would help.

 

[marmathsen]

Using one of these would help.

View attachment 2560621

On an island though he might not have the depth for it. A shallow 4 sq or handy box might be more appropriate if necessary.

We had to do a shallow 4 sq with a flat mud ring.

Rob G

 

[Ravenvalor]

If there is not enough room behind the microwave you might be able to install the outlet below the microwave behind the drawer. You might have to cut a 6 x 6 access hole in the center of the wood that the microwave rests on.

 

[James L]

Sometimes I'll use a surface mounted receptacle. Very narrow so it can be tucked away

https://smile.amazon.com/Leviton-Grounding-Double-Surface-Mount-Accepted/dp/B003ATVFUW/ref=sr_1_2?keywords=Surface+mount+duplex+receptacle&qid=1652644514&sr=8-2

 

[readydave8]

Sometimes I'll use a surface mounted receptacle. Very narrow so it can be tucked away

https://smile.amazon.com/Leviton-Grounding-Double-Surface-Mount-Accepted/dp/B003ATVFUW/ref=sr_1_2?keywords=Surface+mount+duplex+receptacle&qid=1652644514&sr=8-2

View attachment 2560626

wow never thought of that, only ones I've seen were hooked to lampcord or speaker wire

 

[acin]

The setup will be exactly like this one. View attachment 2560617

We cut the drawer down 6 inches and a surface mount box below

 

[James L]

wow never thought of that, only ones I've seen were hooked to lampcord or speaker wire

In the house where I grew up, we had one mounted on the door trim right on the trim of the kitchen door. Right above the stove

 

[kwired]

Sometimes I'll use a surface mounted receptacle. Very narrow so it can be tucked away

https://smile.amazon.com/Leviton-Grounding-Double-Surface-Mount-Accepted/dp/B003ATVFUW/ref=sr_1_2?keywords=Surface+mount+duplex+receptacle&qid=1652644514&sr=8-2

View attachment 2560626

Can you get TR versions?

I don't agree with NEC, but from what I read it would require TR for what has been pictured unless you had a single receptacle or two appliances plugged into it in this sort of situation, which I think is kind of stupid to require it at all for this particular application.

 

[James L]

Can you get TR versions?

I don't agree with NEC, but from what I read it would require TR for what has been pictured unless you had a single receptacle or two appliances plugged into it in this sort of situation, which I think is kind of stupid to require it at all for this particular application.

I've never seen TR version, but I've never worried about it.

imho, TR is for very young kids, like toddler age.

He'll probably kill himself by pulling the microwave down on top of himself, long before he'd ever have an opportunity to shove a couple of small knitting needles into the receptacle

 

[kwired]

I've never seen TR version, but I've never worried about it.

imho, TR is for very young kids, like toddler age.

He'll probably kill himself by pulling the microwave down on top of himself, long before he'd ever have an opportunity to shove a couple of small knitting needles into the receptacle

I kind of agree with you, but that is not what code language says either. You must not have inspectors that pay very close attention to this requirement?

 

[James L]

I kind of agree with you, but that is not what code language says either. You must not have inspectors that pay very close attention to this requirement?

These inspectors around here are usually one of two types:

1) doesn't know anything about electrical work, don't know anything about codes unless they saw it last Saturday in their video tutorial. Think Vatterott grad who's got some technical bookwork understanding but easily overwhelmed and easily led by a nose ring into accepting whatever janky business you want

2) doesn't know a whole lot about codes, thinks he's a design expert, and majors on minor issues that are [almost always] irrelevant. Like what kind of wood you use behind a panel, the order of switches at a door, etc

 

[kwired]

These inspectors around here are usually one of two types:

1) doesn't know anything about electrical work, don't know anything about codes unless they saw it last Saturday in their video tutorial. Think Vatterott grad who's got some technical bookwork understanding but easily overwhelmed and easily led by a nose ring into accepting whatever janky business you want

2) doesn't know a whole lot about codes, thinks he's a design expert, and majors on minor issues that are [almost always] irrelevant. Like what kind of wood you use behind a panel, the order of switches at a door, etc

Most inspectors here were once installers and do know what is like to be on other side. That said, occasionally there is one that thinks they have to be really strict with code application and won't let you get away with anything no matter how minor it may be. Then on another job same guy hardly looks at anything and you possibly could have gotten away with a lot

I've had same guy want me to fix minor supporting issues with NM cable (cables under a staple not listed for that combination of cables) then not even remove cover on a panel when inspecting another job. (480/277 panel)