micro

[sparkadaddy]

when installing a microwave, exhaust fan combo should you: Install on one of the small appliance circuits? Run separate circuit? Or tap off of #8 range circuit with #12?

 

[hbiss]

Re: micro

Tap off of #8 range circuit with #12? Are you sure you are a journeyman?

I always run a separate circuit. Since this is fixed in place, supplying the receptacle from the countertop circuits is a violation of 201.52(B)(2).

-Hal

 

[tonyi]

Re: micro

I'd put it on its own 20A branch. Combining it with another SA is inviting nuisance trips when someone plugs in crockpots, toasters, etc. My lawyer up in NY has this problem with a modular he bought. It annoys the heck out of his wife.

Also check local amendments, Palm Beach county in FL for example, would require the microwave to be on a dedicated branch.

 

[mjf]

Re: micro

I always run a dedicated 20 amp circuit.

 

[dereckbc]

Re: micro

IMO 20-amp dedicated.

 

[electricmanscott]

Re: micro

Dedicated 20 amp is the way to go.
Some units require this in their installation instructions.

 

[pierre]

Re: micro

It is not permitted to be on any of the small appliance branch circuits. It is not permitted to be on the tap from the rules of 210.19 either. Most microwaves that I have installed require their own circuit as part of the installation requirements.

Pierre

 

[laengineer]

Re: micro

Well, tapping off the range circuit is not legal as there would be no overcurrent protection for the microwave. All the combo mw/vent units have a single 15A plug. This inherently implies that a single duplex receptacle is required for it's connection. A dedicated circuit is a good idea due to the load on the MW while it's running. Usually around 1200W or so.

 

[sparkadaddy]

Re: micro

I just remodeled a kitchen and it had the tap coming off of the range. I figured that would raise some eyebrows . I ran a separate circuit but I couldnt find where in the code that was required. If any of you can find it let me know.Thanks for the replys....

 

[hbiss]

Re: micro

You have to not look at what's required but what's prohibited. Can't use a tap, can't take it off the small appliance counter top circuits. What's left?

-Hal

 

[pete m.]

Re: micro

Does the NEC actually prohibit the microwave that is cord and plug connected from being fed off of the required small appliance branch circuits? If it does, please provide the code section that prohibits this.

Thanks, Pete

 

[roger]

Re: micro

Pete, a cord and plug connected microwave is part of the reason for the required two small appliance (receptacle) circuits.

The issue here is this microwave/exhaust fan combo is a "fixed appliance".

Roger

 

[pete m.]

Re: micro

Some of the posts allude to the fact that the microwave/exhaust combo is cord and plug connected. I agree that if it is "hard-wired" it could not be fed from the small appliance circuits. I am coming from 210.52(b)(3). Perhaps I have missed the point of the original post?

Thanks for the reply Roger.

Pete

 

[iwire]

Re: micro

Originally posted by pete m.:
Some of the posts allude to the fact that the microwave/exhaust combo is cord and plug connected.

Pete my microwave/exhaust combo is cord and plug connected but it is also screwed in place making it a "fixed" appliance, same as a dishwasher, disposal etc.

 

[roger]

Re: micro

Hello Pete, you're welcome. I was going to use the same analogy as Iwire, but he beat me to it. and in reality I don't have a dishwasher. (well, the wife as I look over my shoulder )

Roger

 

[wyatt]

Re: micro

I would put it on its own circuit 210.23(A)(2) microwave would exceed 50%

 

[ryan_618]

Re: micro

Originally posted by hbiss:
Tap off of #8 range circuit with #12? Are you sure you are a journeyman?

-Hal

Settle down Hal. He's probably refering to 210.19(A)(3), exception #1. this is one of the very few legal "branch circuit taps".

 

[eprice]

Re: micro

This is what I've been mulling over in my mind. Wouldn't the exception Ryan refered to allow this scenario? Isn't the microwave actually a wall mounted electric (microwave) oven? I'm not entirely comfortable with that exception, but is there anything about the microwave that would make it any less safe than if the exception were used for a conventional oven that only required a 20 amp supply? From the wording of the exception, it can only be used with a 50 amp branch circuit, not a 40.

[ April 08, 2004, 06:40 PM: Message edited by: eprice ]

 

[iwire]

Re: micro

In order to use that tap rule the microwave would need to be hardwired.

You can not run a 50 amp tap to a 15 or 20 amp receptacle outlet

I have never seen a microwave designed to be hardwired.

 

[ryan_618]

Re: micro

Originally posted by iwire:
In order to use that tap rule the microwave would need to be hardwired.

Why is that?