Microwave circuits

Status
Not open for further replies.
J

Joseph Alexander

Member
Does a mounted microwave require a dedicated circuit? I know your first thought is yes, however i can't find a specific code addressing microwaves at all. Can some one give me a code number on this. I searched the site and there seems to be quite a few different opinions on this.
Thanx alex
 
In a resedince, You cannot put the mounted micro on the kit small appliance circuit(210.52(B)(2), so it has to be on with the lighting or another nearby circuit. But 210.23(C) limits the micro to 1200 watts(120v x 20A x 50%) on a 20amp circuit or 900 watts on a 15 amp circuit.

IMO, just put in a dedicated circuit.:grin:
 
Is this part of a range hood?

422.16(B)(4) Range Hoods. Range hoods shall be permitted to be cord-and-plug-connected with a flexible cord identified as suitable for use on range hoods in the installation instructions of the appliance manufacturer, where all of the following conditions are met:
(1) The flexible cord is terminated with a grounding-type attachment plug.
Exception: A listed range hood distinctly marked to identify it as protected by a system of double insulation, or its equivalent, shall not be required to be terminated with a grounding-type attachment plug.
(2) The length of the cord is not less than 450 mm (18 in.) and not over 900 mm (36 in.).
(3) Receptacles are located to avoid physical damage to the flexible cord. (4) The receptacle is accessible.
(5) The receptacle is supplied by an individual branch circuit.
Click to expand...
 
kb8713 said:
In a resedince, You cannot put the mounted micro on the kit small appliance circuit(210.52(B)(2), so it has to be on with the lighting or another nearby circuit. But 210.23(C) limits the micro to 1200 watts(120v x 20A x 50%) on a 20amp circuit or 900 watts on a 15 amp circuit.

IMO, just put in a dedicated circuit.:grin:
Click to expand...

I was thinking more along the lines of 210.23(A)(2). :smile:
 
as others pointed out, it might work on another ckt, but why bother. if you run a dedicated ckt you will avoid any issues.
 
thanks for the input

thanks for the input

Thanx for the input guys. What I am looking at here is that home inspectors are telling homeowners that existing homes with mounted microwaves require a dedicated circuit. But, there is no specific code that states that. 210.52 is close but it is too ambiguous. The code says all wall, floor and counter top receptacles. 210.23 basically says that it is OK as long as you don't exceed 50% of the circuit, so they conflict. It sounds easy to just run a dedicated circuit but, in most cases, it is extreme difficult. Hey, it's money in the bank but I don't like to do things that are not necessary.
 
"You cannot put the mounted micro on the kit small appliance circuit(210.52(B)(2)".

It does not say that.

I could build a cabinet over the counter and mount a microwave, not over a stove so no height requirement, I could install an outlet within 20" (210.52(C)(5) of the surface, drill a hole in the cabinet and plug the microwave into it.
 
Joseph Alexander said:
What I am looking at here is that home inspectors are telling homeowners that existing homes with mounted microwaves require a dedicated circuit.
Click to expand...

Barring some local codes that might actually require that, the NEC does not require a dedicated circuit in this scenario.
 
I always put them on a circuit by themselves, but there is no code requirement to do so. Like someone posted earlier it avoids future problems.
 
I always run a 12/3 under the sink. Saves time and hassel lateer. Well worth the effort. Then on trim when they add a disposal or an insta hot it is an easy upgrade.
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
Top