Microwave Circuits

[michael nye]

It has been my method of wiring for residential to put 6 20 amp circuits in a kitchen. 2 appliance, DW, Garbage Disp,Micro, and Refer, the question is the Micro. I senn a Contractor putting it on the appliance circuit stating Article 210-52 (2) exception#2. I realize the method I described is above code requirement. But I thought the micro was a designated item. As well as I know the DW and GD can be on 15 amp, this is cheesy work. Any help on the micro?

 

[pierre]

Re: Microwave Circuits

Michael

That exception is for gas fired appliances, therefore micowaves are not included in this exception. Generally gas fired appliances do not draw much current, hence they are permitted on these circuits.

Pierre

 

[russellroberts]

Re: Microwave Circuits

Michael,it seems to me the key wording would be "counter mounted cooking units" If the microwave was mounted over the range(microwave vent hood combo) as many are today,I don't believe his arguement holds water.

I also run a seperate ckt. for microwaves.

Russell

 

[nosparks]

Re: Microwave Circuits

Russel, not at all!

 

[el santo]

Re: Microwave Circuits

if its a mirowave that u install in a cabinet then the dude is wrong if it is a little micro like u put on the countertop ten i dont see a problem besides the cabinet mounted micro when used with a coffepot or toaster or all of these together will most likley trip the circuit good luck to all that

[ July 09, 2003, 09:59 PM: Message edited by: el santo ]

 

[michael nye]

Re: Microwave Circuits

I am going to call it like i and every other self respecting Tradesman would, but I was looking for article this section that? I have poured over the 99 which is what is current here in Susanville Ca, any help? Where is it all Knowing Bennie

 

[bennie]

Re: Microwave Circuits

Michael: You are giving me more credit than I deserve. Thanks anyway.

Don, and both Charlie's, and many others, are more versed in the code articles than I.

I always applied a practical approach to an issue, which is what you appear to be doing.

My built in micro-wave, hood combination, consumes 1800 watts. This would be 100% on a 15 amp circuit, and 75% on a 20.

With this appliance permanetely connected, the circuit is fully loaded for practical purposes.
This leaves only one 20 amp circuit for the portable appliances. The code calls for two 20 amp circuits for counter top appliances.

This is the direction I would follow for validating the decision for a dedicated circuit on a micro-wave oven.

 

[bthielen]

Re: Microwave Circuits

How do you provide a dedicated circuit for a countertop microwave that may be placed anywhere on the counter? It makes sense when the microwave will be permanently mounted but for countertop appliances, it is not possible or practical to anticipate where the outlet should be placed. It would seem more practical to divide the kitchen into more than two appliance circuits instead.

 

[michael nye]

Re: Microwave Circuits

Thankyou Bennie, I really appriciate this site, I've gotten other Electricians hooked, it's fun, and informative.

Thankyou

 

[michael nye]

Re: Microwave Circuits

member6917; Your right I always ask the Home owner, because it's a given that there will be a micro. As far as the permanent mount no question, seperate circuit, I am suprised it's not addressed with definite verbage in the code

 

[bennie]

Re: Microwave Circuits

Michael: This may be considered a design issue, for the electrician, to apply sensible judgement.

Another item that appears to be mis-handled is the 20 amp circuit for a washing machine and any other receptacle in the room. Drawings in older handbooks, show the washer and an iron on the same circuit. My washer draws 10 amps, my iron draws 10 amps. A 20 amp circuit is legal, but pushing the envelope.

 

[michael nye]

Re: Microwave Circuits

I stated wiring with less on cicuits and more HR in houses when I was younger I ran a service truck for a large company and seen where things failed, even though up to the min code. Another recep I put by itself is a hall plug for those super vacs. Keeps the Homeowner from complaining it pulls the lights down or any of that.