Microwave install

[James L]

What to do with the cord inside the cabinet

Just thought I'd offer up a couple of different microwave install pics. Duplex which had different cabinets in each unit. One traditional with face frames, the other Euro style without face frames.

On the Euro style cabinets without a face frame, there's only one way to bring the cord up - right where it comes out of the top of the microwave.

But on the traditional style with face frames, theres a gap between the microwave and the bottom of the caninet box. In the scenario, I do not bring the cord up right where it comes out of the top of the microwave. Instead, I drill directly under the receptacle. After pulling the cord all the way through to mount the unit, I stuff all the slack back down into the gap under the cabinet. Just looks a lot cleaner, imho. And no strapping inside cabinet

 

[tom baker]

Also if MW is deep cord gets smashed. I put a 90 deg cord cap on one

 

[DrSparks]

What to do with the cord inside the cabinet

Just thought I'd offer up a couple of different microwave install pics. Duplex which had different cabinets in each unit. One traditional with face frames, the other Euro style without face frames.

On the Euro style cabinets without a face frame, there's only one way to bring the cord up - right where it comes out of the top of the microwave.

But on the traditional style with face frames, theres a gap between the microwave and the bottom of the caninet box. In the scenario, I do not bring the cord up right where it comes out of the top of the microwave. Instead, I drill directly under the receptacle. After pulling the cord all the way through to mount the unit, I stuff all the slack back down into the gap under the cabinet. Just looks a lot cleaner, imho. And no strapping inside cabinet

You can also cut the cord to length. Better solution IMO.

Sent from my BE2028 using Tapatalk

 

[pjones]

I like to see it either cut to length or cable strapped to the wall so the cord isn’t blowing around in the breeze.

 

[Fred B]

You can also cut the cord to length. Better solution IMO.

Sent from my BE2028 using Tapatalk

Technically if cord is part of a UL listed item I believe modifying it ie., cutting the cord violates the listing. If however it is a unit that you have to attach a separate cord like on a range the cord is separately listed and you can get a length you need.

 

[James L]

You can also cut the cord to length. Better solution IMO.

Sent from my BE2028 using Tapatalk

I'm curious....do you carry replacement plugs with you just in case?

 

[goldstar]

A lot depends on the construction of the cabinet the microwave is attached to. If there is a reveal (i.e. about 3/4" or so) there's a chance you can stuff the power cord back down through the hole where it comes into the cabinet and into the cavity. Just a side-bar to this, I often carry pieces of 5 quarter pine to attach to the under-side of the cabinet where the mounting screws are that attach the microwave before drilling out the holes. I started doing this because many of the cabinet bottoms are fairly thin (maybe 1/4" or so) and the screws will suck right through that thin piece of wood.

If there is no reveal you won't be able to stuff the wire back down. IMHO, like others have mentioned, I wouldn't cut the plug off, shorten the wire and install a new plug if the unit went through a UL listing.

 

[retirede]

Technically if cord is part of a UL listed item I believe modifying it ie., cutting the cord violates the listing.

What you’re saying is probably correct, but it bothers me that an electrician who is trusted to install a service and wire the entire home can’t be trusted to replace a plug at the end of a cord because the “listing gods” will magically burn the house down!

 

[Fred B]

What you’re saying is probably correct, but it bothers me that an electrician who is trusted to install a service and wire the entire home can’t be trusted to replace a plug at the end of a cord because the “listing gods” will magically burn the house down!

I think it's more the mfg looking for a reason to not warrenty the product if you altered it than a real danger. In reality I don't see a reason that these fixed in place units can't be mfg without a cord for direct wire or an appropriately sized cord field installed. There are other units that are UL that allow for field installation or wiring, dishwashers, range hoods etc.

 

[DrSparks]

I'm curious....do you carry replacement plugs with you just in case?

Actually I do.

Sent from my BE2028 using Tapatalk

 

[DrSparks]

Technically if cord is part of a UL listed item I believe modifying it ie., cutting the cord violates the listing. If however it is a unit that you have to attach a separate cord like on a range the cord is separately listed and you can get a length you need.

Oh poo poo.

Sent from my BE2028 using Tapatalk