Microwave ovens

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Jim33063

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In a kitchen when removing the hood fan and installing a fixed microwave
over the range. Is there a code article that say's you must install a 20 amp 120 volt dedicated circuit, and not tap off of the small appliance circuit?
 
stickboy1375 said:
Art 210.52 (b)(2) will prevent you from tapping off of the SA circuit...

I agree but isn't it interesting that if the microwave were placed on the counter than the SABC is fine. Build it in above the counter and it's no good.

Also many instructions for microwaves may require a dedicated circuit. Most say that a dedicated circuit is recommended but that does not make it required.

The NEC does not require a microwave to be on a dedicated circuit unless the installation sheet requires it.
 
Dennis Alwon said:
I agree but isn't it interesting that if the microwave were placed on the counter than the SABC is fine. Build it in above the counter and it's no good.

I agree, you could also place it on the SABC in the dinning room or panrty etc.

Kind of odd.
 
One quick question while were on SABC, If I meet my requirement for 2 SABC at the counter location, yet add a 3rd SABC for the kitchen conv. receptacles, am I allowed to feed an outside receptacle off this 3rd SABC?
 
stickboy1375 said:
One quick question while were on SABC, If I meet my requirement for 2 SABC at the counter location, yet add a 3rd SABC for the kitchen conv. receptacles, am I allowed to feed an outside receptacle off this 3rd SABC?

'Quick question' my &$@. :grin:

That has all the makings of a long and dragged out thread. :grin:

IMO the answer to your question is no as long as you insist on calling it an SABC.

After that it's going to get messy.
 
Jim33063 said:
In a kitchen when removing the hood fan and installing a fixed microwave over the range. Is there a code article that say's you must install a 20 amp 120 volt dedicated circuit, and not tap off of the small appliance circuit?
I'll take putting it on an SABC over leaving it on the lighting circuit any day.
 
Most fastened in place microwaves will draw more than 50% of a 20 amp circuits' capacity so they will require a dedicated circuit.
 
The fact that this is a cord and plug connected hood will require an individual 20 amp branch circuit. 422.16(B)(4)
 
stickboy1375 said:
One quick question while were on SABC, If I meet my requirement for 2 SABC at the counter location, yet add a 3rd SABC for the kitchen conv. receptacles, am I allowed to feed an outside receptacle off this 3rd SABC?


No.

All wall and counter recptacles must be served by two or more 20 ampere branch circuits.

The two or more circuits can not have any other outlets.


I know this gets beaten to death but to me it is clear.

You are required two circuits min, but you can have more. Even if you have a circuit for each of 10 outlets they are still all sa circuits and can serve no other outlets other than what is permitted.
 
electricmanscott said:
The fact that this is a cord and plug connected hood will require an individual 20 amp branch circuit. 422.16(B)(4)


The op never said it was a range hood/ microwave. He said the hood was coming down and a fixed microwave was going in its place.
 
There was an exception in older codes that allowed an outside receptacle to be installed on the small appliance circuit, but it is gone now. I don't remember exactly which year it was eliminated but it may have been 1996. That may explain why you see it occasionally.
 
Dennis Alwon said:
The op never said it was a range hood/ microwave. He said the hood was coming down and a fixed microwave was going in its place.


Very true. But... I have wired hundreds of kitchens and have never seen a microwave over the stove that was not also a hood. So I base my answer on that. If this one is not than forget what I said. :smile:
 
electricmanscott said:
Very true. But... I have wired hundreds of kitchens and have never seen a microwave over the stove that was not also a hood. So I base my answer on that. If this one is not than forget what I said. :smile:

Ditto, and odds are its a micro AND a hood/fan load, odds are some lighting too. FYI I recently saw one that was also an oven/toaster and needed a 240 40A... Check your spec's...
 
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