Microwave over range minimum clearance

[goldstar]

Does anyone know the minimum clearance the bottom of a built-in microwave unit has to have above the range burners ? My memory tells me that it's 18" but I'm getting old and I don't want to rely on my memory. Not sure if it's an NEC issue or a building code issue but I think the logic is that you should be able to put a large pot on the cook top and be able to stir it. If anyone knows of a code reference would you please post it ?

Thanks

 

[480sparky]

I can't think why it would be an NEC issue.

 

[hillbilly1]

I think it's a manufacture issue, they usually have it in their instructions as for the minimum clearances.

 

[PEDRO ESCOVILLA]

not in nec, have one in my apt. mounted over range, attached to upper cabinet

 

[Hv&Lv]

Does anyone know the minimum clearance the bottom of a built-in microwave unit has to have above the range burners ? My memory tells me that it's 18" but I'm getting old and I don't want to rely on my memory. Not sure if it's an NEC issue or a building code issue but I think the logic is that you should be able to put a large pot on the cook top and be able to stir it. If anyone knows of a code reference would you please post it ?

Thanks

30"

So you won't have to take my word for it, look up or "google" IRC M1901.1

 

[hillbilly1]

30"

So you won't have to take my word for it, look up or "google" IRC M1901.1

That's actually to the top, the op wants the bottom clearance. Kitchenaide says 14 1/2" or no less than 2" above the top of the control panel on the range. Both are pretty darn close to the top of the range.

 

[Hv&Lv]

That's actually to the top, the op wants the bottom clearance. Kitchenaide says 14 1/2" or no less than 2" above the top of the control panel on the range. Both are pretty darn close to the top of the range.

No it isn't.
The 30 inches is from the burners to any thing above, which would be the bottom of a microwave hood.

Freestanding or built-in ranges shall have a vertical clearance above the cooking top of not less than 30 inches (762 mm) to unprotected combustible material. Reduced clearances are permitted in accordance with the listing and labeling of the range hoods or appliances. The installation of a listed and labeled cooking appliance or microwave oven over a listed and labeled cooking appliance shall be in accordance with Section M1504.1.

From what I am reading here, that is from the bottom of any unprotected combustable material, unless the clearances can be reduced by the listing and labeling by the manufacturer (the appliance is UL 923 listed)

 

[jumper]

30"

So you won't have to take my word for it, look up or "google" IRC M1901.1

Here is the reference:

M1901.1 Clearances.
Freestanding or built-in ranges shall have a vertical clearance above the cooking top of not less than 30 inches (762 mm) to unprotected combustible material. Reduced clearances are permitted in accordance with the listing and labeling of the range hoods or appliances. The installation of a listed and labeled cooking appliance or microwave oven over a listed and labeled cooking appliance shall be in accordance with Section M1504.1. The clearances for a domestic open-top broiler unit shall be in accordance with Section M1505.1.

 

[hillbilly1]

No it isn't.
The 30 inches is from the burners to any thing above, which would be the bottom of a microwave hood.

Freestanding or built-in ranges shall have a vertical clearance above the cooking top of not less than 30 inches (762 mm) to unprotected combustible material. Reduced clearances are permitted in accordance with the listing and labeling of the range hoods or appliances. The installation of a listed and labeled cooking appliance or microwave oven over a listed and labeled cooking appliance shall be in accordance with Section M1504.1.

From what I am reading here, that is from the bottom of any unprotected combustable material, unless the clearances can be reduced by the listing and labeling by the manufacturer (the appliance is UL 923 listed)

Heres what Kitchen Aid specs.
http://www.kitchenaid.com/assets/pdfs/product/ZINSTALL/KHHC2090SSS_Installation%20Instruction_EN.pdf

 

[Hv&Lv]

Here is the reference:

M1901.1 Clearances.
Freestanding or built-in ranges shall have a vertical clearance above the cooking top of not less than 30 inches (762 mm) to unprotected combustible material. Reduced clearances are permitted in accordance with the listing and labeling of the range hoods or appliances. The installation of a listed and labeled cooking appliance or microwave oven over a listed and labeled cooking appliance shall be in accordance with Section M1504.1. The clearances for a domestic open-top broiler unit shall be in accordance with Section M1505.1.

Yes, that is exactly what I posted.

I also summarized what you have bold and colored:that is from the bottom of any unprotected combustable material, unless the clearances can be reduced by the listing and labeling by the manufacturer (the appliance is UL 923 listed)

 

[Hv&Lv]

Heres what Kitchen Aid specs.
http://www.kitchenaid.com/assets/pdfs/product/ZINSTALL/KHHC2090SSS_Installation%20Instruction_EN.pdf

I know what Kitchenaid specs. Is that what the OP has?

He asked a question; "Does anyone know the minimum clearance the bottom of a built-in microwave unit has to have above the range burners" , and I answered it with a code reference. It is up to the OP to make sure his particular microwave meets the 30" minimum, or the manufacturer's specifications for the particular hood, according to their listing.

 

[hillbilly1]

I know what Kitchenaid specs. Is that what the OP has?

He asked a question; "Does anyone know the minimum clearance the bottom of a built-in microwave unit has to have above the range burners" , and I answered it with a code reference. It is up to the OP to make sure his particular microwave meets the 30" minimum, or the manufacturer's specifications for the particular hood, according to their listing.

You will find most manufactures have similar clearances. Never seen one put above a range that wasn't a combo or have a separate vent hood below it. Never seen one mounted 30" to bottom above a range either.

 

[gadfly56]

You will find most manufactures have similar clearances. Never seen one put above a range that wasn't a combo or have a separate vent hood below it. Never seen one mounted 30" to bottom above a range either.

I'll have to check mine when I get home.

Remember, you might be able to mount the appliance closer than 30", but if it's sitting on or poking through combustible material (a shelf) then the clearance to the combustible material will have to be 30".

 

[goldstar]

I just measured the microwave unit in my house. The bottom is 15" above the range and I seem to have ample room for deep pots and I'm able to stir. My reason for posting this is because the woman I am proposing to do a kitchen remodel for had her microwave mounted 4" below the bottom of the upper cabinet and the bottom of the unit is 14 1/4" above the top of the range. It looks kind of weird seeing a 4" gap between the top of the unit and the bottom of the cabinet. Her reasoning was because she has shoulder problems and can't reach up very high. She just sent me the installation specs for her unit and it states "A minimum of 66" to the top of the unit allowing for a 14"-16" clearance above the range".

All microwave units that I've installed have a rear back plate where the unit clips onto and is then raised up to the bottom of the cabinet where bolts are fed thru the bottom of the cabinet and retain the unit flush to the bottom of the cabinet. I'm not sure how I'm going to mount this one. From what I've seen of the unit she currently has installed whoever mounted this has the power cord running out the top and into the back wall, coming out inside the upper cabinet and then plugged into a receptacle inside. Obviously a Code violation. I'm starting to think I'm a magnet for weird installations.:slaphead:

 

[hillbilly1]

I'll have to check mine when I get home.

Remember, you might be able to mount the appliance closer than 30", but if it's sitting on or poking through combustible material (a shelf) then the clearance to the combustible material will have to be 30".

Duhhh! That's not what the op was asking, he was asking about the microwave itself.