Microwaves

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wwhitney said:
OK. Are we talking about an above the range microwave? That receptacle is usually located in a cabinet above the microwave, which means it is not subject to 210.52 per 210.52(3).

Or did you have something else in mind?

Cheers, wayne
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No one has said if it was a countertop micro or an above the range one.
 
iwire said:
No one has said if it was a countertop micro or an above the range one.
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My initial post in this thread was just meant to respond to your query about why 210.52(B)(1) Exception 2 is needed, and not to respond to the original post.

As to the original post, I read "put the microwave on a 20 amp circuit" to imply an individual branch circuit for a microwave that isn't on the countertop. I think everyone agrees that a countertop microwave gets plugged into an SABC which has to be 20 amps.

So the microwave could be an under counter model, an over the counter model, or an above the range model. As long as the receptacle is in a cabinet [210.52(3)], it is not subject to 210.52 and need not be on a 20 amp SABC. A 15 amp IBC would be fine.

Cheers, Wayne
 
iwire said:
No one has said if it was a countertop micro or an above the range one.
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Which is why I was clear when I said this:

peter d said:
Using that logic, we can't run 15 amp circuits to dishwasher and disposals either, if we install receptacles under the sink for them and use cord and plug methods. I'm thinking of a fixed in place, over the range microwave or an undercounter one. Clearly, one sitting on a counter would likely just be plugged into a regular SABC. I think permanently installed microwaves are what's in view here.
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goldstar said:
I was lucky enough to know,in advance, about an Advantium micro-oven that was being installed in a kitchen remodel. It was a 20A, 240V unit so 12/3 was run for that. I don't remember if the neutral was required but I ran it anyway.
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A 4800W microwave? VROOM! :D
 
peter d said:
Which is why I was clear when I said this:
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peter d said:
Using that logic, we can't run 15 amp circuits to dishwasher and disposals either, if we install receptacles under the sink for them and use cord and plug methods. I'm thinking of a fixed in place, over the range microwave or an undercounter one. Clearly, one sitting on a counter would likely just be plugged into a regular SABC. I think permanently installed microwaves are what's in view here.
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I do not believe that distinction has been made. When someone mentions a microwave, my mind automatically registers the counter top type. If a permanently installed type in a dwelling kitchen, 210.52 excludes...
(1) Part of a luminaire or appliance, or
(2) Controlled by a wall switch in accordance with
210.70(A)(1), Exception No. 1, or
(3) Located within cabinets or cupboards, or
(4) Located more than 1.7 m (51⁄2 ft) above the floor
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Qualify the receptacle under one of the above and it can be on a 15A circuit.
 
peter d said:
I have observed that several contractors in my area that do a lot of new homes run a 15 amp circuit to them. They are wiring based on a fixed price and every bit of savings counts.
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That and the fact a NEMA 5-15 cord cap comes with every unit. When was the last time anyone saw a NEMA 5-20 cord cap on a resi microwave oven? I am willing to place a bet here... Once you go beyond that its often hard wired and 240 volts. Unless voltage drop is excessive I run a 15amp circuit.
 
Interesting article. I don't why but I always thought mircowaves went on a 20A circuit. Good know that they always need to be.
 
iwire said:
The unit says it requires an individual branch circuit.
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I have seen some that say a 15 amp circuit. Many don't require an individual circuit but recommend it. If the mw is a countertop then the NEC will not be affected as the small appliance branch circuit will handle it unless one decides to run a circuit. In that case it must be a 20 amp circuit but if it is built in as a range hood then it may not necessarily require a 20 amp circuit
 
Frigidaire has an over the range MW that is 900 watts--- what a waste of money. It will take forever to heat something in that. The manual states
Plug power cord into a seperate and dedicated15- to 20-amp electrical outlet
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HAHAHA
 
Dennis Alwon said:
Frigidaire has an over the range MW that is 900 watts--- what a waste of money. It will take forever to heat something in that. ...
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Wattage ratings can be misleading. What matters is how much energy is transferred to the food. Don't know anything about the one you are referring to, but I have an Amana 1000W rated MW/convection model that cooks everything in about 2/3 the time given on packages for 1200W MWs.
 
Have installed some microwaves that required 240 V 10 ga wire essentially a wall oven on a 30 A breaker

always knew it was coming up so didn't get burned with wrong wire size
 
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gas stove with electric warming oven

gas stove with electric warming oven

Watch out for the gas range with a warming oven. No one told me about this and the electric warming oven overloaded the SABC with the fridge.
 
mbrooke said:
So you run 10-3 to all Microwaves just in case?
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It's going to be tough wrapping those #10's around the receptacle screws. Besides they're not designed for that. Let's all be clear, we're talking about std., fixed in place microwaves. Any other types that require special wiring you will need to know the specs up front during the rough. I agree, you are not required to install a 20A circuit but again, if you have some $$ in the job I would run #12
 
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