Over the Range Microwave/Hood Code Question

[schoenegge]

Is the NEC requirement for a dedicated circuit for an over the range microwave/hood 20amp or 15amp? If it is 20amp how long has that requirement been in place?

I am trying to understand how many homes in the US currently have a 20amp dedicated circuit vs 15 amp circuit for microwave/hoods installed over the range.

Thanks for any insight that can be provided.

[ July 22, 2003, 05:25 PM: Message edited by: schoenegge ]

 

[ryan_618]

Re: Over the Range Microwave/Hood Code Question

Neither one are required. See 210.52 and 210.11 (C)

 

[schoenegge]

Re: Over the Range Microwave/Hood Code Question

Thanks, Ryan.

I may not be asking the right question...what drives the decision to put in a 15amp vs 20 amp circuit for an OTR microwave?

Any ideas on how to determine how many homes in the US have a 15amp vs 20 amp circuit for the OTR microwave?

 

[ryan_618]

Re: Over the Range Microwave/Hood Code Question

The same thing drives that decision as well as any circuit...the load. I would say look at the wattage and break out Ohm's law, or if in doubt, put it on a 20. In answer to your second question every house I have inspected for the last year or so has had one.

 

[gregoryelectricinc]

Re: Over the Range Microwave/Hood Code Question

I insist that my crews put a 20 amp circuit above the range in EVERY home we wire. Most of these OTR micro's draw at least 11 amps. I have been back into to many homes fishing this circuit in after the homeowner's move in and replace the standard hood (ussually wired to the local 15 amp lighting circuit)with a microwave. The cost difference is minimal and the callbacks are too.