Single receptacles
- Thread starter Eagle126
- Start date
- Status
kwired
Electron manager
- Location
- NE Nebraska
- Occupation
- EC
Read through 210.23(A), then let us know if you still have any questions.
peter d
Senior Member
- Location
- New England
Nothing in the NEC requires single outlets for the locations you have specified.
- Location
- Chapel Hill, NC
- Occupation
- Retired Electrical Contractor
Actually the microwave range hood is required to have a single receptacle especially if the unit calls for a separate circuit. A duplex would allow something else to be plugged in and then 210.23 could apply
peter d
Senior Member
- Location
- New England
OK, I concede the code requires it in this instance. But in reality, is a receptacle that's 5' off the floor inside of a small cabinet (most of the time) in any real danger of having something else plugged into it? I know, I'm arguing about a receptacle that costs $3.
- Location
- Chapel Hill, NC
- Occupation
- Retired Electrical Contractor
Peter
I have never installed a single receptacle for a microwave. I think it is ridiculous to require it. If I thought it were an issue I would Have use a single receptacle. I am, however, getting my guys to use a single receptacle to avoid issues
I did read the articles you mentioned and I couldn't find exactly where it says microwaves need a single receptacle. Also if it is mandatory why aren't other single appliances that have a dedicated circuit required to have single receptacles like a refrigerator and washing machine. Any thought? Thank you again
GerryB
Senior Member
- Location
- woodbridge, ct. USA
If it truly is a dedicated circuit you may need a single receptacle. The fridge "could be" a dedicated 15 amp ckt, but oftentimes it is a 20 amp, either dedicated or off the counter top receptacles. The laundry outlet doesn't need to be dedicated, it can serve other outlets in the laundry, (not the lighting). You might have a duplex with the washer plugged in and the gas dryer. Some posters here have suggested the "single receptacle option" is obsolete, like using a single receptacle instead of a gfci for say the dishwasher or sump pump.
- Location
- Chapel Hill, NC
- Occupation
- Retired Electrical Contractor
No, it does not say a microwave must be on a separate circuit however, the instructions may.
Most built in mw units will draw more than 10 amps. If it draws 11 amps then it cannot allow the opportunity for something to be added to the circuit. A duplex receptacle potentially allows more appliances or whatever to be used on the circuit. Since the mw draws more than 50% of the circuit then the article below applies. Thus it must have a single receptacle rated 20 amps if you run a 20 amp circuit
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