tapping 50A range circuit

Status
Not open for further replies.

keyedc

Member
Is it possible to tap a 50A range circuit with #12/2 romex to feed a microwave oven located above the range? Will separate overcurrent protection be required if less than 10'? The existing range is 11.4KW and the anticipated microwave is 1.8KW.The existing 50A circuit is #6 Al SE cable.
 

iwire

Moderator
Staff member
Location
Massachusetts
Re: tapping 50A range circuit

This would work for a hardwired mounted 240 volt equipment.

Never seen a hardwired 240 volt microwave for home use.
 

pierre

Senior Member
Re: tapping 50A range circuit

Ryan

I think the key is: counter mounted electric cooking units. The other two mentioned in the sentence explain themselves. Is a counter mounted electric cooking unit a 'cooktop' or any electric cooking unit such as a microwave?
How about the tap rule 240.21(B)(1)?

Pierre
 

iwire

Moderator
Staff member
Location
Massachusetts
Re: tapping 50A range circuit

Pierre

Your right 210.19(3)exception 1 does not say hardwired.

But where in the code does it allow me to feed a 20 amp outlet with 50 amps? ;)

Bob
 

roger willis

Member
Location
Texas
Re: tapping 50A range circuit

I wouldn't even consider it, no matter what I thought the code said.
I don't think Bennie would go for this either.. :)

Roger
 

pierre

Senior Member
Re: tapping 50A range circuit

Bob

How about 210.19(A)(3) exception or 240.21(B)(1)?
I myself am leary of this practice, but it talks about conductors, not connections to the equipment.
If anyone can find differently, I would embrace it.
This is sort of like the thread on using a green conductor for an ungrounded conductor, if using a bare EGC. Not practiced, but permitted.

Pierre

[ July 08, 2003, 07:52 PM: Message edited by: pierre ]
 

iwire

Moderator
Staff member
Location
Massachusetts
Re: tapping 50A range circuit

Pierre

This is not a tap as described by 240.21(B)(1)

210.19(A)(3) exception 1 makes no reference to outlets so I would say we would have to follow Table 210.21(B)(3) Receptacle Ratings for Various Size Circuits.

Bob

[ July 08, 2003, 08:15 PM: Message edited by: iwire ]
 

ryan_618

Senior Member
Re: tapping 50A range circuit

I don't think we can use 240.21(B)(1) as it is not a feeder circuit. Feeder defined: All circuit conductors between the service equipment, the source of a seperatly derived system, or other power supply source and the final branch-circuit over current protection device. Maybe if you somehow fused the microwave? :confused:

[ July 09, 2003, 09:51 AM: Message edited by: ryan_618 ]
 

michael nye

Member
Location
California
Re: tapping 50A range circuit

I seen this once, the counter plug stopped working , I was called to the house , someone had stole one side of the range circuit and fed a counter plug using a GFI I geuss trying to meet the code and or knock the amprege down to 20 amps I dont think the GFI is rated as an overcurrent device? Anyway, the #12 was carrying 50 to the recep. How were you planning to knock the amper down, just to see what you were thinking, it's wrong in my opinon.
 

bennie

Esteemed Member
Re: tapping 50A range circuit

Until 1987 branch circuit taps, not over 18 inches, were permitted for 15 amp wire from a 20 amp circuit. A 20 amp wire to a 30 amp circuit, and a 20 amp wire to a 50 amp circuit.

The taps could be 120 volts from a 120/240 branch circuit.

Due to the length limitation this application did not get popular.

The length limit for a 20 amp tap to a 50 amp circuit, for supplying a range top, is based on whatever it takes.(some limitation)

The purpose of all this was due to the advances of appliance manufacturing, and sales, exceeding the upgrade of available distribution panels.

The concept appears to be based on money not on safety.(nothing strange about that)
 

hurk27

Senior Member
Re: tapping 50A range circuit

The resone this was allowed is because of the short circuit value of 12 awg wire and since it is feeding a dedacated appliance which has internal fuses at 15 amps, #12 will trip a 100 amp breaker on a short circuit if the run/tap is not too long.
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
Top