Power for a Microwave Circuit

How to Install an Electrical Circuit for a Microwave Oven: Dedicated Circuit for a Microwave Oven, Example of a Microwave Oven Circuit.

Guide to Circuit Wiring for a Microwave Oven
Electrical Question: I have a new forced air heater I now run when my wife is chilled.

• We found out that the outlet for the once only oven-light and range vent hood, which is a 1000 watt microwave now, is on the same circuit-line as the living room.
• When both units are running at the same time it trips a 20amp circuit breaker.
• I have identified all the devices that are on this 20 amp circuit and this is what I came up with:
  1. Lights.
  2. The TV.
  3. Sound system.
  4. Electric Heaters.
  5. The microwave.
  6. Are are just above 20 amps.
• I’m not going to risk a higher amp breaker.

I have good copper wiring throughout the house. I am considering running a 120 volt leg off the 240 volt circuit that supplies the oven and range outlet thus sharing the oven range power with the microwave.

• It looks like the oven is fed with a 60 amp which is on a double pole circuit breaker.
• I’d detach the vent outlet from its circuit and run a four foot section of 30 amp wire from the oven 240 outlet to the vent outlet.

My Electrical Questions Are:

• Do you know an electrician who could advise me on this?
• Is this safe?
• Is there a fire danger ruining the existing heavier gauge wire?
• Are there  risks to future owners of the home which is a concern?
• Can I wire a new circuit leg from the oven circuit or oven outlet to the vent hood outlet?

Alan

This electrical wiring question came from: Alan, a Handyman from Memphis, Tennessee.

Dave’s Reply:
Thanks for your electrical wiring question Alan.

How to Wire a Microwave Oven Circuit

Skill Level: Intermediate to Advanced.
Tools Required: Basic Electricians Pouch Hand Tools, electric drill,  auger bits and extension cord.
Safety Measures: Personal safety and construction safety measures must be practiced as needed for the type of construction materials that are present and the circuit wiring methods which will be performed.
Estimated Time: Depends on personal level experience, ability to work with tools and install electrical circuit wiring.
Notice: Installing a dedicated microwave outlet and electrical circuit wiring should be done according to local and national electrical codes with a permit and be inspected.

Electrical Answer Specific to this Question about Power for a Microwave Oven

• Microwave ovens typically consume a high amounts of electricity therefore they require a dedicated circuit.
• The purpose of a dedicated circuit is to ensure reliable use without overloading a shared circuit, and to avoid unsafe wiring conditions.

The proposed plan to tap 120 volts from the 60 amp oven range circuit to be used for the microwave oven, or anything else is highly dangerous and should be avoided.

• The right way is to have a dedicated 20 amp 120 volt circuit installed.
• To install a 120 volt tap onto an existing 120 volt circuit offers no protection to the wiring.
• Circuit tapping in this manner is definitely not the right thing to do.
• Illegal wiring like this will place your family and your home in a very dangerous position.

Example of Installing a Circuit for a Microwave Oven

1. Typically the required circuit for a microwave oven is 120 volt 20 amps.
2. The electrical panel supplying the circuit must have additional amperage capacity and the available space for the additional circuit breaker.
3. A 12-2 with ground Type NM Cable is installed from the electrical panel to the location of the microwave oven.
4. An outlet box is installed with a 20 amp rated electrical outlet and cover plate for the microwave oven cord connection.
5. A 20 amp rated circuit breaker is installed in the electrical panel supplying the circuit power for the dedicated circuit.

More about Wiring for a Microwave Oven Circuit

Wiring a Microwave Oven

• Microwave Circuit Wiring

• In kitchens it is common practice that if a microwave oven will be installed at a given location, such as Hood-Fan Microwave Ovens, that a Dedicated 20 Amp Circuit is always installed.

Electrical Outlet Wiring

• Wiring Electrical Outlets for the Home

• Home electrical wiring includes 110 volt outlets and 220 volt outlets and receptacles which are common place in every home. See how wiring electrical outlets for the home are done.

Circuit Wiring

Electrical Circuit Wiring

• This article looks at common 120 volt and 240 volt house wiring circuits
• and the circuit breakers that are installed identifying the types and amperage sizes used in most homes.

Electrical Circuit Breakers

Home Electrical Circuit Breakers

• A guide to home electrical circuit breakers and how they work to protect your electrical wiring.
• When properly installed, your home electrical wiring is protected by a circuit protection device.

Guide to Home Electrical Wire

• Electrical Wire for the Home

• Complete listing of electrical wire types and parts used for home projects with electrical code information serves as selection guidelines.

The following may also be helpful for you:

Dave's Guide to Home Electrical Wiring: » You Can Avoid Costly Mistakes! « Wire It Right with the help of my Illustrated Wiring Book Great for any Home Wiring Project. Complete Guide to Home Electrical Wiring Perfect for Homeowners, Students, Handyman, Handy Women, and Electricians Includes: Wiring GFCI Outlets Wiring Home Electric Circuits 120 Volt and 240 Volt Outlet Circuits Wiring Light Switches Wiring 3-Wire and 4-Wire Electric Range Wiring 3-Wire and 4-Wire Dryer Cord and Dryer Outlet Troubleshoot and Repair Electrical Wiring Wiring Methods for Upgrading Electrical Wiring NEC Codes for Home Electrical Wiring ....and much more. Learn more about Home Electrical Wiring with my Online Video Course: Basic Home Electrical Wiring by Example

Be Careful and Be Safe - Never Work on Energized Circuits!
Consult your Local Building Department about Permits and Inspections for all Electric Wiring Projects.

Electrical Tips to Help You Wire it Right The Safest Way to Test Electrical Devices and Identify Electric Wires! The Non-Contact Electrical Tester This is a testing tool that I have had in my personal electrical tool pouch for years, and is the first test tool I grab to help identify electrical wiring. It is a Non-contact tester that I use to easily Detect Voltage in Cables, Cords, Circuit Breakers, Lighting Fixtures, Switches, Outlets and Wires. Simply insert the end of the tester into an outlet, lamp socket, or hold the end of the tester against the wire you wish to test. Very handy and easy to use. The Quickest Way to Check for Faulty Electrical Wiring! The Plug-In Outlet Tester This is the first tool I grab to troubleshoot a problem with outlet circuit wiring. This popular tester is also used by most inspectors to test for power and check the polarity of circuit wiring. It detects probable improper wiring conditions in standard 110-125 VAC outlets Provides 6 probable wiring conditions that are quick and easy to read for ultimate efficiency Lights indicate if wiring is correct and indicator light chart is included Tests standard 3-wire outlets UL Listed Light indicates if wiring is incorrect Very handy and easy to use. Strip Off Wire Insulation without Nicking and Damaging the Electric Wire! The Wire Stripper and Wire Cutter My absolute favorite wire stripping tool that I have had in my personal electrical tool pouch for years, and this is the tool I use to safely strip electrical wires. This handy tool has multiple uses: The wire gauges are shown on the side of the tool so you know which slot to use for stripping insulation. The end of the tool can be used to grip and bend wire which is handy for attaching wire onto the screw terminals of switches and outlets.. The wire stripper will work on both solid and stranded wire. This tool is Very Handy and Easy to Use.

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