How to Fix a Microwave Oven that is Tripping a GFCI Outlet
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The microwave will work on a regular outlet, just not a GFCI. Does the outlet in a cupboard have to be GFCI? |
Microwave Oven on a GFCI Outlet
Electrical Question: The microwave will work on a regular outlet, just not a GFCI. Does the outlet in a cupboard have to be GFCI?
- I have an older JennAir above range microwave. We just renovated our kitchen and the microwave plugs into an outlet in the cupboard. The outlet is GFCI and keeps tripping.
- The microwave will work on a regular outlet, just not a GFCI.
- Does the outlet in a cupboard have to be GFCI? Its 44 linear inches from the microwave to the sink.
- It is over 6 ft from the outlet to the faucet. All electrical work will be done by an electrician.
This electrical wiring question came from Kathy, in Virginia.
Dave’s Reply:
Thanks for your electrical wiring question Kathy.
Microwave Oven that is Tripping a GFCI Outlet
Application: GFCI Outlet for a Microwave Oven.
Skill Level: Intermediate to Advanced – Best performed by a Licensed Electrical Contractor, or Certified Electrician.
Electrical Tools Required: Basic Electricians Pouch Hand Tools, Voltage Tester, and appropriate Safety Gear.
Estimated Time: Depends on the personal level experience, ability to work with tools, install electrical circuit wiring, and the available access to the project area.
Electrical Safety: Identify the electrical power source to the GFCI Outlet, turn it OFF and Tag with a Note before working with the electrical wiring.
Electrical Wiring Parts and Materials: Electrical parts and materials for the GFCI Outlet should be approved for the specific project and compliant with local and national electrical codes.
Electrical Codes and Inspections: Installing or changing home electrical wiring should be done according to local and national electrical codes as adopted in Virginia. A permit and inspections may also be required.
Problem with a GFCI Outlet for a Microwave Oven
This electrical wiring project is about a GFCI Outlet in the Kitchen of a New Home.
Is a GFCI Outlet Required for a Microwave Oven?
The NEC Code Article 422.16(b)(4) states that due to the inaccessible location of the receptacle outlet in the upper cabinet it is not required to have GFCI protection. From what has been described, the solution would be to replace the GFCI duplex outlet with a single standard receptacle outlet and cover plate. This will work as long as the existing GFCI outlet is not protecting outlets that may be fed from that location. This would be known if there are more than one set of wires in the outlet box. However you will most likely discover that the microwave is on its own dedicated circuit. If this location does provide GFCI protection to other outlets, then the GFCI would need to be installed at the location of the next outlet where the circuit wiring leads to, and then the GFCI outlet would have to be wired accordingly so that it will provide GFCI protection for that location, and any remaining outlets that may be on the same circuit
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