How to Wire an Over the Range Microwave

Installing Electric Wiring for a Microwave above a Range: I am installing an over the range microwave where there was a hard wired fan and light.

Wiring an Outlet for a Microwave with a Exhaust Fan
[ad#block] Electrical Question: I am installing an over the range microwave where there was a hard wired fan and light.

• Can I connect an outlet to the hard wired cable and plug it in?
• In the fuse box its a 15amp circuit breaker.
• When I shut off the breaker it also shuts off the TV and cable box.

This electrical wiring question came from Patrick, in Stoneham, Massachusetts.

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

Preparations
Application: Wiring a 120 Volt 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.

Installing Electric Wiring for a Microwave above a Range

• The typical microwave oven consumes a great deal of power, and higher watt microwave ovens typically require a dedicated circuit.
• Verify the circuit requirements in the owners manual or installation manual that is supplied by the manufacturer.
• If you try connecting the microwave oven onto a shared circuit you risk overloading the circuit and tripping the circuit breaker.
• Installing a microwave oven over a range typically involves installing a dedicated 120 volt 20 amp circuit, and placing a receptacle outlet in the upper cabinet above the range.

Wiring a Microwave

Microwave Electrical Wiring

• 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.

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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