Microwave OTC
#1
12-29-03, 02:03 PM
Microwave OTC
Hi. I am installing an over the counter microwave above my stove. I took the old range down and disconnected the wiring and ran the wire to the inside of the cabinet above where the microwave will be fitted under, I also included a new outlet and box in cabinet.
Now that I think about it, can I run the microwave off of this existing circuit? I have a counter top microwave that uses existing circuitry.
Sorry if this is a stupid question,
Now that I think about it, can I run the microwave off of this existing circuit? I have a counter top microwave that uses existing circuitry.
Sorry if this is a stupid question,
#2
12-29-03, 03:02 PM
An installed microwave should be run on it's own circuit, preferrably a 20 amp circuit. It should not be on the same circuit as other appliances, lights or convenience outlets.
#3
12-30-03, 08:30 AM
I assume you mean "old range HOOD"? Cut the breaker off and determine what all is on the circuit. If the only thing on the circuit is the existing microwave receptacle and the range hood, I wouldn't worry about it. You will have to use the existing microwave receptacle judiciously after installing the new one - you wouldn't want to use it for your coffee maker.
#4
12-30-03, 08:56 AM
Ok, here is more to the question:
I know for a fact that the new circuit is tied into the kitchen lights. The existing range hood was never wired properly when built 3 years ago so it was wired crudely into the kitchen circuitry. When I throw the breaker marked RANGE, my tv and kitchen lights go off.
I have an existing microwave on the counter plugged into the wall on the same circuit and never had any problem. The existing microwave is 1000 watts and the new one will be the same, so why do I need a seperate circuit? Please explain, I am confused about this.
Thanks in advance.
I have an existing microwave on the counter plugged into the wall on the same circuit and never had any problem. The existing microwave is 1000 watts and the new one will be the same, so why do I need a seperate circuit? Please explain, I am confused about this.
Thanks in advance.
#5
12-30-03, 09:02 AM
You have at least one code violation in your kitchen, not that I would be too worried. You cannot mix your two required "small appliance" kitchen circuits with lights or living room (TV) circuits. If you aren't upgrading your wattage on the microwave, then you shouldn't have any problem - unless you add a new element to the equation such as using that old microwave receptacle for a coffee maker. As long as you know how your circuitry is layed out and balance your loads accordingly, you shouldn't have any problem.
