Does a microwave need a dedicated plug?

steve771

Ok, I have an 'over the range' microwave. The plug/cord extends up and into a cabinet where there is a plug. Standard sized faceplate, but there is only one outlet vs. the 'normal' two. I'd like to use it as a two plug outlet to get power for a nearby project. So if it is feasible, I'd swap out the single for a dual. Any problems with doing that?

220/221

There is no real problem with that.

In my area we install duplex receps for the micros all the time.

Scuba_Dave

What is the nearby project?
How much power does the microwave pull?
Is it a 15a or 20a circuit?

220/221

Undercabinet lights??


I hope it's not an industrial broiler

steve771

I have 'pot shelves' and want to run power to them for a (single) air purifier. Like the kind that have a HEPA filter/fan type of thing. It would be more out of the way, and I think they work better when elevated. The microwave plug is the closest & I could avoid snaking wire that way. I believe the microwave is 1000W.

Thanks for the input guys!

HouseHelper

Isn't that illegal?

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steve771

lol, yeah, I suppose, depending on YOUR definition. I figured someone would mention that. But hmmm... how would you know? Experience in that area?

For those who don't know (and I didn't until I moved here), pot shelves are basically the tops of 'built out' areas in a house. For example, my coat closet & pantry do not go all the way to the ceiling, rather they stop at about 7 feet, thus creating a 'pot shelf' between their top & my ceiling. So called, I believe, because the ladies like to stick potted plants up there.

Grampa Bud

Leave the microwave circuit alone. At a rating of 1000W the unit is actually consuming about 1450W and on a 15A breaker you are only talking about 1800W. If you have any lights or fans or electronic filters associated with the microwave you will max out quickly and additional power loads tacked on can cause a damaging 'brownout' condition for the microwave. Tie into one of your ceiling lights or a counter outlet instead.

Speedy Petey

How do you figure???

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Grampa Bud

Researching different manufacturers specs. Not just the rating plates

Speedy Petey

I still don't get it but whatever.

If it says 1000 watts it is 1000 watts.

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RegeSullivan

The 1000 watt rating is the "power" rating of the microwave energy the over is capable of. In other words it creates 1000 watts of microwave power. It is not a rating of what energy the appliance consumes. The lights, touch pad circuits, fans and displays are not included in the calculation either. There is also some loss when converting the electric energy to microwave energy.

Rege

steve771

Ok, checked the breaker box & it is a 15 amp. Plus, I dug out the microwave manual, and in bold letters it says to not plug in anything else but the microwave. Probably could still do it, but I tend to err on the side of caution. So, guess I'll look into snaking wire from another outlet. Thanks anyways guys!

Speedy Petey

Fine, but if the plate on the back says 120v/1000w then it consumes 1000 watts at full power everything considered.

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Sometimes I feel like if I answer any more questions it is like someone trying to climb over a fence to jump off a bridge and me giving them a boost.

KE2KB

15A circuit for microwave; Don't put anything else on the circuit.
I ran a dedicated 20A for mine, but used a duplex receptacle, so I can still add a small appliance if need be.

The air purifier could draw 5 or more amps.

Don't snake appliance cords through concealed spaces, like cabinets, etc, and especially not where they might get damaged. Never, ever use an extension cord on a permanent basis!!

FW

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