[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]

What is the nearby project?

Undercabinet lights??


I hope it's not an industrial broiler :jester:

 

[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]

'pot shelves'

Isn't that illegal?

 

[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? :yes:

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]

At a rating of 1000W the unit is actually consuming about 1450W

How do you figure???

 

[Grampa Bud]

Researching different manufacturers specs. Not just the rating plates

 

[Speedy Petey]

Researching different manufacturers specs. Not just the rating plates

I still don't get it but whatever.

If it says 1000 watts it is 1000 watts.

 

[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]

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

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

 

[Ultrarunner2017]

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

 

[RegeSullivan]

Speedy Petey,

I agree with you but steve771 said "I believe the microwave is 1000W" so I thought the safe and most likely assumption was he used the advertised rating. Also he probably would not have had to ask the question if he knew enough to check the rating plate.

Rege

 

[Speedy Petey]

Fair enough. Good point. :thumbsup:

 

[kbsparky]

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

When dealing with microwave ovens, you have 2 different values to consider:

Input and output.

Microwave ovens that advertise 1000 watts are usually dealing with their output rating, or actual "cooking power"

The input power needed to produce that amount of microwave radiation is usually much more than that.

For example: A typical GE microwave oven is listed as 1000 watts. The specification sheet also says you need 1500 watts to operate the dang thing. Click here for the product specs.

 

[InPhase277]

For example: A typical GE microwave oven is listed as 1000 watts. The specification sheet also says you need 1500 watts to operate the dang thing. Click here for the product specs.

Yep. That's 1000 W for the food, and 500 W for the family jewels...