15 or 20 Amp Circuit for Over Range Microwaves?
Question: Many over-range microwaves say they require a dedicated 20-amp branch circuit, but include a plug that can easily be plugged into a 15-amp receptacle. Is it safe to plug the microwave into a 15 amp circuit?
15-Amp vs. 20-Amp Receptacles
Before we answer the question (which is a great one by the way), let’s review receptacle types. A standard 15-amp grounded receptacle is the one most of us are used to seeing throughout our house. It has two vertical slots–one slightly larger than the other–and a circular grounding slot at the bottom. A 20-amp receptacle, which is more commonly found in office buildings, looks just like the 15-amp version but has an extra horizontal slot, making the left slot look like a sideways T. (pictures available here from wikipedia)
When the microwave says it requires a dedicated 20-amp branch circuit, you would expect it to have a plug that can only plug into a 20-amp receptacle — a plug with a horizontal tong to fit into the horizontal slot.
But it doesn’t. Why?
15-Amp Receptacles on 20-Amp Branch Circuits
The National Electric Code (called the NEC) defines the receptacles that can be installed on various levels of branch circuits. For 20-amp circuits (e.g., a circuit protected by a 20-amp breaker), the NEC allows both 15-amp and 20-amp receptacles to be installed on the same circuit.
Even though both receptacle types can be installed on a 20-amp circuit, the circuit wiring will differ. A 15-amp circuit is usually served by 14 gauge wire, while a 20-amp circuit must be served by12-guage wire. The thicker gauge required by 20-amp circuits ensures the wires do not overheat under a 20-amp load.
Why (Some) Microwaves Require a 20-Amp Circuit
Microwaves require a 20-amp branch circuit due to constant load and spike issues. Under strenuous use, a microwave could draw nearly the maximum 15 amperes of current regularly for hours. Under this maximum load scenario, 14- gauge wiring could heat up beyond safe levels. Also, high power microwaves can temporarily spike over the 15-ampere limit. If the circuit were governed by a 15-amp breaker, the spike would cause the breaker to trip.
Microwaves include the standard 15-amp plug because these are the plugs most often found in homes in the U.S. If 20-amp receptacles were common on 20-amp branch circuits in modern homes, high power microwaves would likely sport 20-amp plugs.
How to Determine Whether a Circuit Is 15 or 20-amp
The easiest way to determine whether the circuit is a 15 or 20-amp circuit is to find the corresponding breaker or fuse in the breaker panel.
What’s the Danger?
A microwave plugged into a 15-amp circuit could cause the wires in the wall to overheat and present a fire hazard. More likely, however, the microwave will trip the 15-amp breaker and pose a regular nuissance.
Note that you should never just replace a 15-amp breaker with a 20-amp breaker. This will present a fire hazard since the wiring is not suited for a 20-amp breaker.
What do you think? Have you installed a microwave with this requirement? Did you run the separate 20-amp circuit?
(Appropos Photo: srbyug)
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4 Responses to 15 or 20 Amp Circuit for Over Range Microwaves?
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April 21st, 2009 7:12 am
Great post Fred and a great explanation of a confusing topic. Today’s electrical code actually requires built in microwaves (above the range) to be wired with a 20 amp circuit. I wouldn’t suggest relying on the size of the breaker to determine the circuit as many people have swapped breakers in the past without understanding the issue. The real test is checking the wire. Open the receptacle box or the breaker panel and look at the wire. In newer homes the 20 gauge wire typically has a yellow sheath. You can also use a wire diameter gauge to check the size.
Nice job Fred!
April 21st, 2009 8:05 pm
Todd – excellent point on checking the wire gauge on the circuit… scary to think how many houses might have breakers that exceed the max rating for the wires…
Also, I didn’t realize that the code now specified a 20-amp circuit for over-range microwaves, but it makes sense since many (if not all) new models require it.
April 21st, 2009 9:50 pm
During the inspection of our first home the inspector found several 20 amp breakers plugged into 15 amp circuits. I think it’s quite common with circuits that get tripped due to power tools, hair dryers, etc. People don’t stop and think about the cause, they just want to fix it…quickly! Anyway, great post!
April 22nd, 2009 5:36 am
As far as the plug/receptacle combinations are concerned, a NEMA configuration chart makes it easy to see what is possible. Below is a link that ought to cover most residential situations:
http://www.interpower.com/ic/NEMA_configs.asp