15 Amp for Microwave/Fan Sufficient?

Question

Our new kitchen floor is down and the cupboards are in. Now the guy installing the appliance tells me the new wiring for the microwave/fan is too small - it is 14/2 wiring to 15 AMP breaker, should be 12/2 to 20 AMP.

The guy that put in the wire says the manual for the microwave shows it draws 13.9 AMPs, therefore the 15 is enough.

Who do I believe? Running new wire is going to be a major hassle!

Answer 1

BOY!

You have to be careful asking questions on the internet, where anyone can say anything, and not have to take responsibility for their words.

You have two good answers, and I'm sure neither were what you wanted to hear.

A) The NEC does indeed require all kitchen Small Appliance Branch Circuits to be 20 Amp, GFCI protected. (You can install either 15 or 20 Amp rated receptacles, but for less than $1.00 difference each, install the 20's.)

B) The Owner's Manual is part of the product's listing and labeling. When a listed appliance or device is installed, the NEC requires that it be installed in accordance with the Manufacturer's Installation Instructions [110.3(B)]. The 13 Amp current draw may seem to conflict with the Code requirements; however, if you reference NEC210.21 (B)(2), you will see that the maximum load allowed by Table 210.21(B)(2) for a multi-receptacle branch circuit is 12 Amps (80% of the branch circuit rating. The same applies to a 20 Amp branch circuit using 15 Amp receptacles. A 20 Amp Branch Circuit is allowed a maximum load of 16 Amps.

Table 210.21(B)(2) applies to Individual Branch Circuits (so-called "dedicated" circuits), as well. In either case, the wiring required is #12 AWG, protected by a 20 Amp overcurrent device.

I also refer you to Article 210, Sections .52(B) & .52(C), for additional requirements for kitchen receptacles.

Additionally; your Insurance Provider may indeed find you to be guilty of "Contributory Negligence", in the case of an electrical fire started by installing or using a product contrary to its listing and labeling (or the installation instructions); or for an installation that does not comply with the NEC (or whatever Code has been adopted by the Jurisdiction in which you live). They may decide to pay only a percentage of the damages, based on the percentage to which you “contributed” to the cause of the fire. Many states require enforcement of the NEC in areas without specifically adopted Codes; check with your Building Department or local government to see what the requirements are, locally.

Kudos to the two gentlemen giving you correct advice; to the rest of you - do everyone a favor and try to be responsible for burning down only your own homes. (As should anyone doing any electrical work who is not familiar with the requirements of the NEC.)

Sorry; this Inspector says "Pull in a new circuit, or rewire the appliance circuit to be Code compliant."

Answer 2

mine is14/2 and is running fine.if you could run it easily  12/2 would not hurt but 14/2 will be ok

Answer 3

as long as its on a dedacatied circutt 14/2 will be just fine did this installer open up the coverplate and pull out the plug to find out the size of the wires show him in the manual what it say as well

Answer 4

It makes a difference if you are going to have it inspected. Myself, I always run 12/2 everywhere. Saves a lot of hassle and i don`t have to worry if the wire is big enough. Not enough difference In price. You can run your microwave on a 15 amp circuit. Not recommended, but i have done it for 8 yrs, and I have a BIG microwave.  No problems so far. I am not on a dedicated circuit either.  [ I did not wire THIS house    , so i use whats here. If i had a problem or was putting in a new kitchen, i would most certainly rewire it to fit the new kitchen.

Answer 5

IGNORE THE TWO TOP ANSWERS!!!  The NEC mandates that ALL kitchen receptacles in an area undergoing renovation must be on a 20amp circuit.  The only safe way to run a 20amp circuit is by using 12/2 cable.  Do not attempt to use 14/2 wire with a 20amp breaker.  All your doing is asking for trouble since 14/2 is only rated to 15amps.  If a permit has been pulled for your renovation job, then the inspector will nail your hide to the wall if he sees underated receptacles.

Answer 6

The microwave should be on a separate circuit.  It should be a 20 amp.  Try it.  The worst thing that can happen is that you blow the breaker, but I don't think you will, the 15 should be fine.

Answer 7

Ugh..... Can you say Red Flag???

"Warning Warning... Danger Will Robinson!"

Hehehe..

Ok... I see a couple of 'red flags' here.....

1.  The 'guy that put the wire in'... used the 'owners manual'... not the building codes????

2.  The fact that you used someone who doesnt know the local codes also tells me you probably did not use a licensed electrician, or pull a permit for your remodel.  I realize that some rural areas dont require permits, but there's no excuse for not knowing the codes if you're going to be installing wiring!

Honestly, if I were the appliance installer, I would REFUSE to connect it.

14/2 wiring is thinner than 12/2... and it will not carry as many amps.  Its also cheaper, which why many folks use it.  I always stick to 12/2 with ground myself.  Costs more, but my outlets can carry more load, and I don't have to change wires for dedicated outlets.

Stop and look at like this.....if you ever have a fire, and the insurance company discovers you had a remodel without a permit, or electrical work done that doesnt meet the building codes (EVEN if a permit isnt required where you live), they're going to void your insurance and refuse to pay off.

Yes, you could probably get away with it working for years... but is it worth the risk?

Good Luck