California Electrical code wiring?

Question

do the fridge and microwave need ther own dedicated circuits? Can I use juction boxes in the crawl space under the house?

Answer 1

Yes, each one should be on it's own 20 amp circuit with 12 awg size wire. As for junction boxes,  yes they can be in the crawl space as long as the crawl space is accessible. It's no different then putting a box in an attic, as long as it's accessible. As I've said in other posts, if you have any questions about code, call your local Inspector and ask, since they have final say on code compliance.

Answer 2

The microwave should be on a dedicated circuit.  The refridgerator can share its circuit with other devices.

The reason for this is because the microwave produces heat it draws a lot of amps.  If you ran the microwave when something else was on you run the risk of tripping the breaker.

Answer 3

I don't know what the law is down there, but I can tell you from personal experience that they are much better off on separate circuits.  A fridge should always be on it's own, except for maybe a simgle lamp/light.   Same for a microwave.  

As for the junction boxes, your town's by-law/inspection department could anser that query.

Answer 4

Each city and/or county is different. Find out from your appropriate government before doing anything. You'll have to get a permit and all that hullabaloo. It is best if both fridge and microwave each have their own circuit.