Do Microwaves Need A Dedicated Circuit?

Most kitchen appliances demand a considerable amount of power as they contain heating motors or elements. Personally, I follow some specific guidelines when it comes to electrical maintenance. I have found out that some appliances take up a lot of power. For this reason, it brings people to a commonly asked question: Do microwaves need a dedicated circuit?

In short, yes. In fact, most microwaves often demand dedicated circuitry. But, it is not always necessary to have an individual circuit. Every circuit has its own breaker. Appliances with high power require their own electrical board to reach their desired wattage. Therefore, allowing them to run smoothly without forcing the breaker to trip.

Now, installing a dedicated circuit for microwaves depends on a number of factors. For example, what is the main goal of a dedicated circuit? You will not find a direct answer, as there are many schools of thought that come into play. So, without further ado, let’s get microwaving!

What Kind Of Microwaves Need Its Own Circuit?

Microwaves come in different types and sizes; each model has its own requirements. Consequently, some models need an individual circuit — countertop models, over-the-range or built-in models, above the stove. Keep in mind the larger ovens also need separate circuits. It differs based on the maximum wattage of the model.

Though models that are smaller in size or older countertops draw less power compared to modern full-sized units, realistically, they do not necessarily require their own circuit. Adding to that, I would follow a few guidelines — 

• Find the maximum wattage: Small models with low wattage can steadily operate without using a dedicated circuit. However, if the appliance is powerful in wattage, a dedicated circuit is required to be installed.
• Check if it is connected or fastened: Generally, over-the-range or built-in models are most of the time fastened or connected. Therefore, a circuit should be set aside for built-in ones. On the other hand, countertop models are not necessarily come with fastened or connected upgrades.
• See if there are more appliances on the general circuit: Check for other models because if a high-powered model is in use, the chances of its breaker fusing are high. As a result, it might exceed its limit if multiple appliances are already in use in a single circuit.
• Read the manual instructions carefully: Carefully read the manual because it mentions whether or not a microwave needs an upgrade to a dedicated circuit. This applies especially when you are designing the kitchen.

In my opinion, I would suggest you give the microwave its own circuit. Why? Because they can take up large amounts of power at times during or before it changes its cycle. So, no matter how much wattage it uses, I would always install a dedicated circuit for my appliance.

What Is The Purpose Of Dedicated Circuits?

A dedicated circuit is one that is limited to a specific purpose. It comes with its own breaker in electric boxes. It is installed in only single appliances for their use, making it “dedicated” to the purpose. No other outlets will use the energy from this single circuit. 

They only give access to the energy of the specific appliance, making it easier for them to operate without overloading the electrical system. 

Circuits come with many other features. They detect the electrical circuits used in microwave frequencies to operate the signal processing functions. For instance, amplification, frequency conversion, mixing, filtering, phase shifting, power dividing, and detection.

Furthermore, a dedicated circuit also has an individual breaker that connects only to one appliance. Let’s have a look at what the National Electric Code had to say about microwaves needing a dedicated circuit.

Check out the National Electric Code (US) to learn more about all the regulations surrounding plugging in devices to outlets.  

Over-the-range or built-in models will need a dedicated branch circuit. Additionally, to avoid exceeding the limit because their amperage will need to be under 50 percent of its branch amperage.

On the other hand, countertop models can use up to 80 percent of the branch amperage rating. However, the need for a dedicated branch circuit depends solely on their manual, along with the input power and amp rating.

What Are The Electrical And Breaker Size Requirements?

Generally, for a microwave oven to operate a 20 amps circuit breaker connects through an alternating current voltage. Although it needs 120 volts of electricity to avoid overload in its circuit, a model with 1,000 watts has the potential to reach up to 1,700 watts.  

The Input and Output Wattages

Furthermore, 1,000 watts need about 1,700 watts because most of the input power gets lost before it gets converted to microwaves. As a matter of fact, you waste about 60 percent of the input when it is operating.

Not a single electrical device is 100 percent efficient. Besides, the more watts it has, the more power it will be able to handle. To make things easier for you, here is a table you can use to get an idea of the range of average power.

Power Rating	Wattage
Low Power	500 to 900 watts
Medium Power	1,000 to 1,150 watts
High Power	1,200 and above watts

The Amps and Watts

Most of them require a 15 amp to 20 amp and 120 to 125-volt circuit for safe operation. However, these models come in different varieties and sizes. 

To work safely, a microwave requires a 120 Volt individual. Moreover, it would also need a properly grounded branch circuit. Basically, the larger models that have 1500 watts usage should be on a dedicated circuit.

As stated above, it can take up a 20 amp circuit. Bear in mind that the amps will require more if it has a power usage of more than 1100 watts. For a better in-depth understanding, look at this circuit table:

Power	Current	Voltage
1200 watts	10 A	120 V
1500 watts	13 A	120 V
1700 watts	14 A	120 V
1800 watts	15 A	120 V
2400 watts	20 A	120 V
3600 watts	30 A	120 V

To get the amperage, divide the watts used by the volts and the answer is the amps the microwave oven will need. In case it comes 15-amp, there is a high possibility the circuit breakers will trip. So, to be on the safe side, it is better to use a 20-amp circuit.

If you want to find the wattage to use for a circuit, the volts should multiply the amps. For instance, if the circuit has a 15 amp on 120 volts, the maximum watts is roughly 1800. Thus, it will not have enough to power a 1000 wattage microwave oven.

Check out this related article to learn more about how many amps does a microwave use.

Can You Use a Microwave On A Regular Socket? 

Microwaves use a lot more electricity than most regular sockets can handle. Using a microwave on a regular socket can cause sparks, malfunctions, and can even damage your circuit breaker. 

There is a certain amount of load that regular home sockets can handle. Also, the wires connecting all the inner circuitries together. Using something as power-hungry as a microwave can completely blow the circuits. 

They can also overheat the wires causing them to melt. Worst case scenario they can cross-connect and start a fire. So, never plug in your microwave without a dedicated circuit board. 

How Much Does a Dedicated Circuit Cost? 

It can cost anywhere between $250 – $500 for getting a dedicated circuit installed in your home. It really depends on how many outlets you are planning to install. 

But if you know your way around working with electrical wiring, then you can reduce that cost by a lot. 

However, I highly recommend you refrain from doing that if you have no prior experience. You might end up making a mistake that will cost you a lot more. And even death. So, make sure to hire a good electrician for that.