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Do built-in microwaves trip a lot of breakers when wired to general lighting circuits?
I've seen many times where a homeowner remodels his kitchen, and installs a built-in microwave oven in place of the existing range hood. The problem is, the range hood is almost always wired to a general lighting 15A circuit, and people just use that line and run it to an outlet inside the cabinet, rather than running a new 20A circuit to the outlet. The microwave will overload the lighting circuit in no time.
Why do people do this instead of running the 20A circuit like the manual calls for?
Laziness. That's why.
"What's fried, crispy and hangs from the ceiling?"
Homeowner.
A lot of people look at the manuel as stupid people instructions and they will be damned if they need them.
If you are installing one of these, please, do yourself a favor and hire a pro. If you are confident and comfortable with the possibility of what you do could start a fire, by all means, go for it. Just follow ALL the manufacturer's instructions, keeping in mind that the NEC "shall" be followed.
Anyway, to answer your question:
The NEC allows ONLY 80% of a breaker's rated amperage. A 15 amp breaker will handle only 12 amps constantly. What's the amperage rating on these units? Mine is 9.5 amps. This leaves only 2.5 amps for lighting. That's 300 watts. That's 5-60 watt bulbs. Do I want to put up with this fire-hazard? Maybe, but I'm not willing to put my families life in jeopardy. Or all my possessions that I've accumulated over the years. It's just not worth it. Especially having to listen to my wife's "nagging" about how she told me to "Just do it right the first time, and hire somebody". It is astonishing on just how many people are willing to put themselves and their families through this. STUPID!
Anyway, good luck in all you do and may God bless
