Can I plug my microwave into a regular outlet?

Short answer is yes, and it will work just fine. Longer answer is in some places the electrical code requires a microwave to be on its own circuit. Meaning you have a breaker in your electrical panel that is only to the receptacle where the microwave is plugged in.

Moreover, do microwaves need special outlets?

The microwave oven needs a dedicated 20-amp, the 120/125-volt circuit to feed it. This will require 12/2 NM wire with a ground. Although it's not uncommon to see microwave ovens plugged into standard appliance outlets, larger microwave ovens can draw as much as 1500 watts, and these need their own dedicated circuits.

Likewise, can a fridge be plugged into a regular outlet? A standard residential refrigerator connects to a common household outlet. The outlet provides 110 volts of electricity to power the appliance. Most building codes require the refrigerator connect to a dedicated circuit. This means a circuit breaker in the breaker box only powers that appliance and nothing else.

Just so, what kind of outlet does a microwave need?

Microwave Electrical Requirements and Breaker Size. Our countertop and over-the-range microwaves: Require a 120 volt individual, properly grounded branch circuit with a 3 prong grounding type receptacle, protected by a 15 or 20 amp circuit breaker or time-delay fuse.

Can a microwave be plugged into a GFCI?

Plugging your microwave into a GFCI outlet is not recommended. The microwave may trigger the reset, which can disrupt the flow of your operation.

36 Related Question Answers Found

Can a refrigerator and microwave be on the same circuit?

Can a Refrigerator and Microwave Be on the Same Circuit? Microwaves and refrigerators are heavy-duty appliances that use large amounts of energy and therefore need to be powered by a dedicated circuit. A dedicated circuit is designed for use by only one appliance.

Is 15 amps enough for a microwave?

Typical wattage for microwave ovens ranges between 750 and 1,100, according to the U.S. Department of Energy. Though utility companies such as Georgia Power estimate that amperage for most small appliances falls between 15 and 20, some microwaves have an amp rating as low as 10.

Does a microwave need to be GFCI protected?

As to your clarified question (cites from the 2014 NEC): The refrigerator receptacle and the dedicated microwave receptacle do not require GFCI protection, as those receptacles are not installed to serve the kitchen countertop surfaces, and likely are more than 6' from the edge of your kitchen sink as well.

How many outlets can be on a 15 amp breaker?

for a 15 amp circuit this allowed for 10 outlets and on a 20 amp circuit 13 outlets were allowed.

What size breaker do I need for a 1000 watt microwave?

Looks like a typical "1000 watt" microwave will require about 1700 watts of wall power. Dividing by 120 (volts), that would be 14 amps. For such a microwave, you better put in at least a 20 amp circuit. Even with nothing else on the circuit.

What appliances need a dedicated circuit?

Dedicated circuits are required by the National Electrical Code for major electrical appliances such as refrigerators, stoves, washers, dryers, space heaters, and more.

Appliances that need a dedicated circuit include:

Electric ranges.
Wall ovens.
Refrigerators.
Microwaves.
Freezers.
Dishwashers.
Garbage disposals.
Toasters.

How many outlets can be on a breaker?

By rule of thumb you would stick with 8 to 10 outlets and or lights per breaker. Now this is of course they are 120 volts 60 Hz (USA or Canada).

Does a countertop microwave require a dedicated circuit?

Re: Microwave Dedicated Circuits

If it's a built in, it needs it's own circuit. If it is portable and sits on the countertop it does not need it's own circuit. If it's one of the microwave/hood combinations it needs its own circuit. Then check local laws.

How many amps does a 1100 watt microwave draw?

10 amps

How many amps does a microwave take?

5 amps

How many sockets should you have in a room?

So each room has 16 sockets.

Can lights and outlets be on the same circuit?

My short answer to the question is that “Yes, lights and power outlets (a.k.a AC receptacles) can be on the same circuit controlled by a circuit breaker, especially in a single family residential house”.

Can a refrigerator be on a 15 amp circuit?

With a 110-volt current, a 750-watt appliance will require 6.8 amps to operate. A refrigerator will use roughly half of the available amperage of a standard 15-amp circuit, and over one-third of a 20-amp circuit.

Can dishwasher and microwave be on same circuit?

If you want to connect a dishwasher, microwave and refrigerator to the same 20-amp kitchen circuit, you must consider that a typical dishwasher or refrigerator draws about 6 amps to run but needs 12 amps for a second or so to get started. An average microwave draws about 7 amps to run.

Why does a microwave need a dedicated circuit?

Microwave ovens often demand dedicated circuitry, but this isn't always a necessity. The National Electrical Code requires it for all fixed equipment, so a circuit must be set aside for any built-in oven. Small or older countertop models draw less power than modern full-size units.

How many outlets can be on a 20 amp circuit?

10 receptacles

Do you need a dedicated circuit for a dishwasher?

Because of the power it needs, a dishwasher should always have its own circuit, separate from the two individual appliance circuits that are often positioned above your countertop. You can feed the dishwasher a 20-amp circuit with a ground. This will mean running cable from the breaker box to the dishwasher.