Last updated on August 14th, 2022 at 01:28 pm
Microwaves perhaps do the most when it comes to quick meals on tiresome days. But, because of its importance, every home needs it. So, you may want to replace your old one, get one for the first time, or maybe move into a new home and probably wonder if it needs a dedicated circuit.
Well, a microwave needs a dedicated circuit. A dedicated circuit is required to supply uninterrupted power when the microwave is used. It would provide just the right amount of energy required to make the microwave function properly since there would be no appliances to drag for energy. A dedicated circuit for your microwave should have a current of 20 amps flowing through it.
Does A Countertop Microwave Need A Dedicated Circuit?
A countertop microwave needs a dedicated circuit. A dedicated circuit would help provide sufficient energy for proper functioning. Being a countertop appliance, connecting to a dedicated circuit would be much easier. This ease would be because the distance from the circuit to the microwave would be relatively shorter. Even at this, a dedicated circuit is not strictly necessary for a countertop microwave.
A good thing about a countertop microwave is that it can also be connected to a regular outlet and not necessarily a dedicated circuit. But having a dedicated circuit for it is essential. It will help maintain a steady electric flow to the microwave without any form of shortages you may experience when there’s another appliance sharing it.
A countertop microwave usually draws a very high current. Thus, it requires connecting to an electronic source that provides a high current. When a countertop microwave is connected to a dedicated circuit, the circuit should have about 20 to 25 amps of power without fluctuating. This steady current flow will help keep the countertop microwave working correctly.
Regular outlets are often used in connecting many other appliances, and, sometimes, it damages them. Hence, the need for a dedicated circuit for a countertop microwave arises. In addition, dedicated circuits help control the power supply to a countertop-microwave, thereby preventing electric power overflow, which may often damage the countertop microwave and result in fire outbreaks.
Can You Plug A Microwave Into A Regular Outlet?
You can plug a microwave into a regular outlet. Regular outlets a microwave can be connected to should have the electric capacity to enable the microwave to function correctly without causing any issues. These issues often result in fire outbreaks, or sometimes the microwave getting damaged. So, it’s best if the outlet itself allows a consistent electric power flow.
Microwaves often use about 6.5 amps, about 1500 watts, and operate on 120 volts. Therefore, when using a regular outlet, it should have an amperage of at least 12.5 amps. This capacity can sustain the microwave and enable it to function at peak levels without interruption in the power supply to the microwave.
A significant disadvantage in using a regular outlet is that it does not have a breaker that controls the electricity flow to the microwave. Hence, there can be an overflow of current which may damage the microwave and sometimes result in fire outbreaks that may cause damage to even other appliances.
When using a regular outlet, it’s best to use it with the microwave solely to avoid a shortage of electric current while the microwave is in use. Standard outlets are often shared, which is a significant cause of power shortage.
Sharing causes drag in the power supply, which may cause the microwave not to function properly due to shortage. Therefore, regular outlets with the right amount of ports that the microwave will fit into are essential.
Most microwaves have three prongs, and these prongs are required to be appropriately fitted to the outlet for current flow. If they aren’t done correctly, the microwave will trip regularly. This tripping may affect the functioning of the microwave, and like in most cases, the outlet may be damaged.
Can A Refrigerator And Microwave Be On The Same Circuit?
A refrigerator and microwave cannot be connected on the same circuit. This is because a fridge and a microwave both require high amounts of electricity to function. Therefore, hooking them on the same circuit will cause an overload, leading to a break in the current flow. This may cause damage to the refrigerator, microwave, and even the circuit. Sometimes, fire outbreaks may result.
Overloading a circuit often occurs when two or more appliances that require high energy to function are connected to the same circuit. For example, it is not advisable to connect a refrigerator and a microwave on the same circuit, no matter the capacity of the circuit. Doing so may lead to the breaker burning, causing a total shutdown in the current flow.
When you have a refrigerator and a microwave, You should connect these appliances separately to different dedicated circuits to provide them with a sufficient power supply.
This would prevent a disruption in the current flow that may occur when both are connected on the same circuit. Also, dedicated circuits for each appliance will help control the current flow, reducing damages.
When a refrigerator and a microwave are connected to the same circuit for a power source, another consequent effect may be that both may function very slowly. This is because current will not be sufficiently supplied to both the microwave and the refrigerator, causing the slowness in function.
And when they function slowly, You will not achieve the reason for connecting them. Another consequence of connecting the refrigerator and the microwave is that heat may be generated slowly while working. The heating up may be bad for both appliances.
The effects afterward may be that either the outlet burns or vital components of the appliances will begin to malfunction.
What Size Breaker Do I Need For A 1000 Watt Microwave?
For a 1000 watt microwave, the size of the breaker required is 1700 watts of circuit power, which is usually about 14 amps. But the minor electric energy requirement for a microwave should be 120 volts. So when a larger breaker is used for the microwave, it will help conduct proper electricity.
Breakers come in different sizes to fit into the right side of the appliance. The bigger the appliance, the higher the size of the breaker to be used. When you have a 1000 watt microwave, you should bear in mind that the size of the breaker should be high so that the microwave can work properly without any damages occurring.
When a smaller-sized breaker is used, there will be constant tripping due to the high current demand by the microwave. This will affect the microwave as it will not function properly as the required current may not be available. In this case, the breaker may get burnt in the process, and sometimes there may be cases of fire outbreaks.
Conclusion
A dedicated circuit is not compulsory when using a microwave, but it must keep it functioning correctly. In addition, a dedicated circuit reduces electricity drainage, which often affects current flow to the microwave.
The subsequent effects may be complications that may damage the microwave. The advantages of using dedicated circuits for microwaves are contained in this article.