Or should I have bundled the old black with the old white to the new white? Remove about 2 inches of sheathing from the cable with a pair of wire strippers to expose the wires inside the cable. Install states to drill thru cabinet and run cord into a receptacle in cabinet. In kitchens it is common practice that if a microwave oven will be installed at a given location, such as Hood-Fan Microwave Ovens, that a Dedicated 20 Amp Circuit is always installed. The cord will now need to pass up through the cabinet bottom. outlet, have a qualified electrician install a correct wall receptacle. I restored power from the breaker box and tested both sets of outlets with an electrical outlet tester. Unfortunately, as you can see the wiremold didn't have a punch out to fit any kind of clamp, which is why I wanted to make sure. Red and White = 120 volts If you try connecting the microwave oven onto a shared circuit you risk overloading the circuit and tripping the circuit breaker. The cabinet under the sink should have an outlet for the garbage disposal or dishwasher, and cabinets above and next to a range need an outlet to power a microwave. Electrical Outlet Wiring. Very handy tool to have around! That would require a saw to cut the cabinet back out. Attach the oven wall support plate. Fasten the microwave oven door facing to the cabinet … Grounded electrical outlet inside upper cabinet. 10. Drill the holes for the cable. It’s important that … I used a wire nut on the old black and was getting 120 volts at the new black and white. Hold an old-work electrical box against the wall between the studs, and trace the outline onto the wall. The majority of the wiring is Red, white and black, with a ground. Instructions Install an Electrical Outlet. We welcome your comments and Or just use a wire nut with pigtail as I showed in my previous post or if the house cable ground wire is long enough use a green wire nut with a hole in the end for one ground wire to pass through. If the microwave oven does not operate: The holes in the door facing frame should align with the holes just drilled into the cabinet. If you didn’t reframe the installation site, you’ll need to attach the mounting … By logging into your account, you agree to our. Then I fit the PVC box to the other end of the PVC conduit, secured it to the cabinet back with screws, and connected the new outlet to the wires, screwed it in to the new box, and installed a cover plate. Empty the cabinets, and pull out the drawers to get better access. submitted to our "DoItYourself.com Community Forums". Any labor charges the pro might include You should compare different models for the best price. That is not the problem. Oscillating tool with saw blade. Fixing it to the wall 5. Electronic Equipment and Computers. Local codes and the manufacturer's directions will indicate how far above the range top the OTR microwave oven needs to be. I have an over the range microwave and have only one location to mount it. Using the electronic stud finder to make sure that you aren't drilling into or cutting into a stud, and … 8. This flat metal plate should be level and the top tabs should butt against … I think the receptacle goes in the cabinet above with a bored hole to allow the cord to pass through. He has been published on various websites. (so it is floating) I prefer the Wiremold box that Ray posted. See ... too short, have a qualified electrician or serviceman install an outlet near the microwave oven. I am not sure how to wire the timer in. Check with local building and electrical codes. I live in Southern Arizona in a home built in 1983. Take a look at the microwave for correct operation by using heating up a … Return to the kitchen. Microwave Outlet. Find at least one stud. Retrofitting cabinet for over the range microwave, Mounting/Installing Range Microwave Combination. Install an Outlet Inside the Cabinet. Detach it from the fish tape. why would I use the ground in the surface box vs using the ground on the existing outlet? Note: If you have any questions about the grounding or electrical instructions, consult a qualified electrician or service person. How High to Install an Outlet Above a Bathroom Vanity, Installing a Ceiling Electrical Junction Box, How to Secure an Electrical Outlet to a Marble Backsplash, How to Install a Direct Wired Kitchen Light Fixture, How to Get the Cover Off of a Refrigerator Relay Switch, The Home Depot: Installing or Replacing a Receptacle, This Old House: How to Add Electrical Outlets, How to Install an Electric Outlet Through a Granite Backsplash, How to Wire a GFCI Outlet for a Garbage Disposal, Step-by-Step Instructions for Wiring a New Light Fixture at the End of a Circuit. Wire nut for pigtailing the ground to box and receptacle and spare length of bare wire for the pigtail or a wire nut with green pigtail. Over-the-range microwaves are typically powered by an outlet … All you need is a hole in the back of the cabinet large enough for the romex clamp to fit in. All rights reserved. Power cord access hole in cabinet should be a minimum 1 1/2" diameter hole and deburred of all sharp edges. Hook the black wire around the screw, then tighten the screw. You can remedy this problem by installing a receptacle for an appliance such as your microwave. Wire for microwave would not reach to cabinet so instead I recessed a receptacle just below the cabinet for me to plug in the cord. the microwave oven into the grounded 3 prong outlet. Over The Stove Microwave or top cabinet first? Troubleshooting Luxaire furnace - heat not working. Install the Duct and Vent Cap. Installing a microwave oven over a range typically involves installing a dedicated 120 volt 20 amp circuit, and placing a receptacle outlet in the upper cabinet above the range. And that was it. Copyright© The outlet box should be located in the cabinet above the microwave oven. A 12/2 cable has three 12-gauge copper wires: one black, one white and one bare. Feed an electrician's fish tape into the hole. * Can also be installed using an electrical outlet in an adjacent cabinet within the area where the provided electrical cord can reach. This whole red, black and white is a bit confusing. 3. Then you can bring the cable into the back knockout of a 4″ square electrical box and … If the basement is below the kitchen and you're running the cable through there, feed the tape down. Most municipalities forbid anyone who is not a licensed electrician from doing this. More about Electrical Wiring for a Microwave. 8. I removed (and capped in a junction box) some wiring to security lights after we moved in to install solar LED security lights. You will need a drill and a hole saw though to install the microwave. Install the grease filter out on the microwave, as applicable. Looks better and more room to work. Connect the bare copper wire to the ground screw at the bottom of the receptacle. Find the nearest electrical circuit in your kitchen. I picked one up at Walmart for $18 with the needed blade (and scraper and sanding pads). Complete Installation 1. Drill a hole through the back of the cabinet, and through the wall behind, at the spot where you want … Attach the end of a 12/2 electrical cable to the end of the fish tape. Reel in the fish tape and pull the end of the cable through the wall. Barrett is currently attending Bucks County Community College, pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in sports management. Plug microwave oven into grounded 3 prong outlet. Yea, make it easy on yourself and just mount a surface box. But gee Brian, I was worried about the aesthetics in case any of his house guests look in his cabinet. You can use a surface mounted 1900 box with a mulberry cover for a GFI which by the way this should be. Is that the correct procedure? You may freely link Any codes on this. Running a dedicated line prevents you from having to constantly plug and unplug appliances, and prevents an overload from occurring on the circuits. Slide the cable through the knockout hole on the back of the electrical box. Jump to Latest Follow Status Not open for further replies. All information is provided "AS IS." Check the operation of microwave oven by placing 1 cup (250 mL) of water on the turntable, and programming a cook time of 1 minute at 100% power. I'd use construction adhesive to glue a piece of 3/8" plywood over that ugly opening at the top of the cabinet and then use a surface mount box (Wiremod type) for the receptacle. Use a stud finder to locate the studs in the wall where you want to install the receptacle. Forum discussion: I want to install an over the stove microwave but first I need to install an outlet in the cabinet above where the microwave will go. outlet. This can be an easy installation and addition if you first locate the outlet below that feeds the range. ... many will just remove the venthood and install the MW, regardless of any clearance requirements. If I use a plastic wiremold box, do I still have to use a clamp? Generally, there … So after removing an Over-the-Stove microwave that broke I found out the outlet was never installed correctly and was just floating in the wall behind. Hi all, IMPORTANT Always allow sufficient power cord length to the electrical outlet to prevent tension. Loosen the brass-colored screw on the right side of the receptacle. Cheapest 400 foot fence that is economical and good looking? Definitely good to know....so since I haven't done this before, what do I need to get besides the metal handy box and push in clamp to wire it it correctly? You will want to avoid dedicated appliance circuits … Adding a cabinet to hold the microwave 4. Hold an old … Carson Barrett began writing professionally in 2009. home improvement and repair website. So stupid question time, if I am just taking the existing outlet and putting it into the new surface box why would I use the ground in the surface box vs using the ground on the existing outlet? You need to install the receptacle inside the cabinet above the Microwave. The problem is they took the wiring, connected a regular 2-plug outlet, they taped (with electrical tape) around the outside of the outlet, plugged the microwave into it and pushed the outlet into the wall. I was planning to drill through the side cabinets and use an extension cord to reach the nearest electrical socket. I don't remember what the black and white read as. suggestions. I don't understand your question but if the box is metal both the box and the receptacle must be grounded. This is the correct way to install. I moved two outlets and added two outlets in my kitchen rebuild, all with blocking, all flush to the inside of the cabinet. 4 INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS Remove Mounting Plate NOTE: To avoid possible damage to the work surface, cover the work surface. All you need is a hole in the back of the cabinet large enough for the romex clamp to fit in. Go into the attic or basement. Is this a passive baffle installed in the ductwork? I install many microwave hoods. Open the microwave oven door. 1995-2018 MH Sub I, LLC dba Internet Brands. microwave oven into the grounded 3 prong outlet. Yea, make it easy on yourself and just mount a surface box. Bend the ends of the wires into hooks with a pair of pliers. You could also use a recessed box in the upper cabinet. I got new wiring and paired the new black to the old red and the new white to the old white. * Can also be installed using an electrical outlet in an adjacent cabinet within the area where the provided electrical … It is an Ergoline Classic 300 Superpower it runs on 40 amp fuse 240v. Microwave Circuit Wiring. The typical recommendation is to have 30 inches from the top of the range to the bottom of the cabinet and at least 13-1/2 inches from the top of the range to the bottom of the microwave. Questions of a Do It Yourself nature should be Question, my girlfriend bought a house last year built in the 70's. Microwave Wiring. Building codes require that a microwave oven have a dedicated 20-amp circuit that serves... Cut Holes for the Ductwork and Vent Cover. Long story short, I have a need to install a dusk to dawn security light to cut down on pack rats. There are many older homes located in the San Francisco Bay area, but one potential drawback to owning an older home is that you may not have enough electrical outlets in the kitchen for all your appliances. Either put an extension on the box or install wood behind or next to the box that you can securely screw or nail it into such that the front edge of the box is flush with the inside of the cabinet. Attach the white wire to the silver screw underneath the black wire and brass-colored screw. I recently bought a tanning bed for my wife. In process of installing an undercabinet mounted microwave. Hope that helps If the attic is directly above the kitchen and you're running the electrical cable through there, feed the fish tape up. I took out a wall unit and replaced with a larger freestanding range. Ensure proper ground exists before use Installation Instructions Open the microwave oven door. Installing OTR microwave but no electrical outlet in upper cabinet. Handyboxes come both ways..... round or square corners. Hello, I have an OTR microwave but right now I have no electrical outlet in the upper cabinet. Fasten the microwave oven door facing to the cabinet using four 1" T10 screws. The outlet box and supply circuit should be installed by a qualified electrician and conform to the National Electrical Code or the prevailing local code. Cut a hole into the wall along the lines with a drywall saw. (The right side is with the receptacle facing you.) Any help would be appreciated. The new cabinets come lower than the previous, and the exhaust duct is covered. [ATTACH]61192[/ATTACH][ATTACH]61193[/ATTACH], Electrical, AC & DC. to this site, and use it for non-commercial use subject to our terms of use. You also need to factor in the costs for: 1. This is the part that holds the microwave up. The microwave itself 2. Replace microwave oven in cutout opening. The average cost to have a microwave installed by a professional is between $50 and $100 per hourdepending on whether you hire an electrician or a handyman. These cabinet outlets, depending on what they run, might need to be installed on a separate circuit from the other outlets in your kitchen. … Plug in microwave to the electrical outlet. 2. 9. An over-the-range microwave oven will need an outlet to run it. Red and black = +/- 10 volts I am trying to wire a Poltik 20 minute spring timer to it. Not the prettiest but it is hidden and it works. So for the grounding wire, I cut off a section of the existing wire and then pigtail that with a wire going to the box ground and the wire coming in from the wall? I always install a metal handy-box in the upper cabinet, or recessed old work box (2nd choice). There are microwaves that can be mounted under the cabinet that do not have vent hoods. This isn't complicated. If so, why. Use a stud finder to locate the studs in the wall where you want to install the receptacle. Lying … of the front surface of the cabinet. So here's a picture of the wiremold box along with the metal handy box. Place the box inside the hole in the wall, and screw it into place. You can use any type of surface mount box in the upper cabinet. Tuck the wiring into the electrical box, and screw the receptacle to the box with the provided screws. problems contact webmaster@doityourself.com. The holes in the door facing frame should align with the holes just drilled into the cabinet. This outlet should be installed somewhere in the upper cabinet that the microwave will hang from. Whether you’ll need an electrical outlet or box 3. 9. I take my handy boxes seriously. Insert the mounting bolts thru the lowest of the cabinet and into the threaded holes in the top of the unit, then tighten the bolts.?. © Copyright 2020 Hearst Communications, Inc. Remove 1/2 inch of insulation from the black and white wires inside the cable. How much clearance will you have from the back of the microwave to the back of the cabinet? The only ground comes from the cable to the box. The easiest way to install an electrical outlet using the existing cable is to bring the cable up inside the wall and through a homemade hole in the back of the cabinet that is above the stove. Place the mounting plate. It's not a problem as you know where the studs is in the wall. 1. DoItYourself.com®, founded in 1995, is the leading independent It also has the raised hole for the ground. Website operating Replace microwave oven in cutout opening. Hire an electrician to connect the circuit to your home's main electrical box. View our Privacy Policy here. I took a voltmeter to the wiring and here is what I found.