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That depends on the amount of current that the microwave draws. Calculate the current draw of the microwave, then do not use more than 80% of the circuit breaker that you put in circuit.

More information: In the United States, kitchen counter top receptacles are required to be fed from at least 2 - 20 amp "small appliance" circuits. You may have more and I know of no requirement that additional circuits must be 20 amps. With this in mind, consider what Redbeard has answered.

However, in my experience the term "small appliance circuit" is usually ASSUMED to be 20 amps because very rarely are more than the 2 required circuits installed. Your inspecting jurisdiction may make this assumption. They are the final arbiter of what the code means.

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What circuit is a microwave?

A dedicated 20 Amp circuit wired with 12/2 wiring an a 20 amp breaker.


Does a microwave need a 15 or 20 amp circuit?

By code you're supposed to have a dedicated 20 amp circuit. But if you have an existing 15 amp circuit it might be fine for now if your microwave is 1400 watts or less and there's nothing else drawing power from that circuit. But if your running it new definitely run a 20 amp circuit dedicated on 12 gauge wire. That will allow you to use any microwave you want now and in the future.


When your toaster and microwave are both running your 20 amp breaker trips Can you replace the 20 amp with a 30 amp breaker?

Definitely not, the 20 A circuit breaker is there to protect the wiring from becoming overheated. Any more current is potentially dangerous. The total power and current taken by the toaster and microwave should be checked to make sure that the 20 amp breaker is tripping correctly. It could be faulty. Both items should have a plate on the back, near where the power cord goes in, giving details. If the toaster and microwave together genuinely draw more than 20 amps you need a 30 amp circuit installed with the right wire size and a 30 amp breaker.


Why would you need a 20 Amp Single Pole Switch insted of a 15 Amp?

A 20 Amp single pole switch is needed when the circuit requires higher amperage capacity to safely control the load. Using a 15 Amp switch on a circuit that requires 20 Amps could lead to overheating and potential fire hazards. Always match the switch's amperage rating with the circuit's requirements for safety and proper functionality.


Why would i need a 20-Amp Single-Pole Switch insted of a 15 Amp?

You would need a 20 amp switch when the load controlled by the switch can draw as much as 20 amps. If you have a 20 Amp breaker supplying the circuit then you need to size all switches and outlets on that circuit to 20 amps.

Related Questions

What circuit is a microwave?

A dedicated 20 Amp circuit wired with 12/2 wiring an a 20 amp breaker.


Does a microwave need a 15 or 20 amp circuit?

By code you're supposed to have a dedicated 20 amp circuit. But if you have an existing 15 amp circuit it might be fine for now if your microwave is 1400 watts or less and there's nothing else drawing power from that circuit. But if your running it new definitely run a 20 amp circuit dedicated on 12 gauge wire. That will allow you to use any microwave you want now and in the future.


When your toaster and microwave are both running your 20 amp breaker trips Can you replace the 20 amp with a 30 amp breaker?

Definitely not, the 20 A circuit breaker is there to protect the wiring from becoming overheated. Any more current is potentially dangerous. The total power and current taken by the toaster and microwave should be checked to make sure that the 20 amp breaker is tripping correctly. It could be faulty. Both items should have a plate on the back, near where the power cord goes in, giving details. If the toaster and microwave together genuinely draw more than 20 amps you need a 30 amp circuit installed with the right wire size and a 30 amp breaker.


Can a 20 amp breaker be replaced with a 15 amp?

Yes, provided that you don't really need 20 A on the circuit.


What is the maximum load capacity for a 20 amp outlet on a 20 amp circuit?

The maximum load capacity for a 20 amp outlet on a 20 amp circuit is 20 amps.


Can I use a 15 amp outlet on a 20 amp circuit?

Yes, you can use a 15 amp outlet on a 20 amp circuit. The outlet's amp rating should not exceed the circuit's amp rating.


Why would you need a 20 Amp Single Pole Switch insted of a 15 Amp?

A 20 Amp single pole switch is needed when the circuit requires higher amperage capacity to safely control the load. Using a 15 Amp switch on a circuit that requires 20 Amps could lead to overheating and potential fire hazards. Always match the switch's amperage rating with the circuit's requirements for safety and proper functionality.


Why would i need a 20-Amp Single-Pole Switch insted of a 15 Amp?

You would need a 20 amp switch when the load controlled by the switch can draw as much as 20 amps. If you have a 20 Amp breaker supplying the circuit then you need to size all switches and outlets on that circuit to 20 amps.


Can I safely use a 15 amp plug on a 20 amp circuit?

No, it is not safe to use a 15 amp plug on a 20 amp circuit as it can overload the circuit and potentially cause a fire hazard.


Is it safe to use a 20 amp outlet on a 15 amp circuit?

No, it is not safe to use a 20 amp outlet on a 15 amp circuit as it can overload the circuit and potentially cause a fire hazard. It is important to match the outlet with the circuit's amp rating to ensure safety.


What can a 20 amp circuit be used for?

A 20 amp circuit be used for any device that takes up to 20 amps to make it operate.


What is the maximum amperage rating for a circuit breaker that can safely protect a 20 amp circuit?

The maximum amperage rating for a circuit breaker that can safely protect a 20 amp circuit is 20 amps.