Built-in Mircowave Oven Installation Issues

[Les]

Since we were replacing the refrigerator, range and dishwasher in our 20 yr old condo, I decided to replace the countertop microwave with a build-in model that takes the place of the oven hood/light/fan above the range.

Think I may have made a mistake, for I am told that there are now some additional installation issues that the salesman never told me about........

1) oven hood is "hard wired" to the source of electricity. The new microwave has an electric plug that will need an outlet to put it into. I assume that this wouldn't be a "big deal" for an experienced person since the live wires would have to be directed to a new outlet.

2) I have been told that the electrical code requires a separate circuit breaker for a built in microwave oven. IS THIS SO???

Anyone venture a guess on what it might cost to have an do the required work? (The other alternative is to return the new microwave.)

Thanks in advance for any assistance.

[Art Todesco]

Also, over an above the possible electrical problems, if you "use" your microwave to actually "cook" rather than just reheat and unless you are well over 6' tall, it is difficult to put heavy casseroles and cooking dishes into the oven, especially if there are hot pots on the stove.

(def> Since we were replacing the refrigerator, range and dishwasher in our 20 yr

[John_B]

If you look at the current drawn by the microwave you will note that it gets very close to the practical capacity of the usual household 15 AMP / 20 AMP circuit. This makes it a bad idea to connect a microwave to a circuit used for another possible high amp usage like a toaster.

I paid an electrician $230 to run the circuit for the outlet need for the microwave / oven hood I bought in 1996.

[Steve Stone]

A couple of issues you can run into replacing a hood with an over the range micowave unit.

A dedicated power circuit.

If ducting outside will the exsisting range ductwork match the needs of the microwave ?

Clearance between the range and the bottom of the microwave.

Stud location in the wall behind the range impacts ductwork installation and microwave mounting points.

The cabinet above the range, is it secure / strong enough / at the right height / wide enough / too wide to use as a mounting point for the microwave.

I've done two over the range installs. Both were not easy but worth the end result.

Also my current unit goes brain dead after a power glitch requiring me to unplug it , wait awhile, and then replug it into the socket in the cabinet above the unit. You want to have easy access to that plug.