PDA

View Full Version : Refrigerator and microwave on same ciruit?


troy00
Aug 7, 2013, 03:10 PM
I am ripped some drywall down from behind my kitchen and stove area. I see that the refrigerator and the outlet for the "built-in" microwave are on the same circuit. It's a 20a circuit and the outlet for the fridge and the outlet for the microwave are the only things on this circuit. Is this OK? I mean.. I guess it has been for this long, but before I put new drywall up.. I would like to know.

There is another 20a circuit that is running right next to this. This circuit powers a counter outlet next to the stove and then runs into the dining room where is powers 3 more outlets. Should I move the microwave on to this other circuit?
Then the refrigerator would be on it's own circuit and the microwave would be on a little to none used circuit? Or is it fine as is? Thanks

joypulv
Aug 7, 2013, 03:24 PM
The microwave and fridge should each have their own outlet, and you should put in a new circuit for the dining room, or add those plugs to another circuit down the line.
Microwaves are getting more and more powerful, so if both appliances came on at once, the surge would trip the circuit. Fridges are more efficient, so if you are going to cheat, put the fridge on the dining room. My fridge is 3.5 amps and my microwave is 12.7 amps/1300 watts.