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    allbusiness's Avatar
    allbusiness Posts: 3, Reputation: 1
    New Member
    		  
    #1

    Apr 30, 2009, 01:24 PM
    Overload on electrical service?
    Hi!
    We need to install 3 undercabinet lights in the kitchen. There is a plug in the cabinet over the microwave, for the microwave. Can we tap into this and make a new plug for the under cabinet lights? And do it without tripping a breaker when both are on? The transformer is 50-150 watts. The bulbs are 15 @ 10 watts each, but rated for 8.4 watts of actual power = 126 watts. Thanks!
    ballengerb1's Avatar
    ballengerb1 Posts: 27,378, Reputation: 2280
    Home Repair & Remodeling Expert
    		  
    #2

    Apr 30, 2009, 03:39 PM

    You should be OK with this if that outlet is a duplex but I really should hear from you about the existing circuit for the microwave, is it a 20 amp and how many amps does the unit pull. You may need to read the owners manual to asnwer how many amps it pulls, then I could be a bit more certain. Also please tell me what you mean if there are 3 bulbs what is "bulbs are 15 @ 10 " not sure what you mean.
    Missouri Bound's Avatar
    Missouri Bound Posts: 1,532, Reputation: 94
    Ultra Member
    		  
    #3

    Apr 30, 2009, 08:20 PM
    I think his reference is that there are a total of 15 bulbs, at 10 watts each. (5 per fixture). You might expect the bulbs to dim when the microwave is on, or cycling.
    allbusiness's Avatar
    allbusiness Posts: 3, Reputation: 1
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    #4

    May 1, 2009, 06:52 AM
    Yes - Missouri Bound is right about the wattage for the bulbs. The outlet/plug for the existing microwave is a single, round outlet. The micowave is a customer's and I can find out the amps if needed. Our other option is to pull a new wire from the panel but we would like to tap into the existing (less damage) if we can. Thanks for your answers!
    donf's Avatar
    donf Posts: 5,679, Reputation: 582
    Printers & Electronics Expert
    		  
    #5

    May 1, 2009, 07:24 AM
    Wait a minute, if it is a single outlet, doesn't that mean it is a dedicated or independent circuit which means that you cannot add to the circuit?
    allbusiness's Avatar
    allbusiness Posts: 3, Reputation: 1
    New Member
    		  
    #6

    May 1, 2009, 08:09 AM
    donf - the owner checked the breaker/circuit for me. The overhead lights in the kitchen are on the same breaker, which is 15W. Microwave is 1000W.
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