I recently installed a window air conditioning unit. When I am running it however, I cannot run the microwave or it will blow the breaker (currently a 15 Amp). Moving the A/C or the Microwave is not an option, so is there an easier way to rewire the outlet for the microwave without ripping the walls down? Or replacing the breaker with a bigger one?

An average AC is around 2.0-2.6 KW, which translates to around 10 to 14 Amps at 220 Volt (double that at 110 Volt).

A Microwave oven can consume anything between 0.6 and 1.4 KW, which translates to 3 to 7 Amps at 220 Volt. The ones with bottom and top heater elements can even draw up to 10 Amps.

Together that is too much for your circuit breaker of 15 Amps.
Replacing the circuit breaker to a 25 Amps type is an option, but you have to check first if the existing wiring to the breaker is thick enough to conduct the max. 14 + 10 = 24 Amps!!

Success !

:)

No, and you cannot increase the size of the breaker.

NO, replacing the circuit breaker is NOT an option, ESPECIALLY to 25 amps. Here in the US we cannot have general use receptacles on anything bigger than 20A. Also, the wiring in the walls is sized according to the circuit. If the breaker is 15A there is a reason for that.

Also, the "220v" numbers are pretty much useless since here in the US window A/Cs and microwaves are pretty much all 120v, not 240v.

A typical window A/C is between 5000 and 10000 BTUs. This is between roughly 5-10 amps. That paired with a typical micro will surely trip a 15A breaker.

IF you own this home you either DO have to move one, or run a new circuit to one of them.
If you are renting, call your landlord.

HK is correct:

Quote:

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Originally Posted by hkstroud

No, and you cannot increase the size of the breaker.

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All you need to do is turn the AC to fan only, or off, and use the microwave.

Keep in mind thou, AC units need to sit for 3-5 minutes before turning back on, this will be addressed in the owners manual.