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-   -   1000 watt microwave trips 20 amp breaker on dedicated circuit (https://www.askmehelpdesk.com/showthread.php?t=783752)

  • Feb 7, 2014, 10:59 AM
    markb7mm
    1000 watt microwave trips 20 amp breaker on dedicated circuit
    1000 watt microwave trips 20 amp dedicated circuit does not trip all the time I am thinking heat build up over time weakening breaker should I replace breaker or possible upgrade wire size to 10 g
  • Feb 7, 2014, 11:42 AM
    smoothy
    A 1000 Watt microwave should not be tripping a breaker on a 20 amp dedicated circuit. You could have a defective breaker, or a defective microwave.
  • Feb 7, 2014, 04:06 PM
    smearcase
    I'm betting on the microwave tripping the breaker.
    Do some searching and try to find if that microwave is under any recalls.
  • Feb 8, 2014, 06:55 AM
    donf
    Using Ohms law (Watts/voltage=amps) you microwave when in use is only pulling 8 & 1/3 amps. The should have zero effect on a 20 amp CB that is working properly.

    Are you certain that this is a dedicated circuit (20 amp CB inside panelboard connected to the microwave receptacle using 12 AWG copper conductors) and nothing else. No other receptacle outlets or lights?

    I would swap the breaker with another 20 amp breaker from the panelboard and see if the failure move with the breaker. If it does, replace the failing breaker.

    The reason I would swap the breaker first is cost. The old breaker would/should be replaced with an AFCI (Arc Fault Circuit interrupter) type breaker and those are currently fairly expensive.
  • Feb 8, 2014, 07:05 AM
    joypulv
    Any other 20A line in the house to try the microwave on first?

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