Ask Experts Questions for FREE Help !
Ask
    markb7mm's Avatar
    markb7mm Posts: 1, Reputation: 1
    New Member
    		  
    #1

    Feb 7, 2014, 10:59 AM
    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
    smoothy's Avatar
    smoothy Posts: 25,490, Reputation: 2853
    Uber Member
    		  
    #2

    Feb 7, 2014, 11:42 AM
    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.
    smearcase's Avatar
    smearcase Posts: 2,392, Reputation: 316
    Ultra Member
    		  
    #3

    Feb 7, 2014, 04:06 PM
    I'm betting on the microwave tripping the breaker.
    Do some searching and try to find if that microwave is under any recalls.
    donf's Avatar
    donf Posts: 5,679, Reputation: 582
    Printers & Electronics Expert
    		  
    #4

    Feb 8, 2014, 06:55 AM
    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.
    joypulv's Avatar
    joypulv Posts: 21,591, Reputation: 2941
    current pert
    		  
    #5

    Feb 8, 2014, 07:05 AM
    Any other 20A line in the house to try the microwave on first?
Not your question? Ask your question View similar questions
 

Question Tools Search this Question
Search this Question:

Advanced Search

Add your answer here.


Check out some similar questions!

Microwave continues to trip breaker and it's on a dedicated 20amp circuit. [ 2 Answers ]

I've used two different microwaves and both do the same thing, but it only does this at the initial start up. I checked the amperage while the microwave was running, and it's only drawing 10.8 amps. I even plugged a hair dryer in the same receptacle as the microwave and ran both loads for 5...

Dedicated microwave outlet blown, no tripped circuit breaker [ 7 Answers ]

I have an over-the-range microwave with a dedicated outlet. Using it today, heard loud buzz and pop. On investigating, found microwave with no power, and unused plug of outlet had one hole with apparent burn mark. Circuit breaker did not trip. Turned off breaker, unplugged microwave, and...

I have a microwave and it trips my circuit breaker [ 3 Answers ]

I need to know what tipe of circuit breaker I need for a microwave.

Can I run a 1300 watt converter on a dedicated 15 amp circuit [ 2 Answers ]

1300 watt converter on dedicated 15 amp circuit.

Microwave trips circuit breaker [ 1 Answers ]

Please help - I'm stumped. I have a swimming pool pump, and an electric kettle all working off a 20 amp CB. The pool pump and the electric kettle will work together but not the pool pump and the microwave. The wattage of the electric kettle is 1500 and the microwave is 1100. If the amps are...

View more questions Search