What size breaker do I need for a range hood?

The average range hood requires a 14/2 or a 12/2-gauge wire with ground depending on if they are connected to a 15 or 20-amp breaker. It is highly recommended that range hoods are connected to their own dedicated circuit. A range hood consumes between 65 to 300 watts of power with an average of 105 watts.

Microwave Oven Safety Standard A Federal standard (21 CFR 1030.10) limits the amount of microwaves that can leak from an oven throughout its lifetime to 5 milliwatts (mW) of microwave radiation per square centimeter at approximately 2 inches from the oven surface. This limit is far below the level known to harm people.

A microwave with a range hood should be placed right above the range cooker. Microwaves with a range hood have the intakes placed in the front and the bottom. The exhaust can be at the back or the top of the microwave. Microwaves with hood ranges are great space savers in small kitchens.

You shouldn’t leave your fan on for more than one to two hours while cooking. Most meals in the kitchen should take less than that to prepare. The longer you want to run your hood, the more power you’ll need to vent out all the smoke and cooking fumes. In short, you should only turn your exhaust fan on while cooking.

There is no requirement that your Over The Range (OTR) Microwave be vented to the outdoors. All OTR microwave ovens can be set up to either allow the fan to recirculate the air back into the kitchen or be vented to the outdoors.

A recirculating OTR microwave uses charcoal filters to neutralize air before it is pumped back into your kitchen. Ducted range hoods connect to ductwork to pump air outside your home. Compared to ductless range hoods, they are more efficient and effective at neutralizing air.

Most manufacturer’s installation manuals recommend that the top of the microwave be at 66 inches above the floor. That is, coincidentally, also the standard height of the bottom of a wall cabinet above the range in most kitchens.

Generally, there must be 13-24 inches of distance between stovetop and microwave. It’s the optimal distance or clearance between stove and microwave.

Most microwaves set above a stove top require a total clearance of 66 inches from the floor to the top of the microwave. This can leave as little as 13 inches from the top of the burners to the bottom of the microwave, depending on the size of the microwave.

There is no issue in placing a Microwave oven near a gas stove but be careful, the flames of the gas stove do not reach the oven or the wires of the oven may melt and there are greater chances of a short circuit.

Microwave ovens often demand dedicated circuitry, but this isn’t always a necessity. The National Electrical Code requires it for all fixed equipment, so a circuit must be set aside for any built-in oven. Small or older countertop models draw less power than modern full-size units.

Convertible means it can vent through the wall or ceiling using a duct, or can be converted to non-venting (filters the air and blows it back into the kitchen) with Recirculation Kit Part Number W10294733 which is available from your dealer or an authorized parts distributor.

A microwave draws between five to 10 amps. So, in most cases, you could safely have a range hood and microwave on the same circuit. Consult your appliance manufacturer’s manual or an electrician before doing so. With a 15 to 20 amp breaker, you don’t want to put your range hood on the same circuit as an electric stove.

Do not install within a closed cabinet or a cut-out space where the bottom is covered. These can be installed under a cabinet, even if there is not a cooking surface underneath the appliance. However, the height clearances outlined in the Installation Instructions must still be met.

Health Canada states that “some microwave energy may leak from your oven while you are using it, but this would pose no known health risks, as long as the oven is properly maintained.” Old or faulty door seals are the most common causes of microwave radiation leakage.