Thanks to all who replied with very practical, safe and cost effective tips. Here is the scoop - I waited till a quiet weekend to investigate deeper  Fact 1: The circuit breaker is rated 15AMP. Fact 2: The wire is 14 gauge, which means I can not just replace the breaker with a 20AMP one. Fact 3: There are other lights on the same circuit some also in the kitchen although there is another circuit in the kitchen with outlets. Fact 4: Microwave is rated 120 V, 1000W -- 13 Amps (Microwave), 13 Amps (Heater). Code / Safe Practice 1: Microwave should be on its own circuit. Code / Safe Practice 2: This circuit should be run using wire rated 20AMP (12 gauge). Code / Safe Practice 3: The breaker for circuit should be 20AMP. What Next 1: Run new 20 AMP circuit with 20 AMP breaker for the microwave. What Next 2: Replace the 15 AMP breaker to diagnose problem - although without using microwave this breaker has not trippd ever before. Thanks again. Hope everyone agrees that this is the safe thing to do. Regards, |
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