What is the cost to add a new electrical circuit for a built-in microwave.
By
on
March 22nd, 2008
Hi,
I’d like to remodel my kitchen and add a built-in microwave. I’m not sure I’m using the correct terminology, but basically I want it over the range. I read that built-in microwaves need their own circuit. Since my house is older, I’m assuming I will have to add a circuit. Does anyone know how much this will cost for an elctrician to do this. My house is a split level, if that helps. Thanks for any info.
eroundy1965 says:
usually a electrician will charge around 60.00 to add a outlet.Some may charge more just for the trip. There shouldn’t be much work involved to add one. Make sure you have a minimal of 30 inch from the top of your cook top to the bottom of your cabinet above.
March 22nd, 2008 at 3:34 pm
OSUTaylor says:
I do agree that you will most likely have to add a circuit to dedicate for the microwave since some of them draw a lot of amps. If your home is old like mine, you might only have a 100amp service (main circuit breaker). The trick would be to see if you are using all 100 amps to all your circuits. Open your circuit breaker and add up all of the breakers. They should numbers on them such as 10, 20 30, etc. If you are using up all 100 for instance than then it might get very expensive. Most electricians charge about $60/hr plus hardware. The best case scenario would be $150 in hardware (breaker, wire and outlet) and an estimated 4 hrs of time (~$250) So my best guess would be $400.
I am not an electrician, so take my advice with a grain of salt. If it were me, I would call around and see who does free estimates.
March 22nd, 2008 at 4:11 pm
Tatnic says:
you definately want a dedicated, separate, 20 amp circuit for the microwave or it won’t operate at peak levels and that’s not good (ie if anything else is drawing power from that circuit while the micro is trying to operate, you’ll hear it drop off and run much slower.now, if you can control what goes on and off and are comfortable with that arrangement, then go for it on an existing circuit.)
But to get a price for running a separate wire from the breaker panel is something that you’ll need an electrician to look at.its a function of length and accessibility, ie which means labor costs. The material costs will be a new breaker (a few bucks), 12-2 wire (not so cheap any more), and a new receptacle and box (a few bucks). The labor will be the big cost but you should do it.and while he’s at it, have him check the fridge to make sure its on its own dedicated circuit as well.the cost of running an extra wire is miniscule if he’s already there, ie its just the cost of the wire and not more labor.
March 22nd, 2008 at 4:51 pm