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I plan on creating a new circuit and running 12/2 to my microwave for an dedicated circuit. The current outlet for the microwave is old wiring running through conduit. The wiring comes in through a junction box labeled A, then runs about 3 feet over before dropping down the wall labeled B, and that runs into the microwave outlet box. It looks like that box A is already pretty crowded so it doesn't seem like the best option to run the new microwave circuit wire through the conduit via box A.

I would think the easiest solution would be just to put in a second outlet box and then run the new wire directly to it? I would have two outlets in the cabinet above the microwave, one dedicated to the microwave. Also, how can I tell what the capacity is of the old light/junction box that is running conduit? Maybe the box isn't overly crowded.

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  • Can you gain access to the innards of box A to measure it?
    – ThreePhaseEel
    Dec 12, 2018 at 4:26
  • Just curious why conduit and romex in that location? Running to a new box for a second outlet may be an issue with so many pipes going into A.
    – Ed Beal
    Dec 12, 2018 at 15:58

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Here's the good news. You have figured out two methods of running your new circuit and both of them work. As a DIY'er probably the best method for you to take would be to run the 12/2 to a new box.

As an electrician I would look at trying to run the conductors in the conduit. The magic number is 40% fill for the conduit and boxes. So you would need to know the number and type of insulation of each existing conductor and the size and insulation of the new circuit. Once you have that information you would need to go to the Table section of the NEC and run the calculations to see if everything would work. Also you would have to determine how you were going to make the transition from the existing circuitry and feed over to the new receptacle. This seems to me to be a little overwhelming to someone with limited experience.

So I would suggest you use the old KISS (keep it simple stupid) method and just run a new circuit. The only reason I would think about using the conduit was if it became really difficult to run the NM.

Hope this helps and good luck.

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  • I understand how to calculate the existing conductors, but I just don't know what size the old box is. Are old boxes stamped inside or is simply measuring the box is how I need to figure volume?
    – junta
    Dec 13, 2018 at 4:05
  • Also, currently the wires drop down to the microwave receptacle and then feed back up over to another ceiling junction box, which you can see in the second pic. As previously mentioned, the house has 70 years of electrical projects hence conduit and Romex mixed. Keeping it simple seems like the best bet. I was hoping to keep it cleaner without creating a new box, but that seems like it may not be worth it.
    – junta
    Dec 13, 2018 at 4:26
  • @junta - Can you identify the box? Standard box sizes and box fill can be found at NEC Table 314.16(A), but if there are different size conductors or there is a device in the box then you will need to go through the calculations. Everything you need to calculate fill is in NEC Article 314.16. Unless there are unusual exceptions, but I doubt there are in your situation. Good lick
    – Retired Master Electrician
    Dec 13, 2018 at 13:23

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