Installation Height of vented microwave

[Brian2147]

If someone can quote some codes. Do the manufacturers instructions take president and become “code” or California building or mechanical code take over. According to the measurements stated online from GE and the instructions manual, all the numbers are in their guidelines, and A LOT Of money went in to these custom cabinets. The inspector said the space between the (electric) stove top and the microwave must be 24 inches. I don’t know if the inspector is right or wrong, lazy, bad mood etc. You can’t just say something did not pass and not reference a code/rule and a the reasoning why when asked. Any help would be greatly appreciated

 

[ss3964spd]

Locale building codes always take precedent, Brian, regardless of what the manufacturers state. You can certainly try to plead a case with your inspector using manufacturers installation instructions and specific sections from the locale code(s), but at the end of the day the code enforcement office will have the final say.

 

[Sponsor]

 

[Stuff]

24" is enough for some to need to climb on the stove to get to the microwave. Give the inspector another call asking for documentation. If you don't get anything then call their boss/code or zone enforcement office.

 

[ImOld]

I feel for you but as a Californian, you should be used to "different" rules.

California State Code

California building codes specify that any range hood, including microwaves, installed above the stove must be a minimum of 24 inches away from the surface of the stove top if the hood is made of a noncombustible material. If the range hood or microwave is combustible, it must be installed a minimum of 30 inches away from the surface of the stove top. There are no codes pertaining to the width or overall size of the microwave, as there are with standard range hoods.

 

[Stuff]

That sucks. The California requirement does explain some of the strange low profile microwaves out there.

This one is less than 10 1/2" high: https://www.whirlpool.com/kitchen/c...le-microwave-hood-combination.wml55011hs.html