I am unsuccessfully attempting to post a photo from my phone. At this point I will most likely have to post a picture in the morning when I get home

Here is a photo.

{{gwi:2137775}}

>>>>>Post deleted by elltwo because of the existence of the annoying popups

This post was edited by elltwo on Fri, Jan 9, 15 at 12:10

The wire coming out of the wall through a hole in the drywall is fine for NM provided there isn't any risk of physical damage.

The connection needs to be made in a box. Many built-in appliances can be installed with the connections made internal to the unit which would be acceptable. However having wirenuts out in space (presuming the circuit is live) is not.

You keep coming here spouting this drivel, and i don't know why. Maybe the LA inspectors have funny ideas of how the NEC reads, but what your saying is not true here on the east coast (and we're a whole lot closer to Batterymarch Park).

This is even more dubious than your last argument. Behind a fixed microwave that can't be reached isn't going to be subject to any damage.

This post was edited by ronnatalie on Sat, Jan 10, 15 at 9:28

How and why did this come to be as it is?
I suspect that the electrician installed the cable intended for the microwave. That was before any drywall, cabinets or appliances. The drywallers cut the slot and pulled the end of the cable out as we see it. The decision was made by the homeowners or the builder to use a kitchen range with built-in microwave. So the cable was left unused.
Probably that cable is not powered but should be tested to see if it is energized. It probably can be used for a microwave if it can be properly connected and overcurrent protected at the panel.

Just reroute the cable to the cabinet above the microwave, install a receptacle and plug your microwave into it.

Ignore "a_custom_electric". Despite what he thinks, there is not enough room behind a microwave/hood to install a surface mount box. Nor is there enough room to for the cord to plug in to a recessed receptacle.

Yes it does have the free standing copper wire. The wires are longer than they look.

In general what I am understanding is that I need to have an electrician come and test if the wires are live and ideally route them up to the top cabinet to a box. I understand the idea that I could put the box behind the microwave but then I would have to pull out the microwave before I could unplug it. I'm not sure how long wires need to be to install a box but they would definately be long enough to route through the cabinet with room to spare.

I read somewere (Not sure of the validity) that a microwave needs to be on its own circuit. Would this wire meet that requirement and is it necessary. If it wouldn't meet the requirement would an electrician have to rewire a new independant circuit? I am worried about this becoming a project where I would have to remove my cabinets and cut out drywall and spend alot more money. If that is the case I would rather drill a few holes in the side cabinet and use the plug on the wall even if its not hidden.

Thanks in advance for your help guys, I really appreciate it

The installation of type NM cable is defined under article 334.10 (3) in the National Electric Code (NEC)

NEC 334.10 (3) states
(3) In other structures of Type III, IV, and V construction (except as prohibited in Section 334.12), cables shall be concealed within walls, floors, or ceilings that provide a thermal barrier of material that has at least a 15-minute finish rating as identified in listings of fire rated assemblies.

Nikkode lives in a house which is Type V construction and falls under those rules of the code.

Last time I checked, the NEC applied to all of the U.S.. Not just California.
And a microwave that can be knocked off of a shelf doesn't count as fire rated protection.

Different cities and states may have more strict requirements than the NEC for various types of installations, like grounding and lighting installations.

The above is NOT correct. Yes the code applies outside of California (alas it is not universal and the local jurisdictions are not obliged to be MORE restrictive. Some adopt it verbatim, so have stricter additions, some have less strict modifcations, some have completely different changes to it).

But as far as the NEC is concerned, 334.10(3) doesn't apply to dwellings. Unless nikkimode is living in a non-dwelling structure none of this applies

334.10(1) covers the likely situation (single and two family dwellings) regardless of construction and 334.10(2) covers multifamily dwellings. Neither of these sections prohibit exposed use of NM. Frankly removing equipment to get to the wiring doesn't fit the definition of exposed either.

I have no idea what agenda a_custom_electric is pushing, but it's incorrect with regard to the code.

Here is the code for those who can read for themselves:

334.10 Uses Permitted
Type NM, Type NMC, and Type NMS cables shall be permitted to be used in the following, except as prohibited in 334.12:
(1) One- and two-family dwellings and their attached or
detached garages, and their storage buildings.
(2) Multi-family dwellings permitted to be of Types III, IV,
and V construction.
(3) Other structures permitted to be of Types III, IV, and V construction.
Cables shall be concealed within walls, floors, or
ceilings that provide a thermal barrier of material that has
at least a 15-minute finish rating as identified in listings
of fire-rated assemblies.

This post was edited by ronnatalie on Mon, Jan 12, 15 at 8:55