Microwave Installation . . . ELCI or GFCI ???

[tpenfield]

Greetings,

I am installing a 700watt microwave on my boat (see signature), which comes as an option on the boat, but mine was not so equipped.

Anyway, there is the circuit breaker for the microwave, but there is no wiring running to it. I'll be adding the wiring (12 AWG triplex), and I do need to think about ground fault protect/current leakage.

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My understanding is that ELCI (equipment leakage circuit interrupt) breakers can be used as a GFCI, or the AC outlet itself can be the more typical GFCI.

I am wondering what approach would be best . . . I'm thinking the ELCI type of circuit breaker as the microwave will be installed in a cabinet as per the OEM location. As such, I'm thinking a GFCI behind the unit will be a problem, as resetting it will require removal of the microwave from the cabinet.

I'm currently roughing-in the wiring and planning for outlet & connectivity.

Here is a picture of the same boat with the OEM installation of the microwave. The cabinet to the left is walled-off from the cabinet space where the microwave goes.

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I'm thinking an ELCI circuit breaker on the electrical panel will be the best option, but my electrical expertise is only mid-range.

TIA for any advice on this.

 

[tpenfield]

I went with the GFCI approach since the other AC outlets are done that way.

This required a small access hole in the partition between the 2 cabinets, so I could get my hand in there to reset the GFCI if ever needed.
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Snaking the Triplex wiring was a whole lot of 'fun' There are not many open passageways in the sides of the boat, and for the ones that exist there is a lot of 'stuff' in there.
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Anyway - it took most of the day, but the power is all hooked up, microwave installed, and it actually works !!!