How to Mount an Over-Range Microwave

Turn the power off to the kitchen circuit. Label the breaker so that someone does not accidentally turn the power on while you are working. Locate the studs in the wall using a stud finder. Mark the location of each stud using a pencil. Place the mounting template that came with the microwave on the wall. Adjust it using the level to be sure you will be marking the correct locations for the mounting hardware. Try to line it up so that the screws will all go into studs.

Mark the locations for the hardware on the wall using a pencil. Drill the holes to accommodate the bracket mounting screws using the drill and a drill bit in the wall and the bottom of the cabinet. If any of the mounting screws will miss a stud, drill the holes large enough to accept the toggle bolt anchors in that area. Attach the mounting bracket to the wall using the hardware that came with the installation kit. Tighten the screws and toggle anchors using a screwdriver.

Connect the electrical wire to the microwave oven. Red or black is hot, white or gray is neutral. The ground wire will be green, or a bare wire. Connect the wires accordingly and twist wire nuts onto each splice. Install the cover on the wire box and tighten the screws with a screwdriver. Lift the microwave oven into place at the mounting bracket with a helper. As you raise the microwave into place, feed the electrical wire through the cabinet.

Hook the microwave into the mounting bracket. Secure the mounting screws through the cabinet and into the top of the microwave. Tighten the screws using a screwdriver. Connect the electrical wires to the kitchen circuit. Install wire nuts on the splices by twisting them on. Wrap the wire nuts with electrical tape after you install the wire nuts. Turn the power on to the kitchen circuit at the breaker box.

Attach the louver at the top of the microwave by snapping it into place. Install the charcoal filter and vent screen on the microwave. Program the microwave according to manufacturer instructions for your specific brand.