Top > INSTALLATION > Installing the Microwave Oven > Step 4: Prepare the Wall and Upper Cabinet

Step 4: Prepare the Wall and Upper Cabinet

Warning

  • To avoid personal injury or property damage, do not attempt to install this microwave oven if you cannot find a wall stud. Consult a carpenter or contractor.

Measure and Attach Templates

  • Using a plumb line and (metal) measuring tape, find and mark the vertical center line on the back wall of the opening.

  • Find and mark one or two points where the studs are on the wall. (Studs are normally 16 inches apart.) Then measure and mark the stud locations. If you cannot find any wall studs, consult a local building contractor.

  • Draw a vertical line on the wall at the center of the 30″ wide opening.

    Note

    • Be sure the minimum width is 30 inches.

  • Center the rear wall template b in the space by lining up the plumb line on the wall with the centerline on the template. Then securely tape or tack the rear wall template in place. Make sure the minimum width is 30 inches and that the top of the rear wall template is located a minimum of 30 inches above the cooking surface.

    Measure the bottom of the upper cabinet frame. Trim edges A, B, and C on the upper cabinet template a so that the template will fit on the bottom of the upper cabinet. If the upper cabinet has a recessed frame, trim the template so it fits inside the recessed area. If needed, the template can be trimmed inside the printed trim lines, as long as you are able to align the centerline correctly. Align the centerline of the upper cabinet template with the centerline of the rear wall template, then securely tape or tack the upper cabinet template in place.

Warning

  • To avoid risk of personal injury, electric shock or death:

    - Note where electrical outlets and electrical wires are before you drill into the wall.

    - Locate and disconnect power to any electrical circuits that could be affected by installing this oven.

  • To avoid risk of personal injury, electric shock or death, cover the edge of the power supply cord hole with the power supply cord bushing.

Drill Holes in Wall and Cabinet

  • Drill holes on the circles. If there is a stud, drill a 3/16" hole for lag screws. If there is no stud, drill a 3/4" hole for toggle bolts. Make sure to use at least 1 lag screw in a stud, and 2 toggle screws in the drywall or the plaster.

  • Drill a 3/8” hole at points J and K on the upper cabinet template.

    If the bottom of the upper cabinet is recessed 3/4" or more, you will need 2"x 2" filler blocks b (not included) to provide additional support for the bolts.

    a Cabinet front

    c Cabinet bottom shelf

    Mark the center of each filler block and drill a 3/8” diameter hole at the marks.

    Align filler blocks b over the two openings in the top of the microwave oven cabinet and attach to the cabinet with masking tape.

  • Cut or drill a 2" diameter hole at the area marked "M power supply cord hole" on the upper cabinet template. If the upper cabinet is metal, you will need to cover the edge of the hole with the power supply cord bushing (supplied) to prevent damage to the cord from the rough metal edge.

  • Cut out the venting areas (with the saber saw)

    • Roof-venting: cut out the shaded area marked L on the upper cabinet template.

    • Wall-venting: cut out the shaded area marked F on the rear wall template.

    • Room-venting: go to Step 5: Install the Mounting Plate.

  • Complete whichever venting system you have chosen. Use caulking compound to seal the exterior wall or roof opening around the wall cap or roof cap.