Frigidaire Gallery Microwave Installation: A Guide for U.S. Consumers

The Frigidaire Gallery Series microwave, specifically models FGBM15WCVF and FGMV173KW, requires careful installation to ensure proper operation and adherence to safety standards. These over-the-range microwaves are designed for use with standard 12-inch wall cabinets and necessitate attention to mounting space, wall construction, and electrical grounding. Installation is the responsibility of the installer, and product failure resulting from improper installation is not covered under warranty. The documentation stresses the importance of saving and keeping the installation instructions for future reference and potential inspection.

Installation Prerequisites

Prior to commencing installation, several prerequisites must be met. The documentation indicates that installation requires basic mechanical and electrical skills. It is recommended that two people perform the installation. If a new electrical outlet is needed, a qualified electrician must complete the installation before proceeding with the microwave oven installation. The documentation emphasizes the importance of reading all instructions thoroughly before beginning.

Mounting Space Requirements

The Frigidaire Gallery Series microwave requires a specific mounting space, as illustrated in Figure 1 within the provided installation instructions. The unit is designed to be used with standard 12-inch wall cabinets. The required dimensions include:

12 inches width
15.5 inches depth
A minimum of 2 inches of backsplash clearance
A minimum of 30 inches of space from the cooking surface, extending to 30 inches or more.

Proper mounting is crucial, as the mounting surfaces must be capable of supporting a combined weight of 110 pounds. This weight includes the microwave oven itself, its contents, and any items normally stored in the cabinet above the unit.

Wall Construction Considerations

The wall against which the microwave is mounted must meet specific construction requirements. The documentation specifies that the wall should be flat and vertical for proper installation. If the wall is not flat, spacers should be used to fill any gaps. The minimum wall construction should consist of 2” x 4” wood studding, with a thickness of at least ³⁄. The documentation does not specify the maximum allowable stud spacing.

Electrical Grounding Instructions

The documentation references electrical grounding instructions, located on page 2 of the installation manual, but does not provide details within the provided source material. It is stated that a qualified electrician should be consulted if a new electrical outlet is required. The documentation does not specify voltage or amperage requirements.

Documentation Availability

Several manuals and user guides are available for the Frigidaire FGMV173KW Gallery Series Microwave. These include:

L'usage Et L'entretien (French language use and care manual)
Use & Care Manual (English language)
Uso Y Cuidado (Spanish language)
Installation Instructions Manual
Wiring Diagram

The documentation provided by Frigidaire emphasizes the importance of retaining these instructions for both the installer and the consumer.

Importance of Proper Installation

The documentation repeatedly stresses that proper installation is the sole responsibility of the installer. Failure to install the microwave correctly may void the warranty. The documentation advises installers to leave the instructions with the consumer for future reference.

Conclusion

The Frigidaire Gallery Series microwave installation requires adherence to specific guidelines regarding mounting space, wall construction, and electrical connections. The documentation highlights the need for basic mechanical and electrical skills, and recommends a two-person installation. Proper installation is critical to ensure safe and reliable operation, and failure to follow instructions may invalidate the product warranty. Access to the provided manuals and user guides is essential for a successful installation.

Sources

The provided source material is insufficient to produce a 2000-word article. Below is a factual summary based on available data.