Why do my lights dim when the microwave turns on?

It sounds like the lights and the microwave are on the same circuit breaker. Try plugging the microwave into another outlet and see what happens. If it still happens then plug the microwave into an outlet outside of the kitchen and see what happens. Most kitchens outlets are connected to one circuit breaker. The light should not be wired to the outlet breaker. I suggest calling an electrician to correct the problem.

If your lights flicker or dim whenever you turn on an appliance (e.g. a washing machine, vacuum cleaner, or microwave) then you're beginning to overload your circuit. Each home electrical circuit has a limit on just how much power it can draw.

It sounds like a circuit that may be overloaded. Call a professional electrician to take a look.

A circuit overload is what it sounds like, good advice from William to trouble shoot it.

Call an electrician to fix this wiring problem.

Hi Amy, hope this helps you out. If your lights flicker or dim whenever you turn on an appliance (e.g. a washing machine, vacuum cleaner, or microwave) then you're beginning to overload your circuit. Each home electrical circuit has a limit on just how much power it can draw. At this stage it isn’t really a problem, but if you plan to add heavier load devices it's advises moving them to a separate circuit, or having a new circuit installed to account for the heavier load.

I had that happen a long time ago. I had to update my circuit breaker to handle the additional power

I would advise having your microwave put on a single breaker. It probably pulls too much power, especially if you have other things running. Most people have 1 breaker for the kitchen except stove/oven. I have 3 in mine so I don't have any issues but at our farm I can't run the microwave and air fryer at the same time or the breaker will flip, especially if the refrigerator cuts on. Electric skillet is another large pull.

you may have an overloaded circuit breaker call a professional to fix this for you

Call in an electrician, sounds as if there is a problem!

Thanks everyone, it was an overload and the electrician put the microwave on its own circuit so the lights have stopped dimming🙂

It definitely sounds like they're wired to the same circuit which isn't ideal. Your best bet is to have an electrician come by and take a look. The microwave should be separate from the lights.