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Microwave oven failures are different. In this article we will try to find out why the microwave sparks during operation and what to do in this case. The main reasons are: wrong cookware, magnetron malfunction or wiring short circuit.
To carry out repairs, you should first understand the principle of operation of the device.
The principle of operation of the microwave
The main unit of the microwave oven is the magnetron. It generates microwave radiation, which enters the waveguide through the antenna. He distributes the waves inside the chamber. Under their influence, the liquid molecules in the products begin to vibrate, heating the food. Therefore, when turned on, the chamber must be loaded so that the energy released is absorbed. If this does not happen, a “standing wave” is formed, which will lead to sparking, and in the future to breakage.
When preparing small portions of food, put a cup of water in the cooking space as well. So the radiation is better distributed, and the products do not dry out.
To protect people from exposure, the device has special protection. Therefore, the door must be tightly closed, and the body must not have mechanical damage.
Causes of malfunctions, sparks
Compliance with the operating rules guarantees long and reliable operation of the microwave oven. Let’s recall some of them:
- never turn on the device if the chamber is empty;
- do not reheat food in metal utensils.
In microwave ovens, there are weak points in which breakdowns most often occur. Consider them to understand why the device began to spark.
The microwave sparks if:
- Utensils made of metal or having a metallized coating on the rims are used, in the figure.
- The mica cover of the magnetron burned out.
- There are chips on the enamel coating of the camera.
- The cord or plug of the power cord has a short.
What is the problem when the oven cracks, shoots, suddenly sparkles during operation? The effect can be caused by the use of metal utensils. An electric arc occurs between the body and the container. It is enough to stop the process of work and remove the dishes. Read about which utensils can not be used.
How to fix a sparking microwave
In diagnostics, the main thing is attentiveness and accuracy, which will not allow you to miss the little things and help you find faults.
When starting repairs, turn off the control panel and mains power. Remove the housing by unscrewing the screws on the back of the device.
Before inspecting the indoor units and assemblies, check if there is any noticeable damage on the plug and the input of the power cord into the device, if the wire is pierced.
Make sure the fuse thread is not burned.
One of the main causes of sparks and crackling is damage to the mica plate.
It serves to protect the main units from splashes of grease and liquid, distributes microwaves evenly in the chamber. It has low thermal conductivity and high moisture resistance. If it is out of order, we will see that smoke has gone, fire is sparkling.
Attention! The microwave can last for some time without a mica lid. To be on the safe side, cover food containers when reheating.
Repair or replacement of a mica plate is quite capable of being carried out by any owner. Read more about what to do if mica burned out in the microwave in another article.
If it burns, smokes, sparkles, first find out its condition. Perhaps the part is simply dirty, swollen with moisture, or has scratches. Then it is enough to remove it, gently wipe it from splashes and grease, or simply turn it on the other side. In this case, make new mounting holes and reinstall.
If cracks, other damage are found on the plate, or if you clearly make sure that it is broken, replace it without fail.
A new one, corresponding to the size and parameters of the old one, can be purchased at a distribution network or an online store. Make it on your own and on your own. Mica is sold in hardware stores. Choose according to the characteristics of the product and the size larger than your part.
Please note that the material must not:
- Accumulate electricity.
- Melt and emit harmful substances.
- Skip steam.
You will need:
- sharp knife;
- locksmith ruler;
- punch;
- fine sandpaper.
After cleaning and washing the camera, remove the worn-out plate by disconnecting its fasteners. After taking measurements from the old one, mark the purchased material. Carefully cut out the workpiece, as mica is very fragile. Clean the edges with sandpaper and punch holes for fasteners.
Before installing the part in place, check the cap that protects the magnetron. Replace it if necessary.
After assembling the oven, check its operation at full power, be sure to place food in it.
Suitable for plate and food grade plastic. It is more durable, but also more expensive. The manufacturing and replacement process is the same.
It happens that the microwave burns or smokes due to chipped enamel inside.
Such damage occurs when the chamber is overloaded with a large amount of food. Dishes during rotation of the tray touches the inner coating, damaging it. If the microwave oven then crackles or catches fire during operation, this may be due to the mentioned problem. After all, enamel not only serves for cleanliness, but also is an insulator for the metal base of the apparatus.
Damaged areas must be painted over. To do this, clean and wash the camera.
Clean damaged areas with sandpaper and degrease. Store-bought refractory food enamel, process them in several layers.
After the paint has dried, check the operation of the device.
As you have seen, everyone can detect and eliminate the causes of microwave sparking. The tips above will help you with this. Successful repair!