Damage to the microwave oven is 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 causes are improper utensils, a magnetron malfunction, or a shorted wiring.
To carry out repairs, you should first understand the principle of the device.
The principle of operation of the microwave
The main unit of the microwave is the magnetron. It generates microwave radiation, which through the antenna hits the waveguide. He distributes the waves inside the camera. Under their influence, the liquid molecules in the products begin to vibrate, heating the food. Therefore, when you turn on the camera must be loaded so that the released energy is absorbed. If this does not happen, a “standing wave” is formed, which will lead to sparking, and subsequently to breakage.
When cooking small portions of food, put in a chamber and a cup of water. So the radiation is better distributed, and the products do not dry out.
To protect people from radiation, the device has special protection. Therefore, the door should be tightly closed, and the body should not have mechanical damage.
Causes of malfunctions, sparking
Compliance with the rules of operation guarantees a long and reliable operation of the microwave. Recall some of them:
- never turn on the device if the camera is empty;
- Do not reheat food in metal dishes.
In microwave ovens, there are weak points in which breakdowns most often occur. Consider them to understand why the device began to spark.
Microwave sparks if:
- Used dishes made of metal or having a metallized coating on the rims, in the figure.
- The mica cover of the magnetron burned out.
- There are chips on the enamel coating of the chamber.
- Shortens the wire or plug of the power cord.
What is the problem when the furnace pops during operation, shoots, suddenly sparkles? The effect may cause the use of metal utensils. An electric arc arises between the housing and the container. It is enough to stop the process and remove the dishes. Read which cookware cannot be used.
How to fix a sparkling microwave
In diagnostics, the main thing is attentiveness and accuracy, which will not allow you to miss the little things and help to 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 unit.
Before inspecting the indoor units and assemblies, check for visible damage on the plug and the input of the power cord into the device, or if the wire breaks.
Check if the fuse thread has blown.
One of the main causes of sparks and cod is damage to the mica plate.
It serves to protect the main blocks from splashes of fat 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, the fire sparkles.
Attention! A microwave can serve for some time without a mica cover. For safety, only cover dishes with food when reheating.
Repair or replacement of the mica plate is quite capable of any owner. Read more about what to do if mica burned in the microwave, read in another article.
If it burns, smokes, sparkles, first find out its condition. The part may have become dirty, swollen from moisture, or scratched. Then it is enough to remove it, gently wipe it from splashes and grease, or simply turn it with the other side. In this case, make new mounting holes and reinstall.
If cracks, other damages are found on the plate, or if it is clear that it has broken, replace it without fail.
A new one, corresponding to the size and parameters of the old one, can be purchased in a trading network or online store. To make it by forces and independently. Mica is sold in hardware stores. Choose according to product specifications and size larger than your part.
Pay attention, the material should not:
- Accumulate electricity.
- Melting and releasing harmful substances.
- Skip steam.
You will need:
- sharp knife;
- bench scale;
- punch;
- fine sand paper.
After cleaning and washing the camera, remove the defective plate by disconnecting its fasteners. After taking measurements from the old, apply markup on the purchased material. Carefully cut the workpiece, as the mica is very fragile. Strip the edges with sandpaper and punch holes for fasteners.
Before reinstalling the part, check the cap that protects the magnetron. Replace it if necessary.
Having assembled the oven, check its operation at full power, be sure to place food in it.
Suitable for plates 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 is burning or smoking due to enamel chips inside.
Such damage occurs when the camera is overloaded with a large number of products. When the pan rotates, the dishes touch the inner coating, damaging it. If the microwave oven later cracked or caught fire during operation, this may be due to the aforementioned malfunction. After all, enamel not only serves for cleanliness, but also is an insulator for the metal base of the device.
Damaged areas must be painted over. To do this, clean and wash the camera.
Strip damaged areas with sandpaper and degrease. Bought refractory food enamel purchased in the store, 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!