This article describes simple safety checks and initial steps that you can take to get a microwave oven working again, or to decide that it's time to buy a new device, or that you would be smart to call an appliance repair person.
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Microwave Oven Inspection & Repair
As adapted (with permission) and expanded from Carson Dunlop Associates Home Reference Guide:
Watch out: Microwave safety components must remain in place and be un-damaged.
All microwave ovens have a double interlock system to prevent operation when the door latch is released. In addition, a computerized monitoring system stops the oven if one or both of the interlocking systems fail.
The microwave oven door seal is designed to prevent leakage of microwave energy, and the glass window on the oven door is shielded with a metal screen. Because of the strict safety standards, owner service and disassembly are discouraged.
Most manufacturers will void their warranties if the oven has been tampered with. Service technicians can check microwave ovens for leakage.
Microwave ovens should never be turned on when empty, since this may damage the magnetron.
An inoperative microwave may be the result of no electrical power, a faulty control system, or a faulty magnetron.
A service technician should be contacted if any problems with the door are suspected. The door gasket should seal tightly, and the microwave should shut off when the door latch is opened.
Microwave ovens should not be installed above cooktops unless they are rated for this
location. The manufacturer’s installation guide will usually indicate this.
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Citations & References
In addition to any citations in the article above, a full list is available on request.
In addition to citations & references found in this article, see the research citations given at the end of the related articles found at our suggested
Carson, Dunlop & Associates Ltd., 120 Carlton Street Suite 407, Toronto ON M5A 4K2. Tel: (416) 964-9415 1-800-268-7070 Email: [email protected]. Alan Carson is a past president of ASHI, the American Society of Home Inspectors.
Carson Dunlop Associates provides extensive home inspection education and report writing material. In gratitude we provide links to tsome Carson Dunlop Associates products and services.