Precautionary measures
In order for a household appliance to work properly and for a long time, certain rules and conditions must be observed during operation.
- Keep the microwave clean.
- When cleaning, avoid using hard and abrasive substances and sponges.
- Do not turn on an empty device.
- When heating food, cover it with a special cap.
- Do not place metal objects or dishes with gold, silver or copper trim in the microwave.
- If areas with damaged enamel are found, do not use the device.
- Do not operate the device for more than one and a half hours. This may cause some internal parts to overheat.
Preventive measures
To make your microwave last a long time, follow a few simple rules:
- regularly clean the camera from dirt;
- do not turn on the device empty;
- do not use metal utensils;
- do not overload the oven with a large amount of food;
- If possible, cover dishes with special plastic lids for microwaves.
You need to clean not only the camera, but also the plate and other components. The equipment can be equipped with a spit, grill and other devices that also need to be cleaned regularly. By regularly caring for the device, you will extend its service life and avoid malfunctions.
Household appliances Microwave oven
Fault prevention
After using the microwave for a long time, let it cool down.
Proper care and operation in accordance with the instructions will extend the life of the microwave oven:
- regularly wash interior surfaces;
- use glass and porcelain dishes
- make sure that no foreign objects get into the camera;
- use the grill only for baking;
- do not close the lids tightly;
- do not place large containers that, when rotated, rub along the surface of the chamber;
- the foil covering the food must have holes at a distance of more than 2 cm from the edge of the plate;
- Do not put eggs or nuts in the cooking chamber.
When washing the oven chamber, inspect the enamel. Cracks and chips in the coating expose the metal of the case and cause crackling and sparking.
It is advisable to cover the dish for baking meat or place the food in a deep dish so that fat does not splash onto the walls and the protective mica plate.
If handled with care, your microwave will last for years. If it starts sparking, calmly figure out the cause and repair it yourself.
Prevention to prevent the microwave from sparking
Every person wants their equipment to last as long as possible, since repairs or upgrades are often expensive. That is why it is necessary to pay attention to cleaning and follow some rules:
- Regularly wash the inner chamber from grease, but it is not recommended to use harsh cleaning agents - they can damage the enamel.
- Do not turn on the oven empty.
- Do not use metal utensils.
- Don't load your camera to capacity.
- Cover the plates with a special plastic cap.
It is also necessary to regularly clean all additional equipment: a glass plate, a grill grate or skewer, a two-level heating grid and a plastic cap.
Regular care and compliance with the rules of use will significantly increase its service life. Use the microwave oven only for its intended purpose, then it will work properly for many years.
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Do-it-yourself mica for the microwave: repairing a mica diffuser
The microwave diffuser is a thin mica plate that, if dirty or damaged, can cause cracking and sparking noises. If you see that the microwave sparks when turned on, this small part may well be subject to self-repair.
It is possible to change the mica plate with your own hands, the main thing is to follow the recommendations in this matter
Many owners of this device decide not to carry out repairs themselves, but to contact a specialized workshop for this. This decision can also be called correct, since specialists will certainly carry out repairs quickly and efficiently. However, many owners try to fix the problem themselves. Then they need to follow some general rules of action.
Recommendations for repairing a microwave oven with your own hands if it starts sparking:
- You will have to use a sharp knife to cut out a piece of mica of the appropriate size;
- Make a hole for fasteners with a drill or punch;
- After cutting out the plates, its edges need to be treated with fine-grained sandpaper;
- Remove all dirt from exposed areas resulting from dismantling the previous mica, and only after that proceed with installing a new one.
These simple rules will help you repair your stove more efficiently and quickly. The mica wall will be restored and fire will no longer fly out of the device.
What exactly can spark?
If your microwave is sparking and you want to repair it, you need to know how the device works.
One of the main elements of the device is a magnetron, which generates electromagnetic waves. If their voltage is high, high frequency oscillations appear. If the wavelength is 12 centimeters and the frequency is 2.4 gigahertz, the microwave starts working.
To prevent microwaves from escaping outside the appliance, keep the door closed at all times. Water heats up when electromagnetic waves and molecules come into contact.
Why sparks may appear
An electrical discharge occurs when two conductors come into contact. If contact occurs, sparks will appear. Such guides can be:
- Metal utensils.
- Foil.
- Items that contain metal.
Therefore, it is forbidden to place utensils made of metal in the microwave. If foil is needed for cooking, the distance between it and the microwave should be at least 3 centimeters.
Sparks can also occur if there is a container inside the microwave that is too large. Such containers touch the walls of the heating chamber, scratching the enamel.
If the conductors come into contact, an electrical discharge appears inside, and this can lead to breakdown. This is why the microwave crackles and creates sparks.
LG microwaves crackle and spark if they are empty (no food inside).
Sparks in the microwave
Waveguide cover
The magnetron is not located inside the microwave, but in a special waveguide chamber. There is a special cap at the top of the waveguide that prevents current from leaving the chamber. Such lids are made of plastic or mica.
If dirt, grease or food particles get on the lid, they may catch fire and make a cracking noise. The electricity that hits this dirt burns it, causing sparks and crackling sounds to appear inside.
If this happens, the cover will be damaged. If it is damaged, it is unlikely that you will be able to limit yourself to just replacing the cover itself; most likely, you will have to replace the magnetron and its cap. There is no point in cleaning the lid from carbon deposits, since the burnt areas have begun to metalize. Such a malfunction is very difficult to repair on your own. You'll have to turn to the experts.
The magnetron is the most important and expensive part of a microwave oven. Its cost can exceed $100. If the magnetron is damaged, there is a chance that electromagnetic waves will burn through one of the walls of the microwave.
This is what the waveguide cover looks like
Damage to enamel
Sparks may appear if the enamel inside the microwave is damaged. Due to constant temperature changes, it begins to deteriorate. You need to buy special enamel (at a hardware store) and apply it to the walls of the microwave. Do not look for a substitute for enamel, as other solvents can lead to negative consequences.
Microwave enamels can be electrically conductive or special food grade (based on organic substances). It is recommended to apply new enamel after first removing the remnants of the old one (only those areas that are damaged).
Worn enamel
The design and principle of operation of a microwave oven
The magnetron is a key component of a microwave oven. The part visually resembles a conventional vacuum tube. The use of a magnetic field creates waves in the centimeter range, which, in turn, loosen water molecules. The dynamic vibration of liquid microparticles promotes the release of heat. It is by this principle that the food inside the microwave is heated.
The heating process takes place in a special chamber. The radiation is confined within this compartment of household appliances. Inside the chamber there is a rotating disk on which the product or dish is placed. This promotes even heat distribution. Hot air is also used to enhance heating. It is formed when the magnetron is cooled by a special fan. This air is supplied to the chamber. When one of the elements stops working, the microwave sparks and a crackling sound is heard when the device is turned on.
The effect of the action is enhanced by the use of a dissector located in the upper part of the chamber. Externally, this part resembles a miniature fan. During operation, waves are created that contribute to uniform heating of the product. Excess hot air is removed through the openings of the ventilation system.
The topic of the influence of waves that are formed during the operation of a magnetron on our body has not been fully studied. For example, they can stop the pacemaker at a distance of 30-35 cm. In this regard, it is extremely undesirable for people with such an implant to be near a working microwave oven.
If there is a crackling sound in the microwave and the thermal chamber sparks, there is absolutely no need to contact the service center. You can fix the problem yourself, but first you should find out the reason for its occurrence.
Microwave oven device
Repairing a microwave oven yourself will be easier if you have at least a little idea of its structure and the functions of its elements. Knowing the operating algorithm and which part is responsible for what, it is easier to determine the causes of failure.
Microwave or microwave oven, microwave oven - it's all about one device
Magnetron power supply
First, let's look at the microwave operating algorithm. The main working element is a magnetron. It is he who produces the waves through which food is heated. But high voltage must be supplied to it, so power (220 V) is first supplied to a high-voltage transformer, the output of which already leaves 2000 W. After the transformer there is a diode and a capacitor, which double the voltage. About 4 kW is already supplied to the magnetron. This is where the generation of microwaves begins. To prevent the magnetron from burning out during power problems, a fuse is installed in the power circuit. If it burns out, the stove does not turn on.
Basic operating components of a microwave oven
The waves emitted by the magnetron enter the working chamber, where, reflected from the walls, they are concentrated in the area where the dishes with food are installed. Since the magnetron gets very hot during operation, a fan blows over it. Warm air also enters the chamber, which speeds up heating.
To avoid overheating of the magnetron, which in this case may fail, there is a thermal fuse in its power supply circuit. If the operating mode is abnormal (the fan does not work or cannot cope with cooling), this fuse blows. Then a situation arises when the microwave works but does not heat. In this case, the plate spins, the light comes on, but the food does not heat up.
Door lock
The waves emitted by the magnetron can “heat up” everything that gets in their way. Therefore, the microwave oven should not be operated with the door open. All waves must remain inside the chamber. Therefore, locking buttons are installed in the transformer power circuit. They only close when the door is closed, the door latches close the contacts, and power is supplied to the transformer.
Main functional elements
Sometimes the microwave does not turn on precisely because the door lock does not work. This could be a foreign object that has gotten into the door latch holes, burnt or loose contacts. In this case, repairing a microwave oven yourself consists of replacing the contact group. You can handle this on your own.
Movable table
To ensure that food is heated evenly in the microwave, it has a movable glass table. At the bottom of the chamber there is a guide roller on which a glass tabletop-plate is installed. On the bottom of the tabletop there are certain shaped protrusions that cling to the protrusions of the guide roller. Since the tabletop plate is large, so that it does not warp, a plastic ring with small wheels is installed under it. It makes the table easier to move.
The microwave does not heat. One of the reasons is that the table does not spin
The roller is driven by a motor, which receives power when the door is closed. Sometimes the microwave works, but heats food unevenly because the table has stopped rotating. This can be seen through the closed door. The reason is failure of the motor, breakage of the ring with rollers. In this case, repairing a microwave oven yourself means replacing the motor or guide ring.
Rear view with cover removed
Knowing how a microwave works is not enough to repair it yourself. You also need to have an idea of what the parts look like and where they are located. To begin repairing a microwave oven yourself, you will have to remove the casing. All elements are under it.
The back of the microwave
There are many models of microwave ovens, but the layout is usually the same. The magnetron and its power circuit are located on the right side (when viewed from behind). There is also a fan here. On the left there is a control unit, there are also locks and door locking devices. That's all, actually.
Burnt diffuser plate
The mica plate can burn out if grease and dirt get behind the gasket. In this case, the metal begins to burn through, and the magnetron will be damaged.
In 80% of cases, it is due to the combustion of the mica plate that the microwave begins to make strange noises and sparkle. The diffuser plate is located on the right side on the inner wall of the oven.
The magnetron burned out due to damage to the plate.
The magnetron burned out due to damage to the plate.
What to do in such a situation
You can repair the structure yourself. To do this you need:
- Turn off the microwave.
- Short-circuit the magnetron and capacitor.
- Check the condition of the mica. If it is damaged, replace the plate. It can be attached to the wall with self-tapping screws or plastic latches.
- Remove the magnetron.
- Check the cap. If it is intact and unburned, install the magnetron in place. If the cap is damaged, replace it. If there is no cap at all, you will have to replace the magnetron.
The mica plate is needed to pass electromagnetic waves into the chamber, which are released by the magnetron. It also serves to protect the magnetron itself from food and dirt.
You can buy a mica plate at any hardware store.
How to avoid damage to the plate
Keep the heating chamber clean. Always remove any leftover food and grease. When heating food, it is recommended to cover it with a cap or a dry napkin, then fat will not get on the plate.
Damaged plate
How to fix a microwave
Remove the broken plate from the microwave; it may be held in place with screws or latches. Attach the broken plate as a template to the purchased mica. Mark the mica.
Cut out the new part with a stationery cutter. You can drill holes or punch. Sand the edges with fine sandpaper. The plate is ready.
Having prepared the necessary part, install it in the microwave in place of the broken plate, having previously cleaned the installation site of dirt.
I hope our article was useful!
Why does a microwave oven spark during operation: reasons, solutions
Most often, the cause of such a malfunction is user inattention. Turning on a device with an empty platform, metal objects in a working device, drops of dried fat on a mica plate - this is what can cause such a nuisance. Even utensils with gold or silver rims cannot be used for microwave heating, let alone stainless steel or enameled steel utensils. Let's look at the causes of sparks and methods for eliminating them.
Microwave oven malfunctions causing cracking noises and sparks
A mica plate, if it is not promptly cleaned of any grease that has fallen on it, begins to deteriorate over time. This happens due to the heating of food debris accumulated on it. As a result, a small black speck appears on the mica plate (microwave diffuser), which quickly grows during operation of the microwave oven. The process is accompanied by smoke, sparks, and crackling sounds.
Consequences of burning a mica plate (microwave diffuser)
Crackling and sparks inside the microwave: what to do, how to troubleshoot
The first step is to thoroughly clean the inside of the microwave oven. To replace it, it is better to purchase a larger plate. Having attached the old one to it, we cut out the required shape with ordinary scissors, and sand the edges with sandpaper. Next, we mark and drill holes for the mounting screws, after which all that remains is to fix the cut plate with self-tapping screws.
Mark the outline of the old plate with a pencil and cut out a new one
IMPORTANT INFORMATION!
After removing the mica plate, pay attention to the condition of the magnetron cap. If necessary, it should also be replaced
Another cause of crackling and sparks can be peeling of the camera enamel. This happens when too large dishes are placed in the oven to heat up. It rubs against the walls, leaving scratches that lead to sparks and can easily damage the magnetron. If scratches appear, perform the following actions.
- Thoroughly wash the chamber to remove dried fat.
- Clean the scratches with sandpaper and degrease.
- We apply a primer, and then 2-3 layers of enamel (food grade, fireproof or electrically conductive).
- We wait for it to dry completely, after which the device can be used.
This kind of microwave oven cannot be used - it requires restoration and replacement of the mica plate, which is already starting to burn out.
How to extend service life
Many microwave oven owners, actual and potential, are interested in how to extend the life cycle of a home unit and prevent premature failure of the oven. Since replacing a high-voltage transformer, capacitors or magnetron is not a cheap pleasure, it is recommended to follow the operating rules of the device:
- Do not turn on the microwave empty, in idle mode. When starting a microwave oven, electricity is consumed, a large amount of heat is released, and the life of the oven parts is inevitably reduced.
- Monitor the cleanliness of the chamber and rotating table, and prevent the accumulation of food residues and fat.
- At the first signs of burning through the mica plate or any unnatural behavior of the microwave, turn off the power to the device, then carefully inspect it for damage.
Sources
- https://hozzi.ru/obustrojstvo/tehnika/mikrovolnovka-iskrit-vnutri
- https://technosovet.ru/dlya-kuhni/mikrovolnovaya-pech/iskrit-vnutri
- https://kitchen-smart.ru/prigotovlenie-edy/mikrovolnovaya-pech/iskrit-i-treshhit-vnutri.html
- https://lenbyt.ru/neispravnosti/pochemu-mikrovolnovka-iskrit-i-treshhit-vnutri-chto-delat/
- https://magnetronic.kiev.ua/nyeispravnosti-svch/mikrovolnovaya-pech-iskrit
- https://TechnoSova.ru/dlja-kuhni/mikrovolnovka/iskrit-i-treshhit-ili-gudit/
- https://tehnikoved.ru/kuhnya/mikrovolnovka/mikrovolnovka-iskrit-i-treshhit.html
- https://rem.ninja/kuhnya/tehnika/chto-delat-esli-mikrovolnovaya-pech-zaiskrila-vnutri.html
Microwave device
To make it easier to repair a microwave oven, let’s get acquainted at least in general terms with its structure. What interests us most is its “insides.”
Microwave oven device
The magnetron produces microwaves. It is connected to the camera by a rectangular waveguide. In some models, the waveguide is covered with a piece of mica (a gray-brown material similar to metal), in others it is covered with a plastic cover. The magnetron is powered by a transformer, capacitor and diode. The power supply circuit often contains a high-voltage fuse that protects the transformer from overload.
There is a fan to cool the magnetron. Warm air from the magnetron also enters the working chamber through the air duct, which speeds up the heating of food. Steam and excess air are removed from the chamber through special holes that do not allow radiation to pass through.
Microswitches for locking the closed door
To prevent the microwave oven from working with the door not tightly closed, locking microswitches are installed. As long as their buttons are not pressed (the doors are not closed), power is not supplied. When the door is opened, the power circuit is interrupted instantly. One of the reasons that the microwave oven does not turn on is the breakdown or sticking of these small parts.
The number of microswitches depends on the model. There can be from 2 to 5 pieces. Some manufacturers also use them in the start button and power control circuits. So one of the reasons why the microwave does not heat may be damage to the microswitch in the power control circuit.
An incandescent lamp is installed in the chamber for lighting. Most often it is located inside the air duct.
Operating modes are set from the control panel. It may contain electromechanical switches, or it may be based on a microprocessor. Digital control can again have options: there may be regular buttons that select the mode, or there may be a touch panel. If a problem occurs with the controls, it is better not to get into electronics without knowledge and skills. The only thing you can check is how well the conductors are holding. Everything else is only possible if you have the appropriate experience.
Probable 4 reasons
Why does it spark and crackle inside the microwave? Main reasons:
Violation of the integrity of the enamel coating
. The enamel is gradually destroyed by regular cleaning.
Damaged enamel can cause sparks.
Metal decor on dishes
. If the plates sent to the microwave oven have a metal edging, it is almost impossible to avoid sparks.
Using all-metal cookware
. Due to the design features, it is prohibited to heat such dishes (unless there are exceptions specified by the manufacturer).
Diffuser plate burnt out
.
In the photo - a diffuser or mica plate
The microwave shoots and sparks for each of the reasons listed, but the most common is always mica burning.
Determining the cause
If your microwave is sparkling or cracking, then don’t panic; even a novice technician can repair the device. The main thing is to follow expert recommendations. However, first you need to figure out why the microwave sparks? The key features have already been highlighted earlier; now let’s study this problem in more detail.
In order to determine the cause of the microwave oven sparking, it is necessary to conduct a comprehensive diagnostic
It is extremely important what the dishes in which you heat food are made of. Sometimes sparkling is a temporary effect due to the use of metal kitchen utensils
Prohibited utensils
It is strictly forbidden to use metal kitchen utensils for heating or cooking food in a microwave oven. The interaction of metal and centimeter waves is a catalyst for the occurrence of an electric arc, due to which the equipment begins to shoot, spark, and creak. Even a golden border on the edge of the plate will lead to such a negative phenomenon. The problem will disappear if you remove the prohibited utensils from the chamber. Repeated use of utensils that are too large or metallic will cause the microwave to burn out.
Mica plate
This plate is not designed to conduct current, but it is not capable of isolating a magnetic field. A component made from this material ensures uniform dispersion of the study throughout the thermal chamber. It also provides maximum protection for the magnetron antenna. Prevents premature failure of the waveguide cover.
During active operation of the microwave oven, the fat accumulated on the walls may catch fire. Ignition of the plate will lead to the appearance of an electric arc. Conducting functions are performed by plasma. All this leads to the fact that the microwave oven begins to spark and crackle, and subsequent heating of food in the microwave is impossible.
Replacing a plate is far from the most complicated process, which is quickly carried out in several stages:
- Wash the heat chamber thoroughly, removing fat from the walls.
- Adjust the new plate to the required size.
- Make holes for the fasteners.
- Secure the cover to the chamber wall using screws.
- When the work is completed, try heating any dish or product.
Damage to the enamel inside the chamber
The use of overly large kitchen utensils is strictly prohibited. For example, a pan that barely fits in the microwave will hit the walls of the chamber during rotation, damaging the enamel. The appearance of scratches and the gradual disappearance of this layer causes the device to begin to sparkle.
Analyzing what causes sparks to appear, we need to talk about washing with prohibited cleaning products
It is extremely important to regularly clean the camera by wiping its walls dry. Large accumulation of moisture is an alarm bell
Over time, excessive moisture will cause corrosion. It will all end with the appearance of an electric arc. The final result is always the same - magnetron failure.
What to do if the microwave sparks due to damaged enamel? It is necessary to treat the damaged areas with sandpaper and degrease them by applying alcohol. Then you need to cover these areas with enamel in several layers. When everything is dry, you can check. The absence of smoke indicates that the problem has been resolved.
Waveguide cover
The waves emitted by the magnetron enter the thermal chamber through a waveguide. The waveguide cover ensures proper sealing. This component is made of dielectric material. It doesn't conduct current. Mostly, this part is presented in the form of a disk.
The accumulation of various contaminants on the surface of the waveguide leads to the fact that they begin to burn. Fire is a plasma that conducts current, which creates a great danger. The formation of an electric arc leads to the appearance of sparks. If your LG microwave oven starts to sparkle, be sure to clean the air duct. Sometimes this is more than enough to fix household appliances.
Appliance socket and plug
In some situations, sparks inside the microwave occur due to breakdowns outside the thermal chamber. A broken socket or damaged power cord are common causes of various malfunctions in the operation of household appliances. A short circuit caused by poor contact can damage hardware components. It is advisable to detect this failure before turning on the device.
If the stove begins to sparkle, you must check for a possible break. It is possible that the outlet is not working or the power cable is damaged. Damaged elements must be replaced to restore correct operation of the equipment.
Why does mica burn out?
During operation in the microwave oven, fat begins to accumulate on the walls and parts. Once on the mica plate, the fat begins to gradually burn out and because of this, the metal overheats (sometimes completely burns out). If you continue to use the oven, the cap and magnetron antenna may burn out.
The magnetron is the most expensive part in a microwave.
A magnetron is a special device that generates high-frequency electromagnetic waves up to 12 cm long. The special design of the internal chamber allows water molecules to resonate at a certain frequency and heat food.
So why does a microwave spark? When working in a furnace, a very large load is placed on the electrical circuits, so over time some parts may malfunction. Waveguide covers especially often burn out (example in the photo below).
The waveguide chamber is closed with a rectangular dielectric cover.
The waveguide in a microwave is a special recess containing the magnetron antenna inside. The waveguide cover is most often made of a material that does not allow electricity to pass through, but allows electromagnetic waves to pass through (dielectric) - mica and plastic.
When dirt and grease adhere to this plate, it begins to burn, which is why the microwave sparks when turned on from the waveguide side. It looks like some kind of cardboard is burning and sparkling inside.
Eliminating sparks
You can eliminate the appearance of sparks yourself, without turning to specialists for help:
Image | Instructions |
Step 1 Unplug the oven and, if necessary, allow it to cool. | |
Step 2 Wash the inside of the camera, without using harsh abrasives. | |
Step 3 Carefully remove the diffuser. | |
Step 4 Remove the magnetron, observing the following rules:
| |
Step 5 Check the magnetron for serviceability:
| |
Step 6 Changing the mica plate:
|
You can quickly save the situation if damage to the enamel inside the oven is detected. To do this, you need to remove the remnants of the old paint and apply a special store-bought product.
Look for products labeled “Enamel for Household Appliances” on the packaging.
Precautionary measures
You can avoid sparks coming from the microwave. For this I recommend:
Cap. When cooking and heating food (especially fatty foods), use hoods and lids.
The cap will keep the walls of the microwave oven clean.
- Foil and metal
. Do not use foil or dishes with metal edging (including all-metal plates). - Pauses in work
. If the microwave operates for more than 75 minutes without stopping, there is a risk of internal parts overheating. So try to take breaks to cool down. - Cleansing
. Clean and check the oven regularly for possible problems.
Regular cleaning of oven surfaces will protect the appliance from sparks.
What to do with crackling noise in the microwave
If your microwave starts to crack, it's time to fix it. Depending on the malfunction, the part that has failed is replaced independently or the device is taken to a workshop.
Damaged enamel
If there is damage to the enamel coating of the camera, it can be repaired independently if there is a small defect. The paint has peeled off/peeled off, chips/scratches have appeared - all this is painted over with special paint. In case of large-scale damage - more than 80% - this is entrusted to professionals.
Coating defects appear when using harsh abrasive cleaning agents and long-term operation - more than 7-10 years. For coating, a special enamel is used, which is harmless to humans. When non-specialized products are used, chemical fumes spoil the food, it smells bad and becomes unfit for consumption.
Mica plate burned out
The mica plate, or waveguide cover, burns out frequently. The magnetron antenna is located in the furnace chamber on the right side. Through this plate, electromagnetic waves penetrate into the microwave chamber. And it is covered with a lid made of plastic or mica, which does not allow electricity to pass through and is transparent to electromagnetic waves.
Reference. Magnetron is a high power electronic device. It generates high-frequency microwaves by changing the flow of electrons. This is the most expensive part of microwave ovens.
If food particles, dirt, drips and grease splatters accumulate on the mica lid, they will heat up and burn. An electric arc occurs between the wall of the waveguide chamber or magnetron antenna, the wall of the furnace chamber, and the burning spot of dirt on the cover of the waveguide. The arc looks like sparks inside the right side of the stove chamber. In this case, change the cover of the waveguide, clean the magnetron antenna and camera from carbon deposits. Sometimes they change this plate on their own if they can find the right one in terms of quality and size.
If the mica burns and the microwave is not stopped at this time, the magnetron will break or the magnetron antenna cap will burn out. In this case, the microwave oven is repaired in a specialized service center, where spare parts for a specific oven model will be found.
The coupler has failed
When pouring/boiling the product in the chamber, dirt accumulates at the bottom under the plate, which rotates while the oven is operating. An electrical discharge may occur there. In this case, the coupler, the plastic part that rotates the plate, melts and fails. The fact that it has burned out is recognized by the characteristic smell of melted wires.
The coupler is not repaired, but replaced at the service center!
Important! Sometimes the glass plate itself burns out. They don’t repair it either, but buy a new one.
Overheating or improper operation
When the oven overheats or is used incorrectly, sparking occurs between a pair of electrical conductors: pieces of foil, metal utensils, metallized designs, etc. The conductor is exposed to an alternating electromagnetic field, which generates electricity and eddy currents. And here a pair of conductors with differently induced electrical potentials is located at a distance less than the electric discharge separating the air (dielectric) can hold.
An electrical discharge occurs - sparks visible to the eye in the microwave chamber. With such discharges, the load on the power circuits of electrical circuits increases. This leads to breakdown of the device: more often the fuse against high currents fails, less often the magnetron, diode or power transformer fails. Such breakdowns are repaired by a specialist at the service center.
The inside of the microwave is rusty - what to do?
If the owner of the microwave equipment did not pay attention and found small or significant traces of corrosion inside the chamber, he must turn off the power, wash it with detergent, dry it and begin repairs. If the damage is minor, the restoration process will be simple.
Procedure:
- We clean the chipped areas and rust with coarse sandpaper.
- Remove debris and dust using a vacuum cleaner.
- We treat the surface with fine-grained sandpaper.
- We degrease the metal with a solvent, white alcohol is quite suitable.
- We prime the surface so as to repeat the bottom topography using primers GF-021, GF-0119, FL-03K, PF-0244.
- We level it with alkyd putty (if there are depressions or potholes).
- We go through with fine sandpaper.
- Let it dry completely.
- Cover the holes inside the camera with masking tape.
- We apply the enamel in 2, preferably 3 layers, using a foam swab, a brush, a mini roller, or a paint can.
- Dry each layer for at least 20-24 hours at a temperature of +20 degrees.
- It is better to do the work outdoors.
If the inside of the microwave has not just a dent from rust, but a hole, you can repair it at home using a piece of gauze and two-component glue.
It is better to use dyes for protection and prevention of corrosion:
- food organic;
- electrically conductive;
- acrylic aerosol.
After drying, the microwave looks, if not like new, then ready for safe and efficient operation.
Troubleshooting
The general circuit of a microwave oven is assembled from several complex components. You can fix the equipment yourself. To do this, you need to replace the mica plate and restore the enamel.
Replacing the plate
The plate covers the waveguide located in the recess - the magnetron antenna. It is made from durable and thin sheet mica. You can buy it ready-made, but it’s easier to find a piece of material and cut it yourself.
- Disconnect the oven from power.
- Wash the inside of the stove.
- Use a thin screwdriver to pry up the protective plate. Pull it out of the grooves.
- Outline the contours and cut out a new plate from a piece of mica. It is not as elastic as the one installed by the manufacturer. Shorten the protrusions entering the grooves by 1 mm.
- Unscrew the screws at the back and remove the housing by sliding it backwards.
- Discharge the capacitor. It is located below and can store the accumulated charge. It is enough to touch the contact and the body with a wire or a screwdriver.
- Unscrew the 4 screws holding the magnetron.
Remove the assembly and check the cap on the camera side. It protects the antenna and looks like a cylinder with a hole in the bottom. Replace with a similar one purchased at a service center.
Reassemble in reverse order
Place the plate carefully - it is fragile. First, the recess under it is washed out
Then the 2 distant protrusions are inserted into the grooves, then the near ones.
Enamel and plate coupler
When the microwave is washed and disassembled, remove the plate - a rotating disk and a coupler under it - a tripod that is inserted into grooves in the bottom and transmits rotation from the motor. Now all that remains is to carefully inspect the surface and restore the coating in defective areas:
- Buy a special product - enamel for kitchen equipment.
- Clean any defects with fine sandpaper.
- Remove dust with a vacuum cleaner.
- Apply the product according to the instructions and let dry.
Manufacturers offer many different enamels. Check to see if they are suitable for microwave ovens, whether a primer is needed and which one. Do everything according to the instructions.
Check the plate coupler. If there is blackness on the disk, it must be crushed. Replace the deformed coupler with a new one.
Useful tips
Do not turn on an empty oven. The rays will not be absorbed. Reflecting from the walls, the rays have a destructive effect on the coating, falling into cracks in the coating and beginning to sparkle.
When you warm up a bun for tea or a croissant for your morning coffee, place a saucer or glass of water in the microwave. The stove will have more food absorbing the waves, and it will not shoot free rays.
First, disassemble the oven, then go to the store with the mica plate, cap and coupler. The removed plate must be placed on the stove with all protrusions. You can cut it with scissors and a construction knife. The cap may have a hole of a different shape, the main thing being the diameter and height.
The coupler for Samsung microwave ovens is different from all others. It has a wider plate rest base. The same ones are installed on models from all other manufacturers.
Where to turn if the microwave is cracking
You should contact service centers that diagnose and repair microwave ovens. The cause of a breakdown, expressed by a crackling sound, may lie in the internal contents - a burnt-out unit, a broken wire, or simply loose contacts. The technician will determine the breakdown and name the exact price during diagnosis.
If the equipment is new, then you can contact the warranty center . They will tell you the reason and replace the stove or tell you where to go to get it repaired. Often centers provide such services independently.
History of appearance
According to legend, the microwave oven (in common parlance it was called a “microwave”) was invented quite by accident. Can you believe it? According to legend, this happened in the United States Army, when one of the military forgot about his hamburger, which he left in front of the radar. And under the influence of radar radiation, a cold piece of meat in a hamburger turned into a juicy, hot and appetizing steak. Thanks to this incident, scientists came up with the idea to create a device that could quickly heat food without taking up much space. This is how the microwave oven was created, which quickly gained popularity among all segments of the population.
The microwave oven has firmly entered our lives and has become an indispensable thing in the kitchen. With its help, you can prepare various dishes using both fresh products and semi-finished products. But, basically, its main purpose is to heat up food. After all, just a few minutes are enough, and your dish will become more attractive and tasty to eat.
However, along with a large number of positive qualities, the microwave has problem areas associated with frequent breakdowns. All this causes inconvenience to their owners and requires additional financial investments and time for repair work.