Why does the microwave turn off the circuit breaker?
Content
Microwave ovens are notorious for causing power outages due to circuit breakers tripping, but what is the cause of this?
Circuit breakers are designed to operate and disconnect the device from the mains when a certain threshold current is reached, for which the circuit breaker is designed. This action is intended to protect the instrument from dangerous current buildup and damage. However, you will need to find out if this happens frequently or shortly after turning on the microwave.
This article looks at common reasons why this can happen.
This is usually due to a problem with the circuit breaker on the main board, or overloading the circuit from too many appliances at the same time. However, there are also several possible malfunctions of the microwave itself that can develop over time.
Reasons why microwave ovens turn off the switch
There are several possible reasons why a microwave oven may turn off the switch. I divided them by site or location.
There are three reasons: a problem with the main panel, a problem in the circuit, usually near the microwave, or a problem with the microwave itself.
| Problem on the main panel | • Faulty circuit breaker • Power supply problems |
| The problem is in the circuit | • Overloaded chain • Damaged power cord. • Molten socket |
| The problem with the microwave itself | • Scored hours • Broken door safety switch • Turntable motor • Leaky magnetron • Faulty capacitor |
In most cases, especially if the microwave is new, the cause may not be the appliance itself, but a problem with the circuit breaker or an overloaded circuit. Therefore, we will first explain this before moving on to checking the device.
Probable reasons for tripping the circuit breaker
Problem on the main panel
A faulty circuit breaker is often the reason people mislead people into thinking that their microwave oven is faulty.
If there are no power supply problems and power outages, you may suspect that the circuit breaker is defective, especially if it has been used for a long time. But why won't the circuit breaker designed to protect your device from high currents work?
Although the circuit breaker is generally durable, it can fail due to old age, frequent sudden power outages, unexpected massive overcurrent, etc. Has there been a major power surge or thunderstorm recently? Sooner or later, you will still have to replace the circuit breaker.
The problem is in the circuit
If there are any signs of damage to the power cord, or if you see a melted outlet, this could be the reason the switch tripped.
Also, it is best never to overload the circuit beyond its capacity. Otherwise, the switch in this circuit is likely to trip. Circuit overload is the most common cause of circuit breaker tripping.
A microwave oven typically uses 800 to 1,200 watts of electricity. Typically, 10-12 amps are required for operation (at a supply voltage of 120 V) and a 20 amp circuit breaker (factor 1.8). This circuit breaker must be the only device in the circuit and no other devices must be used at the same time.
Without a dedicated microwave circuit and multiple devices being used on the same circuit at the same time, you can be sure that this is the cause of the switch tripping. If this is not the case and the switch, circuit, cable and socket are in order, then take a closer look at the microwave.
Microwave problem
Some parts of the microwave oven can cause a short circuit and trip the circuit breaker.
Microwave failure can develop over time depending on how high or low quality the part is, how regularly it is serviced, and how old it is. It can also happen due to misuse.
Here are the main reasons for the switch to trip if the problem is in the microwave itself:
- Scored hours – The breaker may trip if the timer does not stop the heating cycle at a critical point when the temperature gets too high.
- If the indicator line door latch switch broken, the microwave oven will not be able to start the heating cycle. There are usually many small switches involved in working together, so the whole mechanism will fail if any one part of it fails.
- A short circuit in tengine can turn off the breaker. The turntable that rotates the plate inside may get wet, especially when defrosting or cooking frozen food. If it reaches the motor, it may cause a short circuit.
- A llight magnetron may cause large current to flow, causing the circuit breaker to trip. It is located inside the body of the microwave oven and is its main component that emits microwaves. If the microwave cannot heat up the food, the magnetron may fail.
- A faulty capacitor can cause abnormal currents in the circuit which, if too high, will trip the circuit breaker.
Summing up
This article has looked at the common reasons why a microwave oven may frequently trip a circuit breaker present in its circuit to protect against high currents.
Usually the problem is due to a broken switch, so you should check the switch on the main panel. Another common cause is overloading the circuit due to using too many appliances at the same time, or damage to the cord or outlet. If none of these are the cause, several parts of the microwave may fail, causing the circuit breaker to trip. We discussed the possible reasons above.
Circuit Breaker Tripping Solutions
For solutions on how to fix a tripped microwave circuit breaker, see our article on the topic: How to fix a tripped microwave circuit breaker.
Video link
