The most common microwave failure is a broken magnetron, which is the part that produces the microwaves that heat the food. A magnetron can fail due to various reasons, such as old age, overheating, power surges, or defective components. When a magnetron fails, the microwave will not heat the food, even though it may still turn on and rotate the plate.
In this article, we will explain what a magnetron is, how it works, how to diagnose a broken magnetron, and how to replace it. We will also provide some tips on how to prevent magnetron failure and extend the lifespan of your microwave oven. By the end of this article, you will have a better understanding of the most common microwave problem and how to fix it.
A magnetron is a type of vacuum tube that converts electrical energy into electromagnetic waves, or microwaves. It consists of a cylindrical metal housing, a cathode, an anode, and a pair of permanent magnets. The cathode is a heated filament that emits electrons, while the anode is a hollow metal cylinder with holes called cavities. The magnets create a magnetic field that forces the electrons to move in a circular path around the anode. As the electrons pass by the cavities, they induce an alternating electric field that generates microwaves. The microwaves then exit the magnetron through a waveguide and enter the microwave oven cavity, where they bounce off the metal walls and interact with the food molecules, causing them to vibrate and produce heat.
How to Diagnose a Broken Magnetron?
There are several signs that indicate a broken magnetron, such as:
The microwave does not heat the food, even though it turns on and rotates the plate.
The microwave makes a loud humming or buzzing noise, or a clicking or sparking sound.
The microwave emits a burning smell or smoke.
The microwave blows a fuse or trips a circuit breaker.
To confirm that the magnetron is the culprit, you will need to perform some tests with a multimeter, a device that measures electrical voltage, current, and resistance. However, before you do that, you need to take some safety precautions, such as:
Unplug the microwave from the power outlet and wait for at least an hour to let the high-voltage capacitor discharge. The capacitor is a component that stores electrical charge and can deliver a lethal shock even when the microwave is unplugged.
Wear rubber gloves and safety goggles to protect yourself from electric shocks and sharp edges.
Do not touch any wires or terminals with your bare hands or metal tools, as they may carry high voltage.
Do not attempt to test or repair the magnetron if you are not confident or experienced in handling electrical appliances. Seek professional help instead.
To test the magnetron, you will need to access the back panel of the microwave and locate the magnetron. It is usually a silver-colored metal box with two wires attached to it. You will need to disconnect the wires and remove the magnetron from its mounting brackets. Then, you will need to set your multimeter to the lowest resistance setting and touch the probes to the terminals of the magnetron. You should get a reading of less than one ohm. Next, you will need to touch one probe to a terminal and the other probe to the metal housing of the magnetron. You should get a reading of infinity, or no continuity. If you get any other readings, it means that the magnetron is faulty and needs to be replaced.
How to Replace a Broken Magnetron?
To replace a broken magnetron, you will need to purchase a new one that is compatible with your microwave model. You can find the model number on the label inside the microwave door or on the back panel. You can order a new magnetron online or from a local appliance store. You will also need some basic tools, such as a screwdriver, a wrench, and a pair of pliers.
To install the new magnetron, you will need to follow these steps:
Unplug the microwave from the power outlet and wait for at least an hour to let the high-voltage capacitor discharge.
Wear rubber gloves and safety goggles to protect yourself from electric shocks and sharp edges.
Remove the screws that secure the back panel of the microwave and take it off.
Locate the magnetron and disconnect the wires from its terminals. Be careful not to touch the wires or terminals with your bare hands or metal tools, as they may carry high voltage.
Remove the screws or nuts that hold the magnetron in place and take it out.
Place the new magnetron in the same position and secure it with the screws or nuts.
Reconnect the wires to the terminals of the new magnetron. Make sure to attach them to the correct terminals, as reversing them may damage the magnetron or the microwave.
Replace the back panel of the microwave and secure it with the screws.
Plug the microwave back into the power outlet and test it by heating a cup of water for a minute. If the water is hot, the magnetron is working properly. If not, check the wiring and the connections, or contact a professional for assistance.
How to Prevent Magnetron Failure and Extend Microwave Lifespan?
Magnetron failure is inevitable, as it is a wear-and-tear part that deteriorates over time. However, you can prevent premature failure and extend the lifespan of your microwave oven by following some simple tips, such as:
Use the microwave only for its intended purpose, which is to heat or cook food. Do not use it to dry clothes, sterilize items, or heat non-food items, as they may damage the magnetron or cause a fire.
Do not run the microwave empty, as it may overheat the magnetron and cause it to burn out.
Do not run the microwave for longer than necessary, as it may overheat the magnetron and reduce its efficiency.
Do not slam the microwave door, as it may damage the door switches, which are connected to the magnetron and control its operation.
Do not place metal objects, such as utensils, foil, or dishes with metallic trim, inside the microwave, as they may cause sparks, arcing, or fire, and damage the magnetron or the microwave cavity.
Do not cover the vents or the fan of the microwave, as they help to cool down the magnetron and prevent overheating.
Clean the microwave regularly, especially the interior, the turntable, and the waveguide, which is the opening that connects the magnetron to the microwave cavity. Remove any food spills, grease, or debris, as they may block the microwaves, cause arcing, or ignite a fire.
Use microwave-safe containers and covers, such as glass, ceramic, or plastic, to heat or cook food. Avoid using paper, cardboard, or styrofoam, as they may catch fire or melt.
Follow the manufacturer’s instructions and recommendations for the proper use and maintenance of the microwave. Refer to the user manual or the label inside the microwave door for more information.
The most common microwave failure is a broken magnetron, which is the part that produces the microwaves that heat the food. A magnetron can fail due to various reasons, such as old age, overheating, power surges, or defective components. When a magnetron fails, the microwave will not heat the food, even though it may still turn on and rotate the plate.
To diagnose a broken magnetron, you will need to perform some tests with a multimeter, a device that measures electrical voltage, current, and resistance. However, before you do that, you need to take some safety precautions, such as unplugging the microwave, wearing rubber gloves and safety goggles, and not touching any wires or terminals with your bare hands or metal tools.
To replace a broken magnetron, you will need to purchase a new one that is compatible with your microwave model. You will also need some basic tools, such as a screwdriver, a wrench, and a pair of pliers. To install the new magnetron, you will need to follow some steps, such as removing the back panel of the microwave, disconnecting the wires from the old magnetron, removing the old magnetron, placing the new magnetron, reconnecting the wires, and replacing the back panel.
To prevent magnetron failure and extend the lifespan of your microwave oven, you will need to follow some tips, such as using the microwave only for its intended purpose, not running the microwave empty or for longer than necessary, not slamming the microwave door, not placing metal objects inside the microwave, not covering the vents or the fan of the microwave, cleaning the microwave regularly, using microwave-safe containers and covers, and following the manufacturer’s instructions and recommendations.
We hope this article has helped you understand the most common microwave problem and how to fix it. If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to leave them below. Thank you for reading!
