If it has fallen off or got a hole in it then there is the risk of food or moisture getting into the waveguide which will reduce the efficiency of the oven. If it is arcing or sparking then continued use will damage other components in the microwave including the oven cavity which could be costly to rectify.
Additionally, it stops moisture and food particles from getting into the “workings” of the microwave. Replace the waveguide cover if it is burnt, chipped, or cracked. Do not operate a unit with a burnt, chipped, or cracked waveguide cover or without the waveguide cover in place.
What happens if the waveguide cover is damaged?
Although strong and tough when new, over a period of time this cover absorbs moisture and food debris and becomes soft or breaks. If moisture or food embedded in it starts burning it will go from bad to worse quite quickly and if not replaced can cause irreparable damage to the microwave.
If microwave ovens are used while broken or altered, it is possible for them to leak electromagnetic radiation. Microwave radiation leaks are hard to detect because you can’t smell or see microwaves.
How can you tell if a microwave waveguide is bad?
The waveguide cover can also get damaged by frequent sparking. If the microwave is not heating your food properly, it can indicate that the waveguide panel is damaged. If the waveguide itself is damaged, it cannot be repaired, and you will most likely need to get a new microwave.
What material is a microwave waveguide?
Typically waveguide is made of brass, copper, silver, aluminum, or any metal that has low bulk resistivity. It is possible to use metals with poor conductivity characteristics, if the interior walls are properly plated. It is even possible to make plastic waveguide!
What is a microwave waveguide cover made of?
Mica cover: Most microwaves have either a plastic or mica cover called a waveguide cover. It sometimes resembles a piece of grey cardboard and is usually located either in the top of the cavity or on one of the side walls. The waveguide covers the hole through which the microwaves are fed into the oven cavity from the waveguide.
Can you cut waveguide cover?
CUT TO SIZE: The waveguide cover size is 150*120mm, you could cut it into any size to fit your microwave oven. It’s fairly easy to cut using sharp scissors or a craft knife.
What is the cardboard looking thing in my microwave?
This is a wave guide cover and it’s not actually cardboard it’s a material called Mica. It prevents steam and food particles from interacting with the electrical components within the microwave oven.
Can you get sick from a broken microwave?
No. In the event that an old or faulty microwave does leak, the level of non-ionizing radiation it emits is too low to be harmful.
Is it safe to use a microwave that is peeling inside?
If the coating is actively flaking or paint is peeling anywhere inside the oven cavity (including under the turntable) discontinue the use of the microwave and replace it. The microwave is not repairable.
How can I tell if my microwave is leaking radiation?
Call the phone inside the microwave: If you hear a ring, your microwave is leaking radiation, assuming the settings on your phone are correct. It’s highly unlikely that your leaking microwave is a danger to your health. All microwaves are FDA approved and emit tiny amounts of radiation.
What does a microwave with a bad magnetron sound like?
Bad microwave magnetrons can make various noises, and the noise is often very loud. Usually, faulty magnetrons make a high-pitched screaming or screeching sound. A magnetron may also make a loud buzzing or humming noise, depending on the issue.
What are the symptoms of a bad magnetron in a microwave?
A noisy humming or vibrating noise can mean you need the magnetron tube replaced. An abnormal clicking sound can also be a sign of a bad magnetron. A grinding or groaning sound can signify a problem with the turntable roller guide or turntable drive motor. Grinding can also mean there’s a problem with the stirrer motor.
How do you safely discharge a microwave magnetron?
Using a screwdriver with an insulated handle, essentially you touch the tip to a capacitor and drag it slowly towards the one across from it. This creates a short circuit that results in the electricity being discharged. You may need to do this multiple times.
What is inside waveguide?
A waveguide is a special form of transmission line consisting of a hollow, metal tube. The tube wall provides distributed inductance, while the empty space between the tube walls provide distributed capacitance. Wave guides conduct microwave energy at lower loss than coaxial cables.
Why is my microwave arcing inside?
Microwaves are absorbed by fat and sugar in foods. If metal is put into the appliance, the microwaves cause the electrons to move around, producing sparks and heat. Sparks occur simply due to a build-up of charged particles which produce a concentrated electric field at the edge of the metal object.
What is the plastic piece in microwave?
The inside of the microwave door is covered with a thick, clear plastic sheet that should not be removed. The purpose of this plastic is to prevent any interference with the metal screen in the door.
You can use it, but should you? More than likely the magnetron is aging and this is the source of the sparks. This sparking may occur again, but so long as the magnetron survives, you should be okay.
How safe are microwave covers?
Many are made of plastic that the FDA has approved for microwave use. Plastic microwave covers are meant to replace the plastic wrap that many people cover their food with in the microwave to keep it from splattering. The FDA says plastic wrap labeled “microwave safe” is indeed safe.
Why does my microwave spark with nothing in it?
If your microwave is sparking without any metal inside it, the cause could be either a faulty waveguide, a burnout diode, broken rack support, or a worn stirrer. So, it’s critical first to identify which part is at fault before you try to repair it.
What is a microwave waveguide for?
In a microwave oven a waveguide transfers power from the magnetron, where waves are formed, to the cooking chamber. In a radar, a waveguide transfers radio frequency energy to and from the antenna, where the impedance needs to be matched for efficient power transmission.
What happens if you remove mica plate from microwave?
It is an airwave guide cover made from MICA material that assists the microwave in distributing the heat evenly. Removing this cardboard plate may cause damage to the inner liner of the microwave.
Do I remove the cardboard from inside microwave?
The cardboard covers the waveguide system that feeds microwave energy into the cavity and should not be removed. The microwave should not be used for any function if this cardboard cover is not in place. If removed, it would require service to replace.
What are the black dots on microwave?
First up the black dots on the microwave. It’s designed to prevent electromagnetic energy from escaping the microwave and protects you from radiation, Boge said. That little hole in the pen cap—it can actually save your life.
Is it safe to use a 30 year old microwave?
If you take good care of your microwave up into its old age, there’s a low risk of harm, but if it’s damaged in any way you may want to get it checked out. If you’ve looked after it well, there’s no reason why a vintage microwave should be dangerous.
Is it safe to use a microwave with a bad magnetron?
None. If the magnetron is burnt out, it won’t do anything. Junk it and buy a new one.
How much radiation leaks from a microwave?
Part III of the Radiation Emitting Devices Regulations specifies the following limits for the leakage radiation at 5 cm from the surface of the microwave oven: 1.0 mW/cm2 with test load. 5.0 mW/cm2 without test load.
What are two materials that should never be placed in the microwave?
Anything made of or containing steel, iron, copper or other hard metals should never go in your microwave. Metal surfaces reflect microwaves, which increases the heat inside the appliance and could lead to a fire.
