When you use your microwave, do you lose power? Would you like to know why the microwave trips the breaker when the door is opened? You may have a problem with your circuit or microwave if your microwave keeps tripping breaker. You may have a problem with the door interlock switch when your microwave trips the breaker when its door is open. If the microwave trips the breaker on startup, there might be an internal electrical problem.

Learn how to troubleshoot your circuit and your device by reading this article.

Is It the Circuit Breaker or the Microwave? How to Identify the Problem

Finding the source of the problem is the first step. Is it the microwave? Or is it the circuit? You can find out by plugging in other appliances with the same power draw as the microwave into that particular circuit.

• It’s possible that the circuit has a problem even if you’re using a different device. It’s possible that the tripping is caused by an overload, which means that the breaker doesn’t have enough capacity to supply the required amperes.
• In the event that the breaker did not trip at all during the previous test, you should check your microwave.

You need to plug the microwave into a different circuit with the same power rating in order to accomplish this. If the breaker trips, then the microwave is likely the cause.

Two common microwave problems generally cause tripped breakers. These are damaged fuses or faulty switches.

• Checking the fuse is the first and easiest way to troubleshoot a microwave. It needs to be replaced if it’s burnt, has broken glass, or has broken wire. Otherwise, you should check the switches.
• A microwave typically contains three switches: one for the door, one for monitoring the system, and one for the main switch. Any of these could also trip your circuit breakers.

This video tutorial by Sam on tracing your microwave problem is highly recommended. It will also help you repair your microwave efficiently.

Why Does Your Circuit Breaker Trip When the Microwave Door Opens

The door interlock switch is likely to be the cause of your circuit breaker tripping when you open your microwave door. When a door interlock switch develops a fault, the door may not unlock. The circuit detects this fault, causing the breakers to trip immediately.

Interlock switches are connected to latches or hooks on doors. Before replacing the interlock switch, it is good to check them first. The interlock switch and latches are located on the inner side of the cabinet, where your monitor and timer are.

A multimeter is necessary to test the door interlock switch. However, you should always think about your safety. Make sure your device is unplugged before doing anything to it.

There are cords connected to terminals on the door switch. Connect the multimeter probes to each terminal.

Ensure continuity with both the door open and closed. If the door is open, there should be no continuity. When the door is closed, you should get a continuity reading. If you get the opposite result, then the interlock switch is damaged.

• Listen for the clicking sound an interlock switch makes to determine if it is damaged. If the switch has a good click sound, it might not be damaged, but if you hear a very tiny click sound or if it does not have a click sound, the item may be damaged.

The best way to diagnose your appliance is to check the resistance reading. This method, however, could be inaccurate. It should only be used if you don’t have a multimeter.

Read More About: Samsung Universal Remote codes and setup Guide for TV

Why Do Microwave Trips the Circuit Breaker on Startup

There are many reasons your microwave trips the circuit breaker when it is turned on. Listed below are some of the most common reasons.

• Circuit Overload

If you don’t know which outlets are connected to which breakers, you may not notice that the circuit is overloading. Make sure your outlet’s breaker has enough capacity to support all the connected appliances. The best way to do this is to design a specific circuit for each high-power device.

• Faulty Turntable Motor

Occasionally, some liquid flows under the turntable when cooking or heating food in the microwave. The liquid may then seep into the turntable motor, causing it to become damaged. Avoid spilling any liquid inside the microwave to prevent this kind of problem.

• Broken Door Latch

Microwaves have a door latch mechanism connected to the switches. Using a microwave with a broken latch may blow a fuse or trip your breaker. A multimeter is the best tool for checking damaged latches.

• Faulty Capacitor

A capacitor is one of the essential parts of a microwave. If your microwave has a problematic capacitor, it may make a loud noise when used. The fuse could also blow and trip your breaker.

It is advisable to disconnect the power and short-circuit the capacitor with an insulated device before checking the capacitor.

• Faulty Transformer

A transformer amplifies the microwave’s magnetron’s electric current. It will also blow a fuse or trip a circuit breaker. You will hear a loud noise if the transformer is defective.

• Faulty Timer

Whenever your microwave’s timer becomes jammed or damaged, it will blow a fuse or trip a circuit breaker.

You should consult a certified electrician when any of these problems occur with your microwave. This is especially true if you’re not comfortable working with electronic devices or are unsure of what needs to be accomplished.

An improperly performed maintenance could lead to your microwave becoming unusable. In addition, an improper repair could result in property damage or personal injury.

Conclusion

Saving money and time can be achieved by learning basic troubleshooting techniques for microwaves and circuit breakers. Some of these problems, like circuit overloading, apply to all devices.

Does this article provide a better explanation of why microwave trips breaker when door is opened? Let us know if you have any follow-up questions in the comments section below! It would be our pleasure to help you.

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