Problem with a microwave

thehorselady

Can some of you techie guys out there help me?

I’ve a combination microwave, about three months back it started to give trouble, it hasn’t been used since then.

The problem was that after running for about three minutes or so it would blow the trip switch at the meter box. It only seemed to blow when using the microwave itself. A possible cause for this could have that steam was used in an attempt to give the inside a good cleaning out. A Pyrex jug with water in it was let boil for about five minutes. That seemed to be the start of the trouble.

Anyway before ditching the machine and buying a new one I tried it out today and it ran quite successfully for about four minutes before I turned it off. It did not trip the fuse box.

I’m wondering now if the fault has corrected itself, ie if it was water damage has it dried out completely? I’ll try defrosting some sausages tomorrow and let it run that little bit longer.

I’m wondering also can microwaves be fixed economically. With the exception of the fault mentioned it is a very good machine and anyway I don't really use microwaves that much.

fwor

If it was causing the main RCD to trip (i.e. all or a large part of the house being isolated) then yes, it's quite possible that condensation from the boiling water treatment could have accumulated and been the cause, and that allowing it to dry will resolve it.

No, generally it's not economically viable to repair items like that unless they are a top quality make - the manufacturers typically ensure that spares, if available, are very expensive.

Bradfield

There was a documentary on Sky recently (Strange and Unusual Deaths) which featured a guy (in the USA). His Microwave oven broke down and he unscrewed the back and tried to fix it. His screwdriver hit a capacitor thingy, which apparently stores a huge amount of electricity, and the subsequent electric shock killed him. This, even with the power plug pulled from the wall.

Definitely do not try any DIY.

datostar

I've replaced a top grill element, turntable motor and waveguide on a Sharp Combination Oven. HOWEVER, do not go anywhere near the magnetron and its circuitry which is plain to see and suitably labelled. If the microwave part fails or starts to lose power (a sign of impending failure) you face either scrapping the appliance or a very expensive repair. Do not attempt DIY in this area!

thehorselady

Guys thanks for your replies.

I have no intention of trying a DIY job if only because I'm hopeless at it

I've just defrosted some salmon for lunch 3min 5seconds and no cut out. I'll try something different tomorrow, something that will take about 5 minutes and see what that does.

Hopefully fwor was right and it's just a condensation problem. I'll let you know in a few days time.


horselady

thehorselady

Ran it today for a little over 7 minutes, I'll try 10 tomorrow. It's beginning to look like all it needed was a good dry out

poppellerant

If I'm honest, I'd be more concerned about the steam affecting the microwave. I've steamed and boiled many a thing in the microwave and it's never gone funny afterwards.

By all means continue to use it for the sake of not wasting money on a new one, but excercise caution.