Microwave fire near miss.

elsien

Just went to defrost some meat, only been in less than a minute and the electrics inside the microwave started sparking and burning.
Microwave was brought in December from Argos so I’m outside at the six months and obviously it’s not worth getting a report for -  I think a cost about £80.
I know my rights are with Argos, but I am quite concerned that if I hadn’t been in the kitchen, it could’ve been a lot worse as I’ve never done anything daft like put metal in or anything like that.  
So wondering what the best route is to make someone take it seriously - Argos or direct to Panasonic. Not looking for compo, just wanting someone to check why a newish microwave caught fire. 

Aylesbury_Duck

I'd contact Panasonic.  I had a similar problem with a lawnmower many years ago, it started smoking then caught fire as I was rushing to the socket to kill the power.  I took photos of the smouldering molten mess, sent it to the manufacturer and without me asking for anything, they sent me a brand new replacement two days later.  Like you, I reasoned it wasn't going to be worth the inevitable argument with the retailer or getting a report for something that was of similar value to your microwave, so I was prepared to write it off as an unlucky event.

teaselMay

Argos customer service has a safety section. They're likely to take that very seriously no matter that it's outside six months. 

Okell

I'd contact both

Grumpy_chap

Report as above.

But, was the meat in any kind of packaging?  Some packaging contains materials that are not obvious so there could be hidden metal somewhere.  Even a hidden security tag on meat if from the supermarket.

pinkshoes

elsien said:

Just went to defrost some meat, only been in less than a minute and the electrics inside the microwave started sparking and burning.
Microwave was brought in December from Argos so I’m outside at the six months and obviously it’s not worth getting a report for -  I think a cost about £80.
I know my rights are with Argos, but I am quite concerned that if I hadn’t been in the kitchen, it could’ve been a lot worse as I’ve never done anything daft like put metal in or anything like that.  
So wondering what the best route is to make someone take it seriously - Argos or direct to Panasonic. Not looking for compo, just wanting someone to check why a newish microwave caught fire. 

The electrics inside the microwave shouldn't spark. There are no electrics on the inside. It's just an EM wave.

Actually putting metal in the microwave just reflects the waves differently and can cause a build up of static charge which then sparks. It can damage your microwave but I have had a microwave in my classroom for years and regularly put crisp packets and CDs in it and it's fine. 

So if the sparking was IN the microwave,  are you sure there wasnt a metal strip on the packaging?

Was the sparking coming from the wiring at the back or side?

elsien

Definitely, no metal in there. Meat taking out of the packaging and put  in a bowl I’ve used many times before. The inside of the microwave where the electrics are on the right hand side  is now scorched and brown. 

Boohoo

elsien said:

Definitely, no metal in there. Meat taking out of the packaging and put  in a bowl I’ve used many times before. The inside of the microwave where the electrics are on the right hand side  is now scorched and brown. 

Photo's please.

elsien

Not sure how photos will help my query about who to go to. It started sparking from the electrics just after being turned on,  there was a smell of smoke and now the inside is scotched. Nothing I have done, what else is there to know? 

pinkshoes

elsien said:

Not sure how photos will help my query about who to go to. It started sparking from the electrics just after being turned on,  there was a smell of smoke and now the inside is scotched. Nothing I have done, what else is there to know? 

It probably more curiosity as a microwave shouldn't be able to do that.

It's clearly faulty so go back to the shop and insist on a replacement or (partial) refund! They will ask the same Qs that we have asked given it is highly unusual.

Boohoo

elsien said:

Not sure how photos will help my query about who to go to. It started sparking from the electrics just after being turned on,  there was a smell of smoke and now the inside is scotched. Nothing I have done, what else is there to know? 

A photo of the damage to the inside of the microwave so some forum users can see if this is a one off or something else and some suggestions may help with you getting better result from  Argos.

Sorry to have upset you asking for a photo.

Side note if safe have you tried turning on the microwave for 2 or 3 secs then off to see if the same thing happens.

Only try if you have a circuit breaker and confident.