Sparks a microwave, what should I do? Microwave spark when switched on: repair

Microwave ovens belong to complex electrical appliances, which can also be dangerous for the user. In normal working condition, the kitchen unit does not pose a threat, but the failure of its functional elements makes further operation unsafe. The difficulty of fixing problems is that one sign of a breakdown can have several causes. If a microwave sparkles, this may indicate different problems in filling the appliance. Before you begin to repair, you should learn more about the situation.

Causes of malfunction

The cause of the problem can be several - from mechanical damage to overheating of some parts of the microwave oven. In particular, the most common burnout of mica diffuser. Unfortunately, this problem occurs in all types of such furnaces, and it is quite difficult to insure against it. Malfunctions of this kind are not associated with a gross violation of the device's operation and are more likely to occur due to the poor quality of the element itself. Also, if the microwave sparks when turned on, this may be a sign of damage to the internal surfaces in the camera itself. The fact is that microwaves inside are processed with special enamel coatings. Deformation of this layer occurs usually as a result of the use of metal dishes. That is, prevent breakages of this kind can be provided subject to observance of the elementary rules of electrical appliance operation. By the way, it is undesirable to use ceramic dishes with metallized sputtering for heating in a microwave.

What exactly sparks?

To understand the causes of this problem, it is necessary to understand the very nature of sparking. So, if the microwave sparks and splits, it means that there is a process of interaction between the two electrical conductors inside. In other words, conditions were created for the formation of an electric discharge or arc. Accompany such phenomena can not only spark and crack, but also light effects, which looks even more frightening.

What elements in this case provoked arcing? This may well be metal elements, which found themselves in a chamber with utensils. Again, it is not necessary to be completely metal utensils. If a microwave with a ceramic plate sparks, then, perhaps, the occasion was served by pieces of foil. And not always the charge arises even in the presence of full-fledged metal parts in the chamber. To activate such processes, there must be adequate power, which is enough to overcome the barrier in the form of an air dielectric.

Can I use a sparking oven?

The answer to this question depends on the state of the microwave oven and its elements. In itself, the fact of arcing does not always indicate damage to the same diffuser or enamel coating. Another thing is that the appearance of sparks should be an occasion for a comprehensive examination of the device. That is, if the reason for this phenomenon was the very presence of the metal element in the chamber, then further operation is entirely acceptable provided the integrity of the functional stuffing device. But in any case it is important to stop the heating process if a microwave oven is sparking. What to do in such situations? Firstly, turn off the device through the control system. Then power is removed from the mains. After that, the working elements are checked, among which the most important will be the magnetron - the most expensive and responsible part of the microwave oven.

Checking the magnetron

This operation is performed by electric ringing of the parts contacts. The contacts of a high-voltage transformer are connected to the magnetron - they should be checked for operability. Masters usually inspect such areas for resistance, and the electromagnetic responsiveness of the device's housing is assessed. If there is activity, then the magnetron is all right, and it does not need to be replaced. But even with a working magnetron, you can observe how the microwave sparkles. What to do in such cases? You should start examining the mica diffuser and the state of the enamel coating.

Repair of mica diffuser

Microwave diffuser is a mica plate, the damage of which or excessive contamination can cause arcing. This is a small detail, which is completely subjected to self-restoration if the microwave sparks on turning on. Repair will be to update this component. It is necessary in the service center of the manufacturer of a particular model or on the radio market to purchase a diffuser corresponding to the characteristics and replace the old plate with them. And sometimes experts recommend not to dismantle the former mica plate, but only to perform the overlay of the new element, pre-clean the installation site.

Restoration of enamel coating

The formation of sparks can be a consequence of mechanical damage to the walls of the chamber, treated with enamel. The latter is used not only for the purpose of forming dielectric insulation, but also for maintaining the cleanliness of surfaces. In the process of exploitation it is quite possible damage to this layer - the edges of the dishes or as a result of careless moves with products. If after such manipulations the microwave oven is sparking, then the insulation coating was broken, and its restoration is required. Damage to damaged areas is carried out with the help of specialized ecological compositions. Beforehand, the working surface is cleaned, after which a new enamel is applied according to the instructions.

How to avoid sparking microwave?

It has already been noted that sparking arises either because of substandard components, or because of violations of operational rules. To minimize these risks, other recommendations for the use of such furnaces should also be adhered to. For example, do not heat food without covering it with a special lid - sprinkling of fatty particles, for example, can contribute to the same enamel damage. Often, a microwave sparkles and because of excessive contamination of the mica plate itself. It can be whole, but dirty. In this case, it is not necessary to purchase a new element - it is enough to make timely maintenance of the mica surface.

Conclusion

It may seem that the sparking of a microwave oven is not a serious problem and, at least, amenable to correction at home. But if the device is used with such a defect for a long time, then the negative consequences can become irreversible. For example, if the microwave is cracking and not heating. Is it possible to fix the device in this case? The absence of the main operating function may indicate damage to the magnetron or its adjacent infrastructure with contacts. Theoretically, its updating is possible, but the cost of such an operation is usually almost half of the price of a new microwave. Therefore it is desirable to solve the problem at the first signs of the appearance of a spark.