How to replace the fuse in my microwave?
The microwave oven is one of the appliances that is often neglected for cleaning, and everyone seems to believe that they will not cheat on their owners. However, sometimes there are malfunctions that are not as complicated to repair. Just careful and a little more precision is required.
The fuse is that little item that you could handle on your own, not hire a technician, or make a new purchase. The most important thing is to be careful with high voltage, which could lead to fatal extremes. Do not risk yourself, but go through the specific steps slowly and carefully! The stove may be small, but it carries one of the greatest dangers to a person's life over any other household appliance.
Stages for replacing the microwave guard
- Disassembly of the microwave oven
- Create a completely safe working environment before disassembling. Keep in mind that even a disconnected electric stove is a serious threat to a person. Capacitors are the part that contains high electricity that can kill. Consider if you are willing to repair the fuse yourself, as it often causes other electrical problems.
- Protect yourself in a slightly out of the ordinary way - remove any jewelry and similar accessories that could accidentally fall into the wrong place and assist in conducting electricity. On the other hand, keep your favorite watch because magnetic microwave elements can damage it. Equip yourself with other precautions - gloves, mask and home slippers (maybe other rubber soled shoes). Be careful not to touch the metal parts in the appliance
- Disconnect the appliance from the power cord. Reach it carefully and proceed to the most important step before starting the fuse removal
- Remove the ventilation grille, which is most often found at the top of the stove. Some models require the door to open, while others have a grille on the back that needs to be removed. Typically, the upper grille is attached with several surface screws that must be unscrewed to remove it. Be sure to note their original location
- Remove the control panel by unscrewing the screws on the upper surface with which it is attached. Those connecting the grid must also be sought. Removal of the control panel is carried out by lifting and pulling forward. You may need help because it is advisable to support it in a stable position without disconnecting the cables
- The last step at this stage is optional - removing the exterior panels. Access to certain parts has been cleared, but it is not clear exactly what the problem is. You may try to remedy the problem and then remove the screws and remove the other panels if necessary. This will give you comprehensive access to eliminate the malfunction
Condenser release
- The capacitor is charged with a huge amount of volts. To eliminate deadly electricity, turn off the microwave and wait a few minutes. In no case should you rely on a power outlet because the contents are available when the stove is off. Some models have a similar safety feature, but don't rely too much on it
- Find out the location of the capacitor - most often it is a metal cylinder with two or three terminals. You will find it in this form in most microwave models, but if you do not notice it, do not disassemble it. Seek a technician because their circuit board may be dangerous. High voltage content is also available in the aluminum radiator, windings and coil - this is a whole bomb
- Get the supplies and equipment you need to safely remove the capacitor - screwdriver with electrical insulation, insulating gloves, mask and more
- Proceed to attach a resistor to the tip of the screwdriver - a 100K Ω resistor measuring 25 watts or higher to the tip of the screwdriver. This practice is useful as it slows down the dilution rate. This, in turn, prevents damage to the screwdriver as well as to the individual elements of the microwave
- The other end of the resistor must be attached to the metal chassis of the capacitor. At this point in the process, be sure to use insulating gloves - it is necessary because of the possibility of capacitor terminals being knocked out
- Slide the screwdriver tip to one of the capacitor terminals. This is an important point that should not be missed. Holding the screwdriver this way for a few seconds will drain the charge. Repeat the procedure in the second and third terminals (if any)
- Check for charge, then remove the screwdriver and disconnect the resistor. Again you need to touch the tip of the screwdriver to the terminals. Never use a multimeter, even if it is at your fingertips, because the microwave voltage is extremely high. If there is sound or sparks, the capacitor discharge is not correct
Replacing the fuse
- Look for visible issues. The most common malfunction is electricity. It is necessary to carry out an inspection for combustion, dead insects, food debris and more. These traces can cause short circuits and damage to some components. The fuse may be burnt, but there may be additional faults that an experienced technician must deal with. Do not put yourself at risk at such times
- If fuses are to be replaced, find their location. Your microwave model can be of several types - ceramic tubes and thermal black cylinders. Different microwaves may have different locations - check behind the control panel or look at the wiring diagram. However, for some fuses, more components may need to be removed, but better done by specialists
- Remove the fuses slowly and safely. It can be done in two ways - with the help of a fuse box or with a suitable insulating screwdriver. When removing them, you should note where each fuse comes from in order to know how to replace the new fuse.
- Use a multimeter to test the fuses. They may have different types of combustion due to different models. Tune the unit for continuity, if any, or the lowest ohms. The fuse is blown if it displays a resistance or overload symbol, as well as if it does not make a continuous noise. If a tone is heard or the multimeter indicates 0 ohms, it is upright
- Replace the fuse with another that looks the same. It is important that the element be the same size and work with the same force. Check out these options for the old fuse or go to the store to advise you what to buy from the available ones. Put it back in the same place
Assemble the appliance in its original form - follow the disassembly steps, but in the opposite order. Each removed part should fit perfectly again and be screwed properly from all possible sides. Do not neglect this ecstasy task of restarting the microwave, as incorrect placement may cause radiation to leak during operation. Take a warm-up test before setting your next lunch or dinner.