Wondering why microwave keeps tripping breaker? Microwaves are an essential appliance in most households, but when they start tripping the breaker, it can be a frustrating and confusing experience. A tripping breaker can signify a variety of issues, ranging from a simple overheating problem to a more serious electrical malfunction.
In this article, we will discuss the common causes of why a microwave keeps tripping a breaker on your kitchen, and what you can do to fix the problem. Whether you’re a homeowner or a renter, understanding the causes and solutions for this issue will help you keep your microwave running smoothly.
Why is my microwave suddenly tripping the breaker?
When a microwave suddenly starts tripping the breaker, it is usually the result of an electrical issue. There can be several reasons why a microwave may suddenly start tripping the breaker, including:
1. Overheating
Overheating is one of the most common reasons why a microwave may keep tripping a breaker. When a microwave overheats, it can cause the internal temperature to rise, which can lead to the tripping of the breaker.
The causes of overheating can be due to several factors, including Blocked vents by debris or food, faulty cooling fan, dirty filters, overloaded or old age.
2. Short Circuit
A short circuit in the microwave’s electrical wiring can cause the breaker to trip. This can happen if the wiring is damaged or frayed, or if there is a problem with the microwave’s internal components.
Some causes of short circuit in microwaves include damaged wiring or frayed, moisture inside the microwave, faulty components, or Improper installation.
3. Power surge
A power surge is a sudden increase in electrical voltage that can cause damage to appliances and electrical systems. Power surges can be caused by lightning strikes, power outages, or other external factors. If a power surge occurs while the microwave is in use, it can cause the breaker to trip as a safety measure to protect the appliance and the electrical system.
4. Circuit overload
A circuit overload is another common reason why a microwave may keep tripping a breaker. A circuit overload occurs when the electrical circuit is being asked to handle more electrical current than it is designed to handle, causing the breaker to trip as a safety measure to prevent damage to the electrical system.
Some causes of circuit overload in microwaves include overloaded circuit with other appliances like no space for fridge in kitchen or lights, incorrectly sized breaker, or old wiring in your house.
5. Faulty breaker
A breaker is a safety device that is designed to protect the electrical circuit and appliances from damage caused by a power overload or short circuit. When a breaker becomes faulty, it may not be able to handle the electrical load of the microwave, causing the breaker to trip.
Should I be worried if my breaker keeps tripping?
If your breaker keeps tripping, it’s important to take it seriously as it can indicate a potential problem in your electrical system. A breaker is a safety device that is designed to protect the electrical circuit and appliances from damage caused by a power overload or short circuit.
A breaker that keeps tripping may indicate that there is an issue with the electrical system that needs to be addressed. It’s important to have it checked by a professional electrician to determine the cause of the problem and make the necessary repairs. It’s also important to not ignore the issue and assume it will go away by itself, as it can cause damage to your appliances and even be a fire hazard.
How do you fix a microwave keeps tripping breaker?
If your microwave keeps tripping the breaker, it can be frustrating and inconvenient. However, there are a few things you can try to fix the issue yourself before calling in a professional.
Some potential causes of a microwave tripping a breaker include damage to the power cord or plug, a malfunctioning outlet, debris in the air vents, a failing diode or magnetron, or a malfunctioning door switch. By troubleshooting and trying some of the solutions I mentioned before, you may be able to fix the problem and get your microwave working again.
Total Time: 1 day
Step 1: Check the Outlet
Check to make sure that your microwave is plugged into its own dedicated outlet on its own circuit, as multiple appliances drawing current on one circuit can overload it and cause the breaker to trip. Check for any damage to the power cord or plug. If there is any damage, the cord will need to be replaced.
Step 2: Inspect the Wiring
Inspect any visible wiring for damage or loose connections that can cause arcing or sparks when current passes through them. If any are found they should be replaced or reconnected as needed by a qualified electrician.
Step 3: Clean the microwave’s air vents
Debris can build up in the vents and cause the microwave to overheat, tripping the breaker. Clean the air vents using brush or wet wipe to flush the dust.
Step 4: Check Components
Check all components and power cords for signs of defects such as fraying wires, shorting out in exposed areas, heat generated from poor insulation, and other indications of danger related to defective cords and plugs which should be replaced as soon as possible with approved parts from a trusted manufacturer before use resumes in order to avoid further risk of injury/overheating/fire etc.
Step 5: Contact Expert
If you suspect a problem with deeper inside components such as resistors or capacitors that go beyond assessment without access tools then highly recommend having an expert technician. If none of these steps resolve the issue, it is recommended to call a professional repair service.
Estimated Cost: 100 USD
Supply:
- New breaker
- Cleaner
Tools:
- Safety Gloves
- Electrical tester Pen
- Screwdriver
Materials: Replacement wire Replacement circuit/parts
Why and how to fix microwave keeps tripping breaker after 30 seconds
If your microwave trips the breaker after 30 seconds, it could be due to several reasons. Some of the most common causes include:
- Overheating: If the microwave is overheating, it can cause the breaker to trip. This can happen if there is debris blocking the air vents, or if the internal cooling fan is not working properly.
- Faulty door switch: The door switch ensures that the microwave only operates when the door is closed. If the door switch is malfunctioning, it can cause the microwave to trip the breaker.
- Short Circuit: A short circuit in the microwave can cause the breaker to trip. This could be due to damaged wiring or a malfunctioning component such as the diode or magnetron.
- Power Surge: A power surge can cause the breaker to trip, especially if the microwave is old or damaged.
To fix this issue, you can try the following:
- Clean the air vents with a small brush and a vacuum cleaner to remove debris.
- Check the door switch and make sure it is working properly.
- If you suspect a short circuit, you should call a professional repair service.
- If the microwave is old and you suspect a power surge, consider replacing the microwave.
It’s important to note that if you’re not comfortable with electrical repairs, it’s best to call a professional repair service to fix the issue.
Why and how to fix microwave trips breaker after 2 minutes
If your microwave trips the breaker after 2 minutes, it could be due to several reasons. Some of the most common causes include:
- High Power Draw: The microwave may be drawing too much power, causing the breaker to trip. This can happen if the microwave is too old, or if it is malfunctioning.
- Faulty Magnetron: The magnetron is the component in the microwave that generates the microwaves. If it is malfunctioning, it can cause the breaker to trip.
- Overheating: The microwave may be overheating, causing the breaker to trip. This can happen if there is debris blocking the air vents, or if the internal cooling fan is not working properly.
- Power Surge: A power surge can cause the breaker to trip, especially if the microwave is old or damaged.
To fix this issue, you can try the following:
- Check the power cord and plug for any damage. If there is any damage, the cord will need to be replaced.
- Clean the air vents with a small brush and a vacuum cleaner to remove debris.
- Check the magnetron and make sure it is working properly.
- If you suspect a power surge, consider replacing the microwave.
It’s important to note that if you’re not comfortable with electrical repairs, it’s best to call a professional repair service to fix the issue.
Why and how to fix microwave keeps tripping breaker when door opens
If your microwave trips the breaker when the door is opened, it could be due to a faulty door switch. The door switch ensures that the microwave only operates when the door is closed. If the door switch is malfunctioning, it can cause the breaker to trip.
To fix this issue, you can try the following:
- Locate the door switch on your microwave. It’s usually located near the door hinge or on the door frame.
- Test the door switch with a multimeter to see if it’s working properly.
- If the door switch is malfunctioning, it will need to be replaced.
It’s important to note that if you’re not comfortable with electrical repairs, it’s best to call a professional repair service to fix the issue.
Also, it’s worth mentioning that if the door of the microwave is not properly closed, it can also cause the breaker to trip, make sure the door is properly closed and the latch or the lock is working properly.
What size breaker do I need for a microwave?
When it comes to knowing what size breaker you need for a microwave, first check the wattage of your microwave. If the wattage is less than 1000 watts, then you need a 15-amp circuit breaker. However, if your microwave wattage is greater than 1000 watts, then a 20-amp circuit breaker is required. Always make sure that the circuit you select meets local codes and has enough room for additional appliances in the future.
In general, microwaves have their own dedicated outlet that’s connected to a separate appliance specific circuit in your electrical system. To ensure proper functioning of your microwave, the power requirements must be sufficient to support its use and prevent from tripping the breakers in your home’s electrical panel. Therefore, never plug your microwave into an extension cord to power it or plug multiple devices into one outlet at once because this can easily cause overloads which lead to overloads on circuits and fire hazards.
Is it worth it to fix a microwave?
When it comes to deciding whether it is worth fixing a microwave that keeps tripping the breaker, there are a few factors to consider. Is it still under warranty? If so, then the cost of repair may be covered by the manufacturer. If not, it’s important to assess the age and condition of the appliance and balance this against the potential cost of repair versus replacement.
If your microwave is more than 5-7 years old then you may need to begin weighing up whether repairing this appliance will be worth your while in terms of expense and potential future reliability. Keep in mind that modern microwaves come with a variety of features such as quick cooking times, temperature control, crisping trays and compatibility with apps from our phones or tablets. If these features are important for your lifestyle then you may want to opt for a newer model.
Alternatively, if your unit is relatively young (2-3 years old) or has been well maintained over its lifetime then it might be worth checking out any available troubleshooting information online or scheduling for a qualified technician to take a look at it and provide an honest assessment. An experienced technician can usually diagnose any mechanical problems quickly and offer reliable advice on whether repair is indeed feasible.
How long should a microwave last?
On average, a microwave should typically last around 10 years, though this may vary depending on the type, brand and model you have. It is important to ensure that your appliance is regularly serviced and regularly maintained in order to get the most life out of it. Taking care of your appliance may involve cleaning the interior, wiping down the exterior and ensuring the power cord is not frayed or worn.
Can an old microwave cause the breaker to trip?
It is possible that an old microwave can cause a breaker to trip. In general, once a microwave reaches a certain age, its internal components may start to deteriorate, causing the associated circuit breakers to trip.
In order to determine with certainty whether your microwave is causing the breaker to trip, it may be necessary to consult with an experienced electrician who can diagnose and troubleshoot electrical problems.
