Magnetron sparks in the microwave - how to check and replace

Owners of microwave ovens often encounter such a problem as sparks in a microwave oven. They can occur due to violation of the instructions by the user, short circuit of the power supply and broken parts. Even if there are no sparks, but the food heats up slightly or does not heat up at all, this indicates problems with the magnetron.

In this article, the algorithm is how to check the mechanism for damage, because of what it may appear, how to fix it, install a new magnetron or its components. The owner will have to do all repairs at his own risk.

Sparks in the microwave after turning it on

What is a magnetron?

This is an electromagnetic mechanism that creates microwaves. The electron stream interacts with the microwave field, and as a result, microwave radiation occurs. High voltage is transmitted to the casing (cathode), after connecting to the power supply, the electrons are sent to the anode.

It is the magnetron that heats the food in the microwave. Its antenna is connected to a mica plate, which scatters and directs the waves onto a plate of food.

Magnetron with cap on top and white capacitor on bottom

What problems may arise

The magnetron antenna can be damaged due to a burnt mica plate. She's a diffuser of microwaves. If you do not regularly clean, then fat and food particles accumulate on it. Under fat, it quickly burns out. If you do not replace the mica plate, the magnetron will be damaged and begin to sparkle. This is one of the most common reasons why sparks occur in the microwave.

Serviceable and burned out diffusers

Not only soot and sparks speak of a burnt plate, but also the smell of burnt food during the operation of the equipment. Do not ignore any of these signs, the technique can catch fire or even explode.

There are other causes of magnetron failure:

• Depressurization. It is necessary to buy a new mechanism, since without a vacuum it is useless;
• The incandescent thread broke. The principle is the same as with a broken bulb. If it burns out, then nothing can be changed;
• The cap on the antenna melted. Can be exchanged for a new cap;
• The magnetic system is broken. A very rare case. If only the top magnet burst, then you can buy another one and install it in the place of the old one;
• The mechanism has reached the end of its service life. You have to buy a new one;
• Capacitor capacity is broken. It is recommended to buy a new magnetron, you can replace the capacitor, but for a person without the necessary skills of a technician it is better not to do this.

In most cases, the magnetron cannot be repaired, and you have to purchase a new one. Only sometimes you can save and replace several parts yourself at home.

How to check magnetron microwave oven for serviceability

Before repair, you need to identify if the problem is really in the magnetron or not? Microwave can spark and pop due to metal utensils, utensils with metal inserts and gilding, destruction of enamel inside, short circuit or broken power source. If the owner is sure that none of this has happened, the question arises: How can I check a magnetron in a microwave at home?

Dialing with a multimeter (tester)

You need to ring the magnetron with a multimeter:

1. Turn on the multimeter, set the mode to 200 ohms. Touch the probes to the terminals. The integral winding has a low resistance (approximately 0.5 ohms), you will hear a squeak or ringing;
2. If nothing happens, then the filament has broken;
3. To ring the capacitor, you need to configure the multimeter to the largest measurement mode. One probe touch any contact, and the second - to the body. If everything is normal, then the device will show an infinity sign, but nothing will happen;
4. Does the charge strike the body? Most likely, the capacitance of the capacitor is broken.

Remember! The use of special research devices does not always guarantee accurate information. It is strictly forbidden to connect the device that was removed from the microwave housing. This will cause irreparable harm to the health of everyone around.

How to install a new part

First of all, the microwave must be disconnected from the power supply. If it has just been used, then you need to give it time to cool. Now you can proceed to the repair:

1. Wash the inside of the microwave thoroughly and wipe dry. You can use a variety of tools from ordinary soda to detergent specifically for enamel, it depends only on the choice of the owner;
2. It is necessary to remove the back cover of the device;
   

   Use a screwdriver to carefully unscrew the 4 bolts

3. It is necessary to conduct an initial inspection of the mechanism. If there is blackening or completely burnt parts, but you need to change not only the magnetron;
   

   The mechanism without visible damage. It is better to photograph their location before disconnecting the wires

4. Disconnect the magnetron from the wires;
5. If the parts can be repaired, proceed to the next step;
6. Carefully inspect the cap. If it burned out, as in the photo, then you need to replace it with a new one. If not, proceed to the next step;
   

   Molten and new caps

7. It is required to check how the magnetron works according to the algorithm indicated above;
8. It is necessary to carefully put the new magnetron in the place of the old;
9. Screw in the screws to fix it;
10. Connect the wires to it. It is important not to confuse them, otherwise either the equipment will not work at all, or it will break.
11. Screw the back cover of the microwave into place;
12. Check its operation after repair. If it still sparkles or does not work at all, then most likely the owner was mistaken and did something wrong. In this case, it is strongly recommended that the microwave be repaired.

In the store you need to choose a magnetron of the same company as the microwave. Otherwise, the device in many ways simply will not fit the microwave.

Serviceable Capacitor

Capacitor Replacement

If a problem with the transition capacitor is detected, then it can be replaced in this way:

• Remove the filter cover;
• Snack the throttle contacts;
• With a drill (3 mm), make holes around the capacitor;
• Remove the filter from the housing;
• Unwind one coil at each throttle, so the contact will be longer;
• Polish the contacts with sandpaper;
• Insert a new capacitor into the housing;
• Screw it with bolts;
• Carefully connect the contacts so that they do not come into contact with the walls of the housing;
• Close the filter cover.

Using the instructions and the necessary tools, you can fix some of the components of the magnetron. However, if a person is not confident in their abilities and skills, it is better to turn to professionals. Non-observance of safety precautions or common accident can harm the health and lives of several people at once. To defer microwave repair, users should not violate the operating instructions and do not neglect regular cleaning of grease and food particles.