Stopped heating the microwave

Modern technology makes the process of cooking comfortable, reduces the time spent by women in the kitchen and provides an opportunity to diversify the menu. And no matter how desirable, but over time, any equipment breaks down and creates a lot of inconvenience for the hostesses. Device failures can be different, but today we will figure out why the microwave stops heating and find out the causes of the malfunction.

How does the microwave oven

In order to find out why the microwave stopped heating, first of all, you need to figure out how the device works. So, the magnetron forms electric fieldwhich with the help of the waveguide is moving into the compartment with food. Since the products have water in their composition, it means that all of them are amenable to heating, which occurs due to the available dipoles (molecules). At opposite ends, the molecules have negative and positive charges. Under the influence of an electric field, the dipoles begin to sway, roll over and push. The result is a frictional force. And, as you know, the friction force forms heat. Through this whole process, the food heats up.

But it can also be that the food put on the heating turns out to be poorly heated or completely cold. This means only one thing: a properly working device broke down.

What can cause a breakdown

Regardless of which firm is a microwave oven (Samsung, Bosch, Panasonic, etc.), there can be many reasons for breakage. Consider the most common faults, because of which the microwave does not work:

1. Weak voltage In the event that the voltage in the network does not reach 220 W, the microwave oven will continue to work, but it is unlikely to heat the food.
2. Broke the magnetron.
3. Breakage of the door switch.
4. One of the fuses in the device has blown.
5. Malfunctioning diode or capacitor.
6. Electromagnetic lamp breakage.
7. The mains fuse has failed.
8. The control panel does not receive voltage.

Some reasons can be eliminate by yourselfwhile others, more complex ones need the attention of a master.

Please note, if the warranty card has not expired yet, it is better to return the equipment to the service center. In this case, you will not spend a penny on repairing the microwave oven!

Let us turn to the breakdowns with which you can cope on your own.

How to troubleshoot simple problems yourself

How can this be? The microwave seems to have broken, but continues to work: the plate is rotating, the lights are on, and the food is cold.

The device stops warming for several reasons. Before you disassemble the case and look inside the microwave, you should study the instruction manual, which indicates the most frequent breakdowns and ways to fix them. First, let's deal with the most simple problems:

1. One of the common reasons why the microwave stops heating is insufficient stress. For normal operation, the device needs a voltage of 220 volts, a reduction of which by only 10-20 volts will not be enough to heat the food. Eliminate this by installing an uninterruptible power supply.
2. Network overload. For cooking, especially on the eve of holidays is often used several electrical appliances. Some sockets are not able to withstand such a load, so the device does not work fully or turns off altogether. In this case, do not use tees and carrying, and connect each device to a separate outlet or use in turn.
3. Door Latch Malfunction. In order for the door to fit tightly, you need to adjust the latch.

If such reasons are not detected or have already been eliminated, and the stove still does not heat, then the fault lies even deeper.

Failure of the magnetron

The magnetron is the main part of the microwave. This is the source of heat (we talked about it at the beginning of the article). If you suspect a broken magnetron listen to the device: if the microwave produces humming and buzzing sounds, then the reason for the failure of this particular part.Damage to the magnetron may also indicate carbon deposits on the walls of the microwave. To check whether the part is intact, ring the pass-through capacitor with the magnetron case with an ohmmeter (for more details, see the article how to check the magnetron in the microwave). If it does not ring, it means that a replacement is necessary.

Malfunction of diode and capacitor

Through the high-voltage diode, the current passes to the rest of the details, but he cannot return back. If this part breaks, the microwave stops heating and starts to buzz. What to do in this case? Identify fault diode. Only a master can do this, but you can replace it yourself.

The cause of failure can also be covered in a faulty capacitor, which accumulates an electric field and generates microwaves. Determine the failure of this part will help ohmmeter. In case of faulty capacitor arrow device does not deviate. This item is also subject to replacement.

Microwave oven door switch

This miniature part can also cause microwave breakage. Again, an ohmmeter comes to help us: if the arrow turns at zeroThis means that the part is unusable and should be replaced.

Network high voltage fuse

In order to get to the mains fuse, you need to unscrew the bolts and remove the fuser body. Check the wires for external damage: burnout, blackening, smell of burning. Use an ohmmeter to check the fuse. If the arrow didn't move from scratchit means that the part has broken down and requires replacements.

Electromagnetic lamp

Serviceability of the lamp is checked with an ohmmeter, but first you need to discharge the passage capacitors. To do this, use electrical screwdriver with a protective handle. After that, we connect the ends of the ohmmeter to the outlet of the container of the metal case. The item will require replacement in case of zero resistance.

Transformer primary

Check the voltage of the primary winding of the transformer with a tester. Operating voltage should be equal to 220 watts.

Do not forget to disconnect a household appliance from electricity before repairing it!

And remember, even in the off state, any technician with the wrong approach can “hit” with current. Therefore, if you are not confident in yourself and your skills, it is better to entrust the repair of a microwave oven to specialists.

Microwave Care

In order for the equipment to serve as long as possible and not break, you need to follow some rules:

1. Do not heat or cook food in metal dishes, use only permitted.
2. Do not put in the microwave products with high water content (eg eggs and tomatoes), which, when heated, can burst and stain the device.
3. It is impossible turn on the empty device. This may cause a fire.

Read more about operating rules in the article.use the microwave properly.

Adhering to these simple rules, you can significantly extend the "life" of the microwave. But nevertheless, sooner or later, any equipment will break, and the microwave oven is no exception. And it is better to entrust the repair of your assistant to qualified specialists in order not to aggravate the situation even more.