My Microwave just died, should I look inside?

[andy_art_trigg]

I have a Sanyo combination 900W microwave (EM-D993) that’s about 10 – 12 years old. It went dead after I opened the door to stir me porridge. When I closed it to commence porridge warming, all lights extinguished. I hoped it was just the fuse in the plug – but no.

My question is, I’m washing machine, dryer, dishwasher engineer and have never touched a microwave. Should I investigate? (I’ve heard one can be flung into far corners if touching a bad thing inside). Is there an internal fuse, or should I consider replacing it?

[ChrisR]

Re: My Microwave just died, should I look inside?

Hi Andy.

You are so right about the danger and it could be far worse than just being knocked over.

The magnetron within the microwave holds a considrable charge and needs to be discharged before you touch anything.

There are fuses within,it maybe one has blown,BUT be very aware if you start prodding around.

They start at around £40.00 in Comet,might be a better bet.

Take care.

Chris.

[gegsy]

Re: My Microwave just died, should I look inside?

Hi Andy
You say it died when you closed the door? It sounds like maybe one of the safety door microswitches or door mech may be at fault.
Like Chris said, watch out for them high voltages and dishcharge with a bleeder lead.

Greg

[andy_art_trigg]

Re: My Microwave just died, should I look inside?

40 quid from Comet? How very dare you 😉 It’s a combination microwave, it cost about £250 at least. I reckon a replacement would be about the same now. Thanks guys. I didn’t hear a sound when it went, so I’m hopeful its just a fuse gone for no apparent reason.. I meggered it and it seemed OK so I’ll have a look at the fuse.

[gegsy]

Re: My Microwave just died, should I look inside?

Hi Andy
If there is a problem with any of the door switches, it will put a dead short on mains and pop the fuse/s.

HTH
Greg

[don]

Re: My Microwave just died, should I look inside?

Hi Andy

Prices for a combination microwave start at £149 for Sharp and Panasonic 😉 .

Don

[andy_art_trigg]

Re: My Microwave just died, should I look inside?

It looks like a little 8 amp fuse. I’ll try to get one from Maplins. I didn’t get any sparks flying when I shorted out the cap. It must have discharged naturally. Even so, I extracted the fuse with the precision of a brain surgeon, touching nothing but the fuse 🙂

[gegsy]

Re: My Microwave just died, should I look inside?

Hi Andy
Sometimes if you close the doors too quickly can cause a similar fault to faulty door switches aswell 🙂

Greg

[andy_art_trigg]

Re: My Microwave just died, should I look inside?

I was hungry 😉

[tanner]

no absolutly not leave well alone you need specail training there is a 2500 volt capacitor in there and could kill

[macmini]

tanner wrote:no absolutly not leave well alone you need specail training there is a 2500 volt capacitor in there and could kill

Reckon it’s a bit late for that now? 😉

[andy_art_trigg]

Re: My Microwave just died, should I look inside?

Job done 🙂 never touched a thing inside except the fuse with some narrow nosed pliers. Went to Maplins and was forced to by 9 spares as well as a replacement – no matter though. Boiled a cup of water up on full power OK.

I think in future I will pause the microwave before opening the door. I usually just opened the door. Mind you I’ve been doing so for 10 years so it probably wasn’t that.

[ChrisR]

Re: My Microwave just died, should I look inside?

Sorry Andy.

I stupidly said magnetron instead of capacitor.

Glad you`ve sorted it.

[andy_art_trigg]

Re: My Microwave just died, should I look inside?

Thanks everyone. I’ll give it a porridge test in the mornin’ 🙂

[iadom]

Re: My Microwave just died, should I look inside?

Get a good curry in it, I know how you love spicy food, 😉 😆

jim.

[Author]

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