Microwave ovens are complex electrical appliances that can also be hazardous to the user. In normal operating condition, the kitchen unit does not pose a threat, but the failure of its functional elements makes further operation unsafe. The complexity of troubleshooting lies in the fact that one symptom of a breakdown can have several causes. If the microwave sparks, this may indicate various problems in the filling of the device. Before proceeding with the repair, you should understand the situation in more detail.
Causes of failure
There can be several reasons for the problem - from mechanical damage to overheating of some parts of the microwave. In particular, burnout of the mica diffuser is the most common. Unfortunately, this problem occurs in all types of such furnaces, and it is quite difficult to insure against it. Malfunctions of this kind are not associated with a gross violation of the operation of the device and often occur due to the poor quality of the element itself. Also, if the microwave sparks when turned on, this may be a sign of damage to the internal surfaces in the chamber itself. The thing isthe fact that microwave ovens are treated with special enamel coatings inside. The deformation of this layer usually occurs as a result of the use of metal utensils. That is, it is possible to prevent breakdowns of this kind, provided that the elementary rules for operating an electrical appliance are observed. By the way, it is undesirable to use ceramic dishes with metallized coatings for heating in the microwave.
What exactly sparkles?
To understand the causes of this problem, you should understand the very nature of sparking. So, if the microwave sparkles and crackles, this means that inside there is a process of interaction between two electrical conductors. In other words, conditions were created for the formation of an electric discharge or arc. Such phenomena can be accompanied not only by sparks and crackling, but also by light effects, which looks even more intimidating.
What elements in this case provoked a spark? These may well be metal elements that are in the chamber with dishes. Again, it doesn't have to be all-metal utensils. If a microwave sparkles with a ceramic plate, then pieces of foil may have served as the reason. Moreover, the charge does not always occur even in the presence of full-fledged metal parts in the chamber. To activate such processes, there must be an appropriate power, which is enough to overcome the barrier in the form of an air dielectric.
Can I use the spark oven?
The answer to this question dependson the condition of the microwave oven and its elements. By itself, the fact of sparking does not always indicate damage to the same diffuser or enamel coating. Another thing is that the appearance of sparks should be the reason for a comprehensive inspection of the device. That is, if the cause of this phenomenon was the very presence of a metal element in the chamber, then further operation is quite acceptable provided that the functional filling of the device is intact. But in any case, it is important to stop the heating process if the microwave sparks. What to do in such situations? First of all, turn off the device through the control system. Then the power supply is turned off. After that, the working elements are checked, among which the most important will be the magnetron - the most expensive and critical part of the microwave.
Checking the magnetron
This operation is performed by electrically ringing the contacts of the part. The contacts of a high-voltage transformer are connected to the magnetron - they should be checked for operability. Masters usually examine such areas for the presence of resistance, and the electromagnetic responsiveness of the device case is also evaluated. If there is activity, then everything is in order with the magnetron, and it does not need to be replaced. But even with a working magnetron, you can watch the microwave sparkle. What to do in such cases? You should start inspecting the mica diffuser and the condition of the enamel coating.
Mica Diffuser Repair
Microwave diffuseris a mica plate, damage to which or excessive contamination can cause sparks. This is a small detail that is quite subject to self-repair if the microwave sparks when turned on. Repair will consist in updating this component. It is necessary to purchase a diffuser of the appropriate characteristics at the service center of the manufacturer of a particular model or on the radio market and replace the old plate with it. Moreover, sometimes experts recommend not dismantling the old mica plate, but only laying on a new element, pre-cleaning the installation site.
Enamel restoration
The formation of sparks can also be the result of mechanical damage to the walls of the chamber treated with enamel. The latter is used not only to form dielectric insulation, but also to maintain the cleanliness of surfaces. During operation, damage to this layer is quite possible - by the edges of the dishes or as a result of careless movements with food. If, after such manipulations, the microwave sparks, it means that the insulating coating has been broken, and its restoration is required. The repair of damaged areas is carried out using specialized environmental compounds. The working surface is pre-cleaned, after which a new enamel is applied in accordance with the instructions.
How to avoid microwave sparks?
It has already been noted thatsparking occurs either due to poor-quality components, or due to violations of operating rules. To minimize such risks, other recommendations for the use of such ovens should also be followed. For example, you should not heat food without covering it with a special lid - splashing greasy particles, for example, can contribute to the same damage to the enamel. The microwave oven often sparks due to excessive contamination of the mica plate itself. It may be whole, but dirty. In this case, it is not necessary to purchase a new element - it is enough to take timely care of the mica surface.
Conclusion
It may seem that microwave sparking is not a serious problem and is at least fixable at home. But if the device is used with such a defect for a long time, then the negative consequences can become irreversible. For example, if the microwave crackles and does not heat. Is it possible to fix the device in this case? The absence of the main working function may indicate damage to the magnetron or its adjacent infrastructure with contacts. Theoretically, updating it is possible, but the cost of such an operation is usually almost half the price of a new microwave. Therefore, it is advisable to solve the problem at the first sign of a spark.
