In 80% of situations, if sparks appear in the microwave or food does not heat up, the cause is a problem with the mica plate. Thanks to this detail, microwaves are displayed, high-quality and fast heating of food. But will household appliances be able to function normally if mica is removed, or does it need to be replaced? In the article, we will study the signs of failure of a microwave mica plate, as well as options for replacing it.
What is mica?
Environmentally friendly material has high dielectric properties and is characterized by good vapor permeability. Such a microwave oven part ensures the heating of the chamber inside the equipment, the safety of the waveguide and magnetron. Mica is cheap and can be purchased from various specialized outlets.
Causes of burning mica
The main reason for the combustion of the mica platefor microwave is associated with contamination of the surface of the material by splashes from products. Fat and food residues deposited on the plate absorb the radiated microwave energy and heat up, causing sparking between the magnetron antenna and the plate itself.
The second reason is the operation of the oven with a small amount of products, less than 100 grams. When the equipment is idle, due to the increased electric field strength, holes occur on the surface of the mica plate for the microwave, which only increase with subsequent use of the equipment, as a result, the part simply burns out.
Untimely elimination of a breakdown can lead to complete burnout of the magnetron antenna up to its complete destruction, disruption of the enamel coating of the chamber and destruction of its walls. In this situation, to eliminate the breakdown, it is necessary to replace the magnetron, the waveguide cover and clean the chamber with special detergents. The microwave mica plate needs to be replaced if it is in poor condition, has become sour after cleaning the appliance chamber, or is heavily soiled with grease.
Signs that a replacement part is needed
How to make sure that the cause of the breakdown lies precisely in the plate, and not in other parts of household appliances? It is important to pay attention to such signs:
- If the surface of the mica has darkened or spots have appeared on it, this is a sure sign that it is time to change the part.
- If the screen is visibly fat or warped.
- If there are cracks or material at allbegins to fly around.
In the event that at least one of the above signs is detected, it is necessary to carry out repair work or replace the mica as soon as possible. This can be done both in the workshop and at home.
How to choose replacement material
When a mica plate burnt out in the microwave, many are interested in how to replace a part in household appliances and whether another material can be used. Thinking about how to replace mica that has deteriorated, you need to take into account its properties:
- High dielectric constant.
- Environmental friendliness, that is, when heating dishes, harmful substances should not be released.
- High ability to retain and pass steam, which prevents the appearance of condensate on the magnetron during operation of the equipment.
Why is such scrupulousness necessary when selecting a mica plate? If these requirements are not taken into account, then in the process of heating food, substances hazardous to human he alth may be formed, or drops of water will settle on the wires that pass current. Why take the risk? After all, a short circuit can occur, which will lead to costly repairs. If a mica plate burned out in the microwave, the master will tell you how to replace the part. In some cases, heat-resistant plastic can be used.
Remove the old plate
To repair a mica plate for a microwave oven, which is not difficult to buy in Moscow, even a person who does not understand technology can do it. It can be purchased atParts Direct stores, points are located in Mitino, on Nakhimovsky and Novokuznetskaya. You can also find goods on marketplaces. Initially, you need to remove the part from its place. There is nothing difficult in fixing the plate: one self-tapping screw or two plastic rivets on one side, on the inside of the chamber, the corners of the plate are mounted in slots that are located in the furnace wall.
To remove the plate, unscrew the screw and then slip a knife blade under it. This makes it easy to remove the part. Plastic rivets are also dismantled with a knife. In some situations, in order to simultaneously pull the four corners of the part out of the grooves, the mica screen is pryed from one edge and bent in the middle. Triangular mica screens are also much less common. The old plate must be knocked down carefully, as it will serve as a stencil for cutting out the new part.
Form a new mica plate
A new mica screen is cut using the damaged part, which is well aligned over the entire surface. Most often, the plate is cut in the shape of a rectangle. Cut the material only with a sharp knife along the contour, while using a metal ruler. Experts recommend not to use scissors in such work, since the edge crumbles from them, the mica breaks. The edges of the new part are treated with fine sandpaper.
Clean the walls of the microwave
After all the work, the walls of the equipment are well washed and cleaned. Burnt placescleaned with skin. During the cleaning process, enamel can be removed, the main thing is that there is no carbon deposits. Organic residues in the form of fat must be cleaned off if the metal itself is not damaged.
If there is no soot, then sanding is not carried out, but only wiped with a clean damp cloth. This will be enough. Small burns in the magnetron antenna usually do not have any effect on the operation of equipment.
Fix the new plate in place
After cleaning, all elements are well dried from moisture and put in place, then a new plate is attached. In most cases, the mica screen is bent to run the corners into the grooves. Such actions are done carefully, since the parts are fragile and you can easily violate their integrity. After assembly, household appliances are checked in operation. To do this, at least 200 grams of food with a high water content must be in the microwave.
Remember that a modern microwave oven cannot work without a mica plate. If the part is out of order, then it is better to limit the use of household appliances for the duration of the repair.
