No matter how much we would like, but not one household appliance can't work forever. So, over time, the microwave oven also breaks down. Failures can be different: the device either turns off during operation, heats poorly or the tray does not spin, ... Today we will focus on one of them and find out why the inside of the microwave cracks, sparks and shoots.
What can cause sparks to appear?
The microwave sparks for several reasons:
- Metal dishes or containers with a metal rim were placed inside the device.
- can also cause sparking.
- Due to metal, silver or gold plating on the plates.
- Mechanical damage to the enamel.
If your microwave oven sparks and crackles, or shoots, it means that you did not act in accordance with the instructions and b There is no way around this without repairs.. Please note that do-it-yourself repair device without proper knowledge can be dangerous!
Determining the cause and eliminating it
Prohibited utensils
In no case should you heat food in a microwave oven in metal containers or in plates coated with gold, silver or metal. If you neglect this rule, then you will hear crack in the microwave, and the appliance will start spark.
The fact is that during operation of the device, an electric arc is formed between its metal parts and metal utensils, which causes the microwave to spark. Be careful with your assistant!
If you didn’t pay attention and metal utensils got into the camera or cutlery, stop the microwave and remove all prohibited items. The sparking must stop.
Mica plate
One of the most common reasons why a microwave oven crackles and sparks is plate burnout made of mica, which is responsible for dissipating microwaves.
As food is heated, fats settle on the plate. And untimely cleaning and improper care behind the microwave only speeds up the process of food residues accumulating on the plate, which can catch fire. Over time, the diffuser deteriorates.
For the device to function properly, you need to identify in time the reason why your microwave is sparking and immediately eliminate it. Otherwise you risk damage the main part of the device is, which costs almost as much as the microwave oven itself.
What to do in this case? First you need to check the plate for serviceability.
The diffuser is broken and requires replacement if the microwave begins to spark, emits a burning smell, and carbon deposits have accumulated on its walls, near the mica plate.
Step-by-step instructions for replacing the plate:
- The first thing you need to do is wash the microwave chamber.
- Often the purchased plate does not match the dimensions of the old one. In this case, it is better to purchase a larger part and cut it, attaching the old one to it. The edges of the new plate should be processed sandpaper.
- Make holes for fastening.
- Before attaching the mica plate, you need to make sure that the magnetron cap is in good condition. If it breaks, you need to replace it too.
- We secure the new plate with screws.
As you can see, fixing such a breakdown is not at all difficult, the main thing is to strictly follow the instructions. After replacing the part, you need to check how the microwave works, but you cannot do this with an empty chamber!
Damage to the enamel inside the chamber
Sometimes you need to warm it up a large number of food and to save time, we choose larger dishes. When rotating, the plate slides, rubs and hits the walls of the microwave oven chamber. This results in scratches on the enamel, which prevents the microwaves from properly reflecting. And this, in turn, has a detrimental effect on the functioning of the magnetron, which (as already mentioned) is expensive. Therefore, when the slightest scratches appear on the enamel, they are immediately needs to be painted over.
You can deal with this yourself:
- First you need to clean the damaged areas with sandpaper and degrease them with a solvent.
- Then apply a layer of primer and two or three layers of enamel. Food-grade, fire-resistant or electrically conductive enamel is suitable for this.
- We wait until it dries completely and check the device.
If, after turning on, the microwave does not spark or smoke, it means you did everything correctly and the device is ready for use again.
Waveguide cover
Most breakdowns occur due to untimely cleaning devices from greasy deposits that can catch fire over time. The antenna from the magnetron emits microwaves in the waveguide chamber, which is closed with a lid. Accumulated contaminants on the waveguide cover will burn over time, because it acts as a dielectric that does not conduct electricity. The fact is that fire is a so-called plasma, which can be a conductor, which can cause sparks and crackling noises to appear in the microwave.
Appliance socket and plug
Sometimes a microwave oven may only spark when it is turned on or off. This may be caused by a faulty socket or plug. If the contacts do not fit tightly together, then the electric current is distributed unevenly. This can lead to To short circuit or the microwave may break down.
To fix the problem, you should inspect the cord for damage: kinks, breaks. If any are found, the cord needs to be replaced. The socket also requires replacement if cracks, chips and scale are detected.
How to extend the life of a microwave oven
So that the microwave oven serves you long years, you need to periodically pay attention to it and adhere to generally accepted rules:
- Wash and clean from dirt.
- Do not operate an empty microwave oven.
- Do not place metal utensils or plates coated with metal inside the appliance.
- Inspect the device for damage to the enamel.
- To prevent fat from splashing, you need to cover plates with food with a special cap.
- Do not place large dishes in the microwave chamber, which can damage the enamel.
Devices, like people, require attention and care. Use the microwave only for its intended purpose and in accordance with the instructions. Then the device will delight you with long, trouble-free operation.
Without microwave oven to modern man There’s no way around it, but what to do if your microwave starts to behave strangely? One of the most common defects is when the microwave starts sparking inside when turned on. In this article we will tell you how you can repair a microwave oven with your own hands using the example of the manufacturer Welcome model mw-17m1.
The most common reason for a microwave to spark is burnout of the mica due to grease getting on its outer wall.
We open the lid and see burnt mica. This mica must be replaced with a new one and be sure to check the condition of the magnetron cap. When it sparked, the magnetron cap and even the magnetron itself, which is responsible for the microwaves, could also be damaged. 
Now we need to disassemble the microwave and check the magnetron and the condition of the magnetron cap. Be sure to first turn off the power to the microwave. We unscrew the bolts of the rear part of the cover along the entire perimeter, they are circled in red circles. 
Next, remove the microwave casing and observe the magnetron; there will be a cap in the inside. 
Now we unscrew the bolts that secure the magnetron to the microwave body. 
We take out the magnetron and see the burnt cap. Our fears were justified; in addition to the mica, it is imperative to replace the magnetron cap with a new one. Usually, when the microwave inside starts to spark, the owners continue to use it and the defect begins to worsen, first the cap burns out, and then the magnetron itself may fail. 
Replace the cap with a new one and reassemble. 
We clean the inside of the microwave from grease and food debris, and install a clean mica sheet. Before installation, you need to cut out a shape the same size as the burnt one. Mica can be purchased at amateur radio stores or at markets in your city that sell spare parts for household appliances. Mica is not in short supply and can always be found from sellers if desired. 
And finally, I would like to say that it is very important that if sparks appear inside the microwave or it begins to crack, you must stop using it for its intended purpose, so as not to aggravate the breakdown and get by with, so to speak, “a little trouble,” namely, simply replacing the mica plate . You should always take care of your stove, wash and clean it, remove all traces of fat and food inside, especially from the mica and from the inner glass of the microwave. You can wipe it with a damp cloth; it is not recommended to wash it wet to avoid liquid getting into the cracks where the mica is attached and the internal holes of the microwave oven. If you carry out cleaning and maintenance at least once a month, your microwave oven will serve you for a very long time.
We wish everyone successful repairs.
They are complex electrical appliances that can also pose a danger to the user. In normal operating condition, the kitchen unit does not pose a threat, but failure of its functional elements makes further operation unsafe. The difficulty in troubleshooting lies in the fact that one sign of a breakdown can have several causes. If the microwave sparks, this may indicate various problems in the device. Before you begin repairs, you should understand the situation in more detail.
Causes of malfunction
There can be several reasons for the problem, from mechanical damage until some parts of the microwave overheat. 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. Problems of this kind are not associated with gross malfunction of the device and more often arise 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 fact is that the inside of microwave ovens is treated with special enamel coatings. Deformation of this layer usually occurs as a result of the use of metal utensils. That is, breakdowns of this kind can be prevented provided that elementary rules operation of an electrical appliance. By the way, it is not advisable to use it for heating in the microwave and ceramic dishes with metallized coatings.
What exactly sparks?
To understand the causes of this problem, you need to understand the very nature of sparking. So, if the microwave sparks and crackles, this means that an interaction process is taking place inside between two electrical conductors. In other words, conditions were created for the formation of an electrical discharge or arc. Such phenomena can be accompanied not only by sparking and crackling, but also by light effects, which looks even more frightening.
What elements are in in this case It may well have been provoked by metal elements that ended up in the chamber with the dishes. Again, it doesn't have to be all metal utensils. If a microwave with a ceramic plate sparks, it may be due to pieces of foil. Moreover, a charge does not always occur even in the presence of full-fledged metal parts in the cell. To activate such processes, there must be appropriate power, which will be enough to overcome the barrier in the form of an air dielectric.
Can I use a sparkling stove?
The answer to this question depends on the condition of the microwave oven and its components. The mere 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 a reason for a comprehensive inspection of the device. That is, if the cause of this phenomenon was the presence itself metal element in the chamber, then further operation is quite acceptable provided that the functional contents of the device are 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. Next, the power supply is turned off. After this, 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 the high-voltage transformer are connected to the magnetron - they should be checked for functionality. Masters usually examine such areas for the presence of resistance, and the electromagnetic responsiveness of the device body is also assessed. If there is activity, then the magnetron is fine and does not need to be replaced. But even with a working magnetron, you can observe how the microwave sparks. What to do in such cases? You should begin to inspect the mica diffuser and the condition of the enamel coating.
Mica diffuser repair
The microwave diffuser is a mica plate which, if damaged or excessively dirty, can cause sparking. This small detail, which is completely self-repairing if the microwave sparks when turned on. The repair will consist of updating this component. Required in service center manufacturer of a specific model or on the radio market, purchase a diffuser that matches the characteristics and replace the old plate with it. Moreover, sometimes experts recommend not dismantling the old mica plate, but only installing a new element and first cleaning the installation site.
Restoring the enamel coating
The formation of sparks can also result from mechanical damage to the enamel-treated chamber walls. The latter is used not only to form dielectric insulation, but also to maintain surface cleanliness. During operation, it is quite possible that this layer may be damaged 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 damaged and needs to be restored. Damaged areas are repaired using specialized environmental compounds. Previously working surface cleaned, after which new enamel is applied in accordance with the instructions.
How to avoid microwave sparking?
It has already been noted that sparking occurs either due to low-quality components or due to violations operating rules. To minimize such risks, other recommendations for using such ovens should also be followed. For example, you should not reheat food without covering it with a special lid - splashing greasy particles, for example, can contribute to the same damage to the enamel. The microwave often sparks due to excessive contamination of the mica plate itself. It may be intact, but dirty. In this case, it is not necessary to purchase a new element - it is enough to carry out timely care of the mica surface.
Conclusion
It may seem that microwave oven 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 Negative consequences may 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 a basic operating function may indicate damage to the magnetron or its adjacent contact infrastructure. Theoretically, updating it is possible, but the cost of such an operation is usually almost half the price tag of a new microwave. Therefore, it is advisable to solve the problem at the first sign of a spark.
Like any electrical appliance, a microwave oven can malfunction. If the microwave sparks inside, this is a sign that it is broken. After turning on the device, sparks appear near the plate, the microwave crackles. There is a burning smell and a grinding noise. In such a situation, the microwave requires repair.
Causes of sparks
Possible causes of sparks in the microwave:
- When using metal utensils and touching the walls of the microwave. You can use metal utensils if this is permitted in the instructions.
- The mica diffuser burned out.
- Heating food in dishes decorated with gold or silver. The use of metal-coated utensils is prohibited in microwave ovens.
- The inner enamel is damaged. If there are scratches on the walls inside the microwave, the enamel may need to be restored. It is necessary to apply only special enamel, as other products may evaporate and get into the food.
These reasons affect the operation of the microwave oven in different ways. Most often it crackles and sparks inside. In any case, it needs repairs.
Mica plate burned out
The mica diffuser burns out due to fat that gets behind the surface of the mica. Subsequently, with active use of the microwave oven, the metal located behind the mica begins to burn through. The magnetron may also be damaged.
Steps to fix the problem yourself:
- Check the mica for defects. If the mica surface becomes dirty or burnt, it is necessary to replace the burnt part with a new one. Before installing a new mica plate, you must thoroughly clean the chamber inside the microwave of any accumulated fumes and grease.
- Carefully remove the magnetron without violating safety regulations. First you need to unplug the microwave oven from the outlet. Then short-circuit the capacitor for a while. Also on a short time short-circuit the magnetron.
- See if the cap on the magnetron is burnt. If it has not burned out, there is only a small spot, then we install it in its original place and connect it.
- If the cap is burnt, you need to change it, return the magnetron to its place and connect the network.
- If there is no cap at all, then the magnetron will need to be replaced.
To avoid malfunctions in the microwave oven, it must be covered with a special lid when cooking fatty foods.
Grease can get onto the mica diffuser and then onto the waveguide, causing the microwave to crackle and spark inside. Sparks can damage the microwave magnetron, which is the most expensive to repair. It is even possible to burn through the body.
The sparking process and rules for using a microwave oven
Let's take a closer look at the problem of why a microwave oven sparks and crackles. Sparks are an electric arc or discharge that is formed between 2 conductors. Foil, golden ornaments of dishes and other metal objects can act as conductors. An alternating electromagnetic field appears in a microwave oven, due to which an electric current appears in the conductors.
A discharge or arc begins to form between conductors with different voltages, which the dielectric is not capable of holding. In the case of a microwave oven, air acts as a dielectric.
Therefore, when heating food in a microwave oven, you need to use dishes without applying gold, silver or other metal elements.
When electric discharges appear in the microwave, the load on the microwave increases. electrical circuits, which most likely can lead to equipment failure. It is better not to repair a microwave oven yourself without the intervention of a specialist. Serious damage to the magnetron, diode or transformer may occur.
The influence of the waveguide cover on the serviceability of the microwave oven
Particular attention should be paid to the failure of the waveguide cover. This is due to the fact that the antenna from the magnetron emits waves not in the microwave oven chamber itself, where the product is located, but in a special recess called the waveguide chamber. Microwaves that come from the magnetron antenna penetrate into the chamber.
The waveguide chamber is closed with a lid. To make the lid, take special material, which plays the role of a dielectric that does not conduct electric current. When contaminants accumulate on the waveguide cover, they will begin to burn. Since fire is a plasma, which in turn can act as a conductor, the microwave oven in this case sparks and crackles.
In the situation considered, a discharge of electricity appears between the burning fat on the lid covering the waveguide and the wall of the microwave, antenna or waveguide. To prevent fat from food from splashing around, it is necessary to heat the food by covering it with a special lid. This will help prevent microwave oven malfunctions and reduce contamination.
Cleaning microwave elements
If dirt or grease that gets on the waveguide cover burns, you should not only change the cover, but also clean the magnetron antenna and waveguide. If the microwave oven continues to operate, the magnetron cap located on the antenna may burn out, rendering the magnetron unusable. It is better to clean a microwave oven in special centers that have everything you need for your model of microwave oven.
Sometimes fat can accumulate under the plate on which food is placed, which gets there due to boiling or spilling of food. It is also possible to appear there electric arc. In this case, the plastic spindle burns out, which rotates the plate with food, as a result of which it burns out glass plate. Repair, as well as cleaning the spindle from carbon deposits, is problematic, since the burnt part is metallized, so the spindle needs to be replaced.
Microwave oven repair and cleaning is best done in specialized centers.
The microwave today occupies an honorable first place among kitchen electrical appliances. And this is not at all surprising, because with the help of a microwave you can both heat and defrost, and cook various dishes. But most often we warm it up in it. You can heat up a nice bowl of soup or pasta with cheese grated on top in minutes. In short, useful thing- microwave.
According to legend, the inventor of the microwave, American engineer Percy Spencer, working in the forties with magnetrons for radars, once noticed how, during one of his experiments, the microwave radiation of the magnetron heated a chocolate bar in his pocket so much that the chocolate melted and burned Spencer.
So Spencer came up with the idea of creating a microwave oven, and already in 1947, the first microwave oven “Radarange”, designed for defrosting food in soldiers’ canteens, saw the light of day. This first microwave was as tall as a man, weighed 340 kg, had a power of 3 kW, and cost $3,000 in 1949.
Today you won’t surprise anyone with a compact and powerful microwave in the kitchen. However, like all household electrical appliances, the microwave is no stranger to malfunctions. Typical fault is described by the following phrase: “the microwave crackles and sparks.” This forces the owner of the device to take it to a service center, spend money on repairs, etc. This is not very pleasant.
But why does the microwave crackle and spark? Can I fix this problem myself? To answer this question, let's look at the likely causes of sparking, and try to understand what can be done about it. So, there may be three reasons:
Metal or with metal coating, dishes in the microwave;
The enamel coating of the microwave oven chamber is damaged;
Breakage of the mica plate.
In the first case, simply remove the unsuitable dishes from the microwave; for example, these dishes may be a metal plate, or a plate or cup with a pattern along the edge, which is precisely made with paint containing metal.
Spoons and forks also should not be placed in the microwave; for example, leaving a spoon or fork in a plate of heated food will easily cause sparks. Conclusion - remove metal device from the microwave, and heat the food in a container without metal elements.
In the second case, if the enamel coating inside the microwave chamber is damaged, it is enough to purchase suitable enamel and cover the exposed areas inside the chamber. To be fair, we note that the enamel coating of the chamber is damaged by the lack of regular cleaning of the inside of the microwave. Grease accumulates on the walls, grease stains form, and sufficiently strong contamination of this kind is quite capable of damaging the enamel during operation of the microwave, of course sparks occur.
And finally, the third reason is mica. There is a mica plate in the microwave that separates the microwave chamber space from the compartment where the magnetron is installed. So, the mica plate is installed in the microwave in order to prevent contamination of the magnetron operating under high voltage. Mica is a dielectric, and perfectly transmits microwave radiation through itself, like a window that allows light to pass through, but does not allow air to pass through. various items inside the room. It's the same here.
If the mica plate is contaminated with grease, pieces of food, etc., then of course the plate will overheat, sparks and crackling will appear, and eventually the plate will break and crack. If this process is started, then the magnetron will also burn out, and it is quite expensive, so it is better to prevent the situation from getting worse and simply replace the broken mica plate in time.
So, you have identified a broken mica plate. There are two possible options here. The first is to take the microwave to a service center, where the plate will be replaced. The second is to fix the problem yourself by buying mica, cutting out the plate, and installing it in place of the broken one.
If you decide to replace the mica plate yourself, then the first thing you need to do is buy it. Mica is sold both online and in some electrical stores. If the mica you purchased is slightly larger than your plate, you will simply need to cut a piece of the appropriate size.
Remove the broken plate from the microwave; it may be held in place with screws or latches. Attach the broken plate as a template to the purchased mica. Mark the mica. Cut with a stationery cutter new part. Holes can be drilled or punched. Sand the edges with fine sandpaper. The plate is ready.
Install it in the microwave in place of the broken plate, having previously cleaned the installation site of dirt, and check, say, by heating a glass of water. If nothing is cracking now, then the problem is solved.
If you decide to use the services of the service, then there is nothing reprehensible in this; professionals will do everything efficiently and reliably. However, it is not always necessary to complicate everything, because sometimes the problem turns out to be easily and quickly solved with your own hands.