Does your microwave keeps tripping circuit breakers or blowing fuse so frequently that you believe it is playing a trick on you? Due to microwaves’ high electricity consumption, they might trip your circuit breaker because they overload it. There is also a possibility that it could be tripping your breaker if your microwave is faulty or if you have an electrical problem.

If your microwave is on, it is relatively easy to determine what is tripping your circuit breaker. Find out how you can prevent them by reading this article!

 

#1 Microwave Keeps Tripping Breaker Due to overloaded circuit breaker

A tripped circuit breaker may be caused by an overloaded circuit breaker in your microwave. This may be caused by several factors, such as a malfunctioning microwave or too many electrical appliances plugged into the same circuit.

It is important that your microwave is connected to a dedicated circuit in order to function properly. Check the breaker box for a circuit labeled “Microwave”. If so, you’re in luck! The microwave may share a circuit with several other appliances in the kitchen if it is not labeled as “Kitchen” or similar.

The average microwave draws between 12 and 15 amps, which is much less than the 20 amps rated for circuits. Consequently, when multiple appliances are running in parallel on the same circuit, it exceeds the circuit’s rating and trips the microwave breaker.

Repeatedly tripping the microwave breaker will cause it to wear out prematurely, potentially causing damage to the appliance. Additionally, overloaded microwave circuit breakers can cause the wiring in your home to overheat, increasing the risk of an electrical fire.

Make sure that your microwave is on its own dedicated circuit if it isn’t already. There is a good chance that this will solve your microwave breaker tripping problem.

 

 

#2 Microwave Keeps Tripping Breaker Due to Faulty microwave

If the microwave is indeed on a dedicated circuit, you may be dealing with a faulty unit. There are bundle of ways to answer the question of why the microwave keeps tripping the breaker or blowing fuse.

A microwave should be connected to a circuit with a higher amp rating, such as a garage outlet or a dedicated circuit. It is likely that the microwave itself is faulty if this microwave breaker trips. If your microwave does not trip the circuit breaker, you probably only need a dedicated circuit for it.

There are many components that can cause a microwave to malfunction, including a faulty door switch, blown fuse, wet turntable motor, electrical supply problem, or faulty capacitor. Several of them can cause the microwave to keep tripping the breaker.

 

#3 You have a malfunctioning door safety latch

The safety latch mechanism has multiple switches. The microwave will not operate properly if any of the latch hooks or switches are broken. Fuse blowing or microwave circuit tripping can result from this.

 

You can use a multimeter in ohm mode to determine if your door latch may be to blame. When testing the door, make sure to open and close it both.

The first step is to open the microwave’s outer casing and locate the microswitches on the door latch. The multimeter probes should be placed on the terminals of the microswitches after removing the electrical connectors. If you open or close the door, you should receive different readings from the switches. A defective part should be replaced if continuity is absent.

 

#4 Microwave Keeps Tripping Breaker Due to moisture in the turntable motor

Turntable motors allow microwaves to cook food consistently and uniformly. When you cook your food, there is always the possibility that liquid will leak beneath the turntable. The turntable motor can be damaged if moisture seeps into it, causing electric problems and tripping the microwave’s circuit breaker. Cleaning the turntable motor immediately afterward can prevent this from happening.

If your turntable motor malfunctions, you can test it with a multimeter. Discharge the capacitor of the microwave by unplugging it. Under the microwave, you will find the turntable motor. Connect all connectors before disconnecting.

It is now possible to test the continuity of the turntable motor terminals with the probes of the multimeter. Your ideal reading should be between six and eleven ohms. If the reading is different, you need to replace the microwave part.

 

#5 Microwave Keeps Tripping Breaker Due to problem with the capacitor

Capacitors store energy until it can be amplified and released. This component will cause the microwave to make a very loud noise if it is defective. Eventually, a fuse will blow or a circuit breaker may trip.

The capacitor can be tested by unplugging the appliance from the electricity and discharging it with an electrically insulated tool. Electrocution is a serious risk if you fail to do this.

Place the probes of the multimeter tool on the capacitor’s terminals after disconnecting all connectors from the capacitor. It is a sign that the capacitor is faulty if you do not get a reading.

 

#6 Microwave keeps tripping breaker due to electrical supply issues

Your circuit breaker may also trip due to a problem with the electrical supply. Check the electrical socket first to see if it has melted or been damaged if you suspect this is the cause.

If you can’t unplug the appliance, the plug and socket may have fused together. It is important to shut off the appliance’s electrical supply immediately if this is the case. After that, you should use some force to separate them. Consult an electrician if necessary.

 

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