What causes a magnetron to spark?

It is very common that during cooking, some food particles and grease escape the food and stick to the wave guide. The heat emitted from the magnetron burns these stuck food particles, which appears as spark to us.

Why is my microwave sparking with nothing in it?





If there’s no metal in the microwave, check the waveguide cover. That will be a small panel on the inside of the thicker side of the microwave. If it looks cracked or damaged, that’s probably the cause of the sparks. You’ll need to order a replacement waveguide, then unplug your microwave and replace it.

What happens when a microwave magnetron fails?

A noisy humming or vibrating noise can mean you need the magnetron tube replaced. An abnormal clicking sound can also be a sign of a bad magnetron. A grinding or groaning sound can signify a problem with the turntable roller guide or turntable drive motor. Grinding can also mean there’s a problem with the stirrer motor.

Why is my microwave buzzing and sparking?

Quote from the video:
Quote from Youtube video: But as you can see on my on my plate. It's pretty dirty it's probably about two years old and on the back you can actually see where it was arcing. And creating the spark. That was causing sparking on

What are the signs that a microwave is going bad?

6 Signs It’s Time to Replace Your Microwave

  • Smoke, sparks, and burning smells. These are signs of a serious and urgent problem. …
  • Food isn’t cooking properly. …
  • It makes horrible sounds as it cooks. …
  • The door doesn’t seal properly. …
  • The keypad doesn’t function. …
  • It’s over 10 years old.





Why is my microwave shocking?

The microwave oven is not properly grounded. The oven is kept at a damp place. The wire insulation is torn and or touching the ground. You might have touched the metal part near the door housing.

Can a microwave catch on fire?

Microwave fires are commonly caused by overheated ingredients, so keep an eye on your food as you cook. If you place metal, such as aluminum foil, or food packaging inside of the microwave cavity, it could start a fire. Electrical issues can also lead to fires, including power surges and shorted-out power supply units.

How do you clean a waveguide cover?

Keep the waveguide cover clean to make sure of good microwave performance. Carefully wipe the surface of the cover with a soft damp cloth to remove any food spatters immediately after they occur. Built-up spatters may overheat and cause smoke or possibly catch fire. Do not remove the waveguide cover.

Can a microwave work without a waveguide?



You can use your microwave without a waveguide, but when the waveguide is damaged, the steam and vaporized food particles collect on the oven’s electronic components. The waveguide’s main function is to protect the oven from steam and vaporized food particles will accumulate on the oven’s inner electronic components.

How do you fix a microwave waveguide?

Quote from the video:
Quote from Youtube video: Use a plastic putty knife to help pry off the old waveguide cover if still intact install the new waveguide cover by carefully bending the cover enough to insert the tabs into the slots in the liner.

What does a waveguide do in a microwave?

The waveguide cover protects the gap where the microwaves enter the oven cavity from where they are produced by the magnetron. Additionally, it stops moisture and food particles from getting into the “workings” of the microwave. Replace the waveguide cover if it is burnt, chipped, or cracked.

How important is the waveguide cover?



So it’s the duty of the waveguide cover to stop any moisture or food particles that try to find their way into the internal electronic components of the microwave. Without the waveguide cover, splashed moisture and food particles will get to the internal electronic components, which will end up corroding the parts.

Can I replace the waveguide cover in my microwave?

Quote from the video:
Quote from Youtube video: Cover. So let's start by removing the old cover. We're going to start by removing the screw that holds on the waveguide. Cover. And then the cover just slides. Out.

Can I make a waveguide cover?

Buy a piece of waveguide material roughly 8 inches by 8 inches. Most appliance repair stores will carry several sheets of the material and can cut the sheets to fit the size you need. Bring your old waveguide cover with you, if you can. Buy a piece that is at least an inch larger on all sides.

What is the little cardboard thing in microwave?

On the side of the interior of your microwave is a cardboard plate. This is a mica plate that prevents short circuits in your microwave.

Do all microwaves have waveguide cover?



Most microwaves have either a plastic or mica cover called a waveguide cover. It sometimes resembles a piece of grey cardboard and is usually located either in the top of the cavity or on one of the side walls. The waveguide covers the hole through which the microwaves are fed into the oven cavity from the waveguide.

What is the silver card in microwave?

wave guide cover

Do I need to keep the silver piece of card that’s on the inside my microwave? The cover is actually a wave guide cover (mica plate) which is an important accessory in microwaving. Please leave the cover inside the microwave and do not use the product without it.