Choose Product
Identify Problem
03
Find Solutions

Electrolux Microwave is tripping circuit breaker

If your Electrolux microwave is tripping the circuit breaker, especially when opening or closing the door, a defective door switch is the most likely cause. Most microwaves use three or four interlock switches, including the primary door switch, secondary door switch, and monitor switch, which must operate in sequence. A failed switch can short the circuit and blow the line fuse or trip the breaker. If the door switches test good, a shorted high-voltage capacitor is the next likely cause. Less common causes include a shorted magnetron or high-voltage transformer, which may also produce arcing or a burnt smell. These high-voltage components are not routine DIY repairs. The capacitor can store thousands of volts even after the microwave is unplugged, so anyone opening the outer cabinet must properly discharge it before testing or replacing parts. If you are not familiar with capacitor discharge procedures, have a qualified technician handle the repair. Enter your Electrolux microwave model number to find the exact replacement door switch, high-voltage capacitor, magnetron, or transformer for your appliance. This guidance applies whether your microwave keeps tripping the breaker during cooking or trips as soon as the door moves.

01 - Electrolux Microwave Door Switch

Most microwaves have three or four door switches. When the microwave door closes, the door switches actuate in sequence to ensure that the door is closed properly. If any of the door switches fail, the microwave line fuse can blow, or the circuit breaker may trip. To determine if any of the door switches are defective, use a multimeter to test each of the switches for continuity. If any of the door switches lack continuity, replace the defective switch. (Caution: The microwave oven can store thousands of volts of electricity in its high voltage capacitor, even after the microwave oven has been unplugged. Due to the potenti...al for electric shock, it is extremely dangerous to replace the electronic components in a microwave. Only a licensed technician should replace a door switch.)
Enter model number to search for the required part specific to your product
Top Solution

02 - Electrolux Microwave High Voltage Capacitor

A microwave that is tripping a circuit breaker can be caused by a shorted high voltage capacitor. You can determine that a capacitor has shorted by contacting one multimeter lead to one of the capacitor's terminals and the other lead to the casing. If meter display indicates that electrical continuity is present between any of the capacitor terminals and the casing, or the terminals show continuous continuity between them, the component has shorted and will need to be replaced.
Uncommon But Possible

03 - Electrolux Microwave Magnetron

A microwave that is tripping a circuit breaker can be caused by a shorted magnetron. You can determine that a magnetron has shorted by contacting one multimeter lead to one of the magnetron's terminals and the other lead to the casing. If meter display indicates that electrical continuity is present between any of the terminals and the casing, the magnetron has shorted and will need to be replaced.
Uncommon But Possible

04 - Electrolux Microwave High Voltage Transformer

A microwave that is tripping a circuit breaker can be caused by a shorted high voltage transformer. When a high voltage transformer shorts out, it will usually arc and smell burnt.
Uncommon But Possible

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my Electrolux microwave tripping the circuit breaker?
Why does my Electrolux microwave trip the breaker when the door opens or closes?
How do I know if the high-voltage capacitor or magnetron is causing my microwave to trip the breaker?
What should I do if my Electrolux microwave trips the breaker and smells like burning?
How do I find the correct Electrolux microwave part for this repair?

Shop by Electrolux Microwave Parts