Choose Product
Identify Problem
03
Find Solutions

Sanyo Microwave is tripping circuit breaker

When a Sanyo microwave is tripping the circuit breaker, the most likely cause is a defective door switch. Most microwaves use three or four switches, including the primary door switch, secondary door switch, and monitor switch, that activate in sequence when the door closes. A failed switch can short the circuit, blow the line fuse, or cause the microwave to trip the breaker when opening or closing the door. Test each switch for continuity with a multimeter and replace any switch that fails. A shorted high-voltage capacitor is the next likely cause, followed by a shorted magnetron. A failed high-voltage transformer is less common, but it may arc or produce a burnt smell when it shorts. These components are part of the microwave's high-voltage system. The high-voltage capacitor can store a lethal charge even after the microwave is unplugged, so it must be properly discharged before opening the outer cabinet or testing interior parts. Door switch, capacitor, magnetron, and transformer repairs may require a qualified technician if you are not familiar with safe capacitor discharge procedures. Enter your Sanyo microwave model number to find the exact replacement part for your specific appliance.

01 - Sanyo 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 - Sanyo 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 - Sanyo 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 - Sanyo 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 Sanyo microwave tripping the circuit breaker?
How do I test a Sanyo microwave door switch?
Could a high-voltage capacitor, magnetron, or transformer make my Sanyo microwave trip the breaker?
What should I do if my Sanyo microwave trips the breaker, sparks, or smells burnt?
How do I find the correct Sanyo microwave door switch or other replacement part?