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Sharp Microwave is tripping circuit breaker

When a Sharp microwave is tripping the circuit breaker, the most likely cause is a defective door switch. A failed primary door switch, secondary door switch, monitor switch, or interlock switch can create a short when the door closes, causing the microwave to trip the breaker or blow the line fuse. Test each door switch for continuity and replace any switch that fails. A shorted high-voltage capacitor is the next likely cause, followed by a shorted magnetron or high-voltage transformer. A failing transformer may also arc or produce a burnt smell. These issues can cause a Sharp microwave to keep tripping the breaker, including tripping the breaker when opening or closing the door. Any repair that requires opening the outer cabinet involves serious shock risk. The high-voltage capacitor can store a lethal charge even after the microwave is unplugged and must be properly discharged before interior work. Repairs involving the door switch, high-voltage capacitor, magnetron, or high-voltage transformer may require a qualified technician if you are not familiar with capacitor discharge procedures. Enter your Sharp microwave model number to find the exact replacement part for your specific appliance.

01 - Sharp 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.)
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02 - Sharp 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 - Sharp 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 - Sharp 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 Sharp microwave tripping the circuit breaker?
Why does my microwave trip the breaker when I open or close the door?
Can a high-voltage capacitor or magnetron cause a microwave to trip the breaker?
How do I test the door switch on a Sharp microwave?
How do I find the correct Sharp microwave door switch or capacitor?

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