An Estate microwave is tripping the circuit breaker, especially when you open or close 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, blow the line fuse, or make the microwave keep tripping the breaker. If the switches test good, a shorted high-voltage capacitor is the next likely cause, followed by a shorted magnetron. A failed high-voltage transformer is less common but may also trip the breaker and usually produces arcing or a burnt smell. These components are inside the cabinet, where the high-voltage capacitor can store a lethal charge even after the microwave is unplugged. Proper capacitor discharge is required before interior work, and this repair may require a qualified technician if you are not familiar with the procedure. Enter your Estate microwave model number to find the exact replacement door switch, high-voltage capacitor, magnetron, or transformer for your model.
01 - Estate 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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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.
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.
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.