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HomeRepair HelpPanasonic Microwave RepairPanasonic Microwave is tripping circuit breaker Repair
Panasonic Microwave is tripping circuit breaker
If your Panasonic microwave is tripping the circuit breaker, start with the door switches, the most likely cause. Most models use three or four switches, including the primary door switch, secondary door switch, and monitor switch, which actuate in sequence when the door closes. A defective switch can cause the microwave line fuse to blow or the breaker to trip. Use a multimeter to check each switch for continuity, and replace any switch that fails. If the switches test good, a shorted high-voltage capacitor may be causing the microwave to trip the breaker. Less common causes include a shorted magnetron or high-voltage transformer. A failed transformer may also arc or produce a burnt smell. Any microwave tripping breaker repair that requires opening the outer cabinet involves serious electrical hazards. The high-voltage capacitor can store a lethal charge even after the microwave is unplugged and must be properly discharged before interior work. If you are not familiar with capacitor discharge procedures, have a qualified technician diagnose or repair the high-voltage system and door switches. Enter your Panasonic microwave model number to find the exact replacement door switch, capacitor, magnetron, or transformer for your appliance.
01 - Panasonic 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...
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02 - Panasonic 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 - Panasonic 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 - Panasonic 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 Panasonic microwave tripping the breaker?
Can a Panasonic microwave door switch cause the circuit breaker to trip?
How do I test the high-voltage capacitor, magnetron, or transformer in a microwave that keeps tripping the breaker?
What should I do if my Panasonic microwave trips the breaker and smells burnt?
How do I find the correct Panasonic microwave part when the breaker keeps tripping?
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