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Samsung Microwave is tripping circuit breaker

If your Samsung microwave is tripping the circuit breaker, especially when the door opens or closes, a failed 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, to confirm that the door is latched in the correct sequence. A defective switch can short the circuit, blow the line fuse, or trip the breaker. Test each door switch for continuity and replace any switch that fails. If the switches test good, a shorted high-voltage capacitor is the next likely cause, followed by a shorted magnetron or high-voltage transformer. A failed transformer may also arc or produce a burnt smell. These repairs require opening the microwave cabinet. The high-voltage capacitor can store a lethal charge even after the microwave is unplugged, so it must be properly discharged before any interior work. If you are not familiar with capacitor discharge procedures, have a qualified technician handle the repair. Enter your Samsung microwave model number to find the exact door switch, capacitor, magnetron, or transformer replacement part for your appliance.

01 - Samsung 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 - Samsung 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 - Samsung 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 - Samsung 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 Samsung microwave tripping the breaker when I open or close the door?
What should I check first if my Samsung microwave keeps tripping the circuit breaker?
Can a high-voltage capacitor, magnetron, or transformer cause a Samsung microwave to trip the breaker?
What should I do if my Samsung microwave is tripping the breaker and smells burnt or sparks?
How do I find the correct Samsung microwave door switch or fuse replacement?

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