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HomeRepair HelpEmerson Microwave RepairEmerson Microwave is tripping circuit breaker Repair
Emerson Microwave is tripping circuit breaker
If your Emerson microwave is tripping the breaker, the most likely cause is a failed door switch. Most microwaves use three or four interlock switches, including the primary, secondary, and monitor switches, that operate in sequence when the door closes. A defective switch can short the circuit, blow the line fuse, or cause the microwave to trip the breaker, especially when opening or closing the door. Test each door switch for continuity and replace any switch that fails. Less common causes include a shorted high-voltage capacitor, a shorted magnetron, or a shorted high-voltage transformer. A transformer that has failed may also arc or produce a burnt smell. Any repair that requires removing the outer cabinet involves serious electrical danger because the high-voltage capacitor can store a lethal charge even after the microwave is unplugged. The capacitor must be properly discharged before interior work, and repairs involving the door switch or high-voltage system may require a qualified technician if you are not familiar with safe discharge procedures. Enter your Emerson microwave model number to find the exact replacement door switch, capacitor, magnetron, or transformer for your appliance.
01 - Emerson 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 - Emerson 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 - Emerson 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 - Emerson 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 Emerson microwave tripping the breaker when the door closes?
What should I do if my Emerson microwave keeps tripping the circuit breaker?
Can a high-voltage capacitor, magnetron, or transformer make an Emerson microwave trip the breaker?
Could a blown fuse be why my Emerson microwave is not working after tripping the breaker?
How do I find the correct Emerson microwave part after diagnosing the problem?
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