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Goldstar Microwave is tripping circuit breaker

If your Goldstar microwave is tripping the circuit breaker, the most likely cause is a defective door switch. Most microwaves use three or four switches, including the primary door switch, secondary door switch, and monitor switch, which must close in sequence when the door shuts. A failed switch can short the circuit, blow the line fuse, or cause the microwave to keep tripping the breaker, especially when the door opens or closes. 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. Less common causes include a shorted magnetron or high-voltage transformer. A failed transformer may arc and produce a burnt smell. Testing or replacing these parts requires opening the microwave cabinet. The high-voltage capacitor can store thousands of volts, even after the microwave is unplugged, and must be properly discharged before any interior work. Repairs involving the door switch or high-voltage system may require a qualified technician if you are not familiar with capacitor discharge procedures. Enter your Goldstar microwave model number to find the exact replacement door switch, capacitor, magnetron, or transformer for your appliance.

01 - Goldstar 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 - Goldstar 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 - Goldstar 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 - Goldstar 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 Goldstar microwave tripping the breaker?
Can a Goldstar microwave door switch cause the circuit breaker to trip?
How do I test the high-voltage capacitor or magnetron in a Goldstar microwave?
Why does my Goldstar microwave keep blowing a fuse instead of tripping the breaker?
How do I find the correct Goldstar microwave replacement part?

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