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HomeRepair HelpMontgomery Wards Microwave RepairMontgomery Wards Microwave is tripping circuit breaker Repair
Montgomery Wards Microwave is tripping circuit breaker
When your Montgomery Wards microwave is tripping the circuit breaker, especially when opening or closing the door, a defective door switch is the most likely cause. Most models use three or four interlock switches, including the primary door switch, secondary door switch, and monitor switch, which must actuate in sequence. A failed switch can short the circuit, blow the line fuse, or make the microwave keep tripping the breaker. If the door switches test correctly, a shorted high-voltage capacitor is the next likely cause, followed by a shorted magnetron or high-voltage transformer. A failing 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 Montgomery Wards microwave model number to find the exact replacement door switch, high-voltage capacitor, magnetron, or transformer for your specific appliance.
01 - Montgomery Wards 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 - Montgomery Wards 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 - Montgomery Wards 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 - Montgomery Wards 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 Montgomery Wards microwave tripping the breaker?
How do I test the door switches in a Montgomery Wards microwave?
Can a high-voltage capacitor cause my microwave to trip the breaker?
What should I do if my microwave trips the breaker and smells burnt?
How do I find the correct Montgomery Wards microwave part for my repair?
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