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HomeRepair HelpUniversal Microwave RepairUniversal Microwave is tripping circuit breaker Repair
Universal Microwave is tripping circuit breaker
When your microwave is tripping the breaker, especially when opening or closing the door, start with the door switches. Most microwaves use three or four switches that actuate in sequence, and a failed primary door switch, secondary door switch, monitor switch, or interlock switch can cause the line fuse to blow or the circuit breaker to trip. Test each 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 possibilities include 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 thousands of volts even after the microwave is unplugged and must be properly discharged before any interior work. If you are not familiar with capacitor discharge procedures, have a qualified technician handle the repair. Never bypass a door switch or replace a fuse with a higher-rated fuse. Whether your microwave keeps tripping the breaker, trips when the door opens, or is not working after a breaker trip, enter your model number to find the exact replacement part for your specific Universal microwave.
01 - Universal 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 - Universal 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 - Universal 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 - Universal 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 Universal microwave tripping the circuit breaker?
Can a microwave door switch cause it to trip the breaker when the door opens or closes?
How do I test a microwave high-voltage capacitor or magnetron when it keeps tripping the breaker?
How do I find the correct Universal microwave door switch, fuse, or capacitor?
What should I do if my microwave keeps blowing a fuse or tripping the breaker?
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