Is your LG microwave tripping the circuit breaker? Especially when opening or closing the door, start with the door switches. Most LG microwaves use three or four switches, including the primary door switch, secondary door switch, and monitor switch, which actuate in sequence when the door closes. A failed door switch can cause the microwave to trip the breaker or blow the line fuse. If the switches test correctly, a shorted high-voltage capacitor is the next likely cause. Less common causes include a shorted magnetron or high-voltage transformer, which may also produce arcing or a burnt smell. These parts are inside the microwave cabinet and involve dangerous high voltage. The high-voltage capacitor can store a lethal charge even after the microwave is unplugged, so it must be properly discharged before any interior testing or repair. Repairs involving the door switches, high-voltage capacitor, magnetron, or high-voltage transformer may require a qualified technician, especially if you are not familiar with capacitor discharge procedures. Enter your LG microwave model number to find the exact replacement door switch, capacitor, magnetron, or transformer for your appliance.
01 - LG 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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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.
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.
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.