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HomeRepair HelpWhirlpool Microwave RepairWhirlpool Microwave is tripping circuit breaker Repair
Whirlpool Microwave is tripping circuit breaker
When your Whirlpool microwave is tripping the breaker, especially when the door opens or closes, start with the door switches. A failed primary door switch, secondary door switch, or monitor switch can create a short, blow the line fuse, or cause the microwave to trip the circuit breaker. If the switches test good for continuity, the next likely cause is a shorted high-voltage capacitor. Less common causes include a shorted magnetron or high-voltage transformer. A failing transformer may also arc or produce a burnt smell. Testing or replacing these parts requires 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. Repairs involving the door switch or high-voltage system may require a qualified technician if you are not familiar with capacitor discharge procedures. Do not keep resetting a microwave that keeps tripping the breaker. Enter your Whirlpool microwave model number to find the exact replacement door switch, high-voltage capacitor, magnetron, or high-voltage transformer for your appliance.
01 - Whirlpool 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 - Whirlpool 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 - Whirlpool 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 - Whirlpool 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 Whirlpool microwave tripping the circuit breaker when I open or close the door?
Can a high-voltage capacitor cause my Whirlpool microwave to trip the breaker?
Could the magnetron or high-voltage transformer be causing the breaker to trip?
What should I check first if my Whirlpool microwave keeps tripping the breaker?
How do I find the correct Whirlpool microwave breaker, fuse, or door switch replacement part?
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