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HomeRepair HelpCaloric Microwave RepairCaloric Microwave is tripping circuit breaker Repair
Caloric Microwave is tripping circuit breaker
If your Caloric microwave is tripping the circuit breaker, especially when the door opens or closes, a defective door switch is the most likely cause. Most microwaves use three or four interlock switches, including the primary door switch, secondary door switch, and monitor switch, that actuate in sequence when the door closes. A failed switch can short the circuit, blow the line fuse, or cause the microwave to trip the breaker. If the door switches test correctly for continuity, the high-voltage capacitor may be shorted. Less common causes include a shorted magnetron or high-voltage transformer. A failed 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. Door switch repairs and all high-voltage repairs may require a qualified technician, especially if you are not familiar with capacitor discharge procedures. Enter your Caloric microwave's model number to find the exact replacement door switch, capacitor, magnetron, or transformer for your specific appliance.
01 - Caloric 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 - Caloric 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 - Caloric 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 - Caloric 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 Caloric microwave tripping the circuit breaker when I open or close the door?
Can a high-voltage capacitor cause my Caloric microwave to keep tripping the breaker?
Could the magnetron or high-voltage transformer be causing the breaker to trip?
Can a blown line fuse or ceramic fuse make my Caloric microwave stop working after it trips the breaker?
How do I find the correct Caloric microwave part for this repair?
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