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Modern Maid Microwave is tripping circuit breaker

If your Modern Maid microwave is tripping the circuit breaker, the most likely cause is a defective door switch. Most models 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 switch can cause the breaker to trip or blow the line fuse. If the door switches test correctly, a shorted high-voltage capacitor is the next likely cause. Less common causes include a shorted magnetron or high-voltage transformer. A shorted 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. If you are not familiar with capacitor discharge procedures, have a qualified technician handle the repair. Enter your Modern Maid microwave's model number to find the exact replacement door switch, high-voltage capacitor, magnetron, or high-voltage transformer for your specific appliance. Never bypass a door switch or continue using the microwave if it repeatedly trips the breaker.

01 - Modern Maid 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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02 - Modern Maid 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 - Modern Maid 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 - Modern Maid 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 Modern Maid microwave tripping the breaker when I open the door?
What should I do if my microwave keeps tripping the breaker?
Can a high-voltage capacitor cause a microwave to trip the circuit breaker?
Is a microwave that trips the breaker and smells burnt dangerous?
How do I find the correct Modern Maid microwave door switch or fuse?

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