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HomeRepair HelpHotpoint Microwave RepairHotpoint Microwave is tripping circuit breaker Repair
Hotpoint Microwave is tripping circuit breaker
If your Hotpoint microwave is tripping the circuit breaker, the most likely cause is a failed door switch. Most microwaves use three or four switches, including the primary door switch, secondary door switch, and monitor switch, that must close in sequence when the door latches. A defective switch can cause the microwave to trip the breaker or blow the line fuse when the door closes. If the switches test good for continuity, 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 connected to the microwave's high-voltage system. The high-voltage capacitor can store a lethal charge even after the microwave is unplugged, so properly discharge it before opening the cabinet or testing interior components. If you are not familiar with capacitor discharge procedures, have a qualified technician handle this repair. Enter your Hotpoint microwave model number to find the exact replacement door switch, capacitor, magnetron, or transformer for your appliance.
01 - Hotpoint 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 - Hotpoint 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 - Hotpoint 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 - Hotpoint 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 Hotpoint microwave tripping the circuit breaker?
Why does my microwave trip the breaker when the door opens or closes?
Can a blown microwave fuse cause the microwave to keep tripping the breaker?
How do I test the high-voltage capacitor, magnetron, or transformer in a microwave?
How do I find the correct Hotpoint microwave replacement part?
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