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Roper Microwave is sparking or arcing

When your Roper microwave is sparking or arcing, stop using it until you identify the cause. Start with the waveguide cover, which may be damaged, burned, or loose and should be replaced if it will not stay in place. If the microwave sparks in the cabinet area, inspect the door switches for burn marks or damage, then test the primary, secondary, and monitor switches with a multimeter. Sparking behind the waveguide cover inside the oven cavity can indicate a damaged magnetron. A burned high-voltage diode can also cause arcing, smoke, or a burning smell. Next, check the shelf supports for burned spots and inspect the cavity for chipped paint that exposes metal. Damaged areas may need microwave oven touch-up paint after careful preparation. These checks can help with microwave sparking, microwave sparking inside, microwave arcing, or a microwave that sparks and pops. Any repair that requires opening the outer cabinet involves a high-voltage capacitor that can store a lethal charge even after the microwave is unplugged. The capacitor must be properly discharged before interior work, and a qualified technician should handle magnetron, high-voltage diode, or other high-voltage repairs if you are not familiar with the procedure. Enter your Roper microwave model number to find the exact replacement part for your appliance.

01 - Roper Microwave Waveguide Cover

The waveguide cover might be damaged and arcing or burning. If this is the case or if the cover will not stay in place, replace it with a new one.
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02 - Roper Microwave Door Switch

If the microwave is sparking or arcing in the cabinet area, and not in the oven cavity, you will likely see smoke or there will be a burning smell. One of the appliance's door switches could have shorted and is causing the sparking or arcing. You should inspect each door switch for burn marks or damage and test the components with a multimeter to determine if any the door switches are malfunctioning.
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03 - Roper Microwave Magnetron

If the microwave is sparking or arcing behind the waveguide cover in the oven cavity, you will likely see smoke or there will be a burning smell. The appliance's magnetron is one of the components that could be damaged and causing the sparking or arcing. Inspect the magnetron for burn marks or damage and replace if necessary.
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04 - Roper Microwave Diode

If the microwave is sparking or arcing in the cabinet area, and not in the oven cavity, you will likely see smoke or there will be a burning smell. The appliance's diode is one of the components that could be damaged and causing the sparking or arcing. When the diode fails, it is often visibly burned out. Inspect the diode and if the diode is burned out, replace it. If inspecting the diode proves inconclusive, test it with a multimeter that uses a 9-volt battery or put a 9-volt battery in series with the diode. When the leads are reversed, the diode should only have continuity in one direction..
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05 - Roper Microwave Shelf Support

Some microwave ovens will have cooking shelf supports on the interior walls. Inspect the shelf supports for any burnt spots or damage. If there are any burnt or damaged spots, replace with new supports as needed.
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06 - Roper Microwave Touch-Up Paint

The paint on the interior of the microwave might be chipped. If the paint is chipped, the interior metal will be exposed, causing the microwave to spark or arc. Check the interior of the microwave for any spots where the paint has chipped away. If there are any damaged spots, gently sand the compromised area and touch them up with microwave oven interior paint.
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Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my Roper microwave sparking inside?
What should I check if my Roper microwave sparks and smells like burning?
How do I test a Roper microwave door switch or diode?
Can I replace a Roper microwave waveguide cover or touch-up chipped paint myself?
How do I find the correct Roper microwave waveguide cover, door switch, or diode?

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