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Samsung Microwave is sparking or arcing

If your Samsung microwave is sparking inside, stop using it until you find the cause. A damaged or loose waveguide cover is the most likely problem, especially when the microwave sparks or arcs behind the cover in the oven cavity. Replace the cover if it is burned, cracked, or will not stay in place. Sparking or arcing in the cabinet area, often accompanied by smoke or a burning smell, can point to a failed door switch, such as the primary, secondary, or monitor switch. Inspect the switches for burn marks and test them with a multimeter. A damaged magnetron or burned high-voltage diode can also cause Samsung microwave sparking, particularly behind the waveguide cover. Less common causes include burned shelf supports or chipped interior paint that exposes metal. Replace damaged supports, or use approved microwave touch-up paint after preparing the area. Repairs involving the magnetron or high-voltage diode, and any repair requiring the outer cabinet to be opened, involve a high-voltage capacitor that can store a lethal charge even after unplugging. Proper capacitor discharge is required, so use a qualified technician if you are not familiar with the procedure. Enter your Samsung microwave model number to find the exact replacement part.

01 - Samsung 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 - Samsung 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 - Samsung 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 - Samsung 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 - Samsung 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 - Samsung 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 Samsung microwave sparking inside?
Can I use my Samsung microwave if it is sparking or arcing?
What causes a Samsung microwave to spark in the cabinet area?
How do I fix chipped paint or a burned shelf support that is causing microwave arcing?
How do I find the correct Samsung microwave waveguide cover or diode?

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