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HomeRepair HelpEmerson Microwave RepairEmerson Microwave is sparking or arcing Repair
Emerson Microwave is sparking or arcing
If your Emerson microwave is sparking, arcing, or making sparks and pops when running, stop using it until you identify the cause. The most likely problem is a damaged, burned, or loose waveguide cover, especially if the microwave waveguide cover is sparking inside the oven cavity. Replace the cover if it is damaged or will not stay in place. If arcing occurs in the cabinet area with smoke or a burning smell, inspect the door switches for burn marks or damage, then test the primary, secondary, or monitor switch with a multimeter. A damaged magnetron can also cause microwave sparking behind the waveguide cover, while a burned high-voltage diode may arc in the cabinet area. Less common causes include burnt shelf supports and chipped interior paint that exposes metal. Sand damaged paint lightly and apply microwave-safe touch-up paint. 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, so use a qualified technician if you are not familiar with the procedure. Enter your Emerson microwave model number to find the exact replacement part for your appliance.
01 - Emerson 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 - Emerson 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 - Emerson 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 - Emerson 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 - Emerson 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 - Emerson 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 Emerson microwave sparking inside?
What should I check if my Emerson microwave sparks and pops near the cabinet?
Can chipped paint or a damaged shelf support cause microwave arcing?
Is a microwave burning smell or sparking dangerous?
How do I find the correct Emerson microwave waveguide cover or other replacement part?
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