Quick Step by step
- Find the right tool (Nose Needle Plier and Screwdriver)
- Put your rubber glove on
- Disassemble the microwave using screwdriver
- Look out for the terminal screw
- HOLD the RUBBER HANDLE (Nose Needle Plier)
- Reach out to the terminal screw with the Nose Needle Plier. (A slight spark will occur)
- The Spark is a sign that the Microwave capacitor had successfully discharged
How do you discharge a capacitor from a microwave?
Place an insulated screwdriver against the capacitor’s terminals to discharge it. Locate a small metal box near the back of your microwave that has a black cylinder sticking out from the side, which is the capacitor. Find the metal prongs that stick out from the end of the capacitor and have wires connected to them.
How do you troubleshoot a magnetron on a microwave?
To troubleshoot the magnetron, you’ll need an ohmmeter or multimeter (sometimes called a Multi – Meter). First, unplug the microwave power cord from any power source and make sure the high voltage capacitor is fully discharged- it’s dangerous to attempt any work on a microwave oven otherwise.
How much does it cost to replace magnetron in microwave?
You can buy magnetrons online or from appliance stores for around $35–100 USD. Your microwave could have multiple magnetrons. Be sure to test each one with your multimeter since one of them could be faulty. The capacitor inside your microwave can still contain voltage even after you unplug it.
What is a microwave magnetron?
A working microwave magnetron is the heart of a microwave oven and emits microwaves, allowing an oven to heat food efficiently. Microwave ovens use electromagnetic waves to heat food rather than using heat to warm it up.
How do you drain a microwave capacitor?
0:103:26How to Discharge a High Voltage Capacitor for a Microwave - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipGot its problem now first thing you got to do is make sure you discharge the high voltageMoreGot its problem now first thing you got to do is make sure you discharge the high voltage capacitator. Okay I will show you what that be. Okay.
Do I need to discharge a microwave capacitor?
Discharging your microwave's capacitor is absolutely essential in preventing injury to your microwave, your tools, and yourself. A capacitor stores large amounts of electricity even when your microwave is unplugged, and it must be discharged before beginning any repair.
How long does it take for a microwave capacitor to discharge on its own?
The time to discharge to a safe voltage will be on the order of several 10s of seconds if the internal Resistor is 10 megohms and the Capacitor is less than 1 microfarad. The cap should be dead if you allow your microwave to sit overnight.
How do you discharge a microwave capacitor video?
1:143:36How to discharge a high voltage capacitor. - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAfter I fade unplug it next step is to remove this connection of the capacitor right and I removeMoreAfter I fade unplug it next step is to remove this connection of the capacitor right and I remove the other connection make sure yeah you will be have insulated rubber make sure it will be a proper
What is the fastest way to discharge a capacitor?
The quickest way to discharge a capacitor is to touch the two terminals of the capacitor together, as is shown below. Again, this is the quickest way to discharge a capacitor. However, it's only advised that you do this for capacitors storing a very low voltage.
How do I make sure my microwave is discharged?
0:393:49How to discharge a Microwave. - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo you just put it together. Like so and hold on a second let. Me some more that black housing. OkayMoreSo you just put it together. Like so and hold on a second let. Me some more that black housing. Okay now like I said before do not do this it's supposed to spark. When you put them both together.
How do you discharge a capacitor with a screwdriver?
1:555:07How to discharge capacitor - Electronics Tutorial For BeginnersYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipNow connect those two strokes to the discharge pin be sure to join the ends well and wait a fewMoreNow connect those two strokes to the discharge pin be sure to join the ends well and wait a few seconds. Then remove the discharge pin your capacitor is empty this method is hazardous.
How do you discharge a capacitor with a multimeter?
Open all switches on the power board. Then bring up the voltage supply on the capacitor to 100V with all switched adequately opened. When the voltage reached 100V, turn off the charging switch of the device. Wait for a few moments until the digital multimeter (DMM) display shows the result strictly at 100V.
How many volts does a microwave capacitor hold?
The high voltage capacitor in a microwave is rated in microfarads, which is one or less and up to 2100 volts.
Does discharging capacitor with screwdriver damage it?
The use of an insulated screwdriver to discharge capacitors is not recommended. It can cause damage to the capacitor, circuit board, power supply circuitry, and, most importantly, injure you.
How long does it take for a high voltage capacitor to discharge?
After 5 time constants, the capacitor will discharge to almost 0% of all its voltage. After 5 time constants, for all extensive purposes, the capacitor will be discharged of nearly all its voltage. A capacitor never discharges fully to zero volts, but does get very close.
What is the purpose of a capacitor in a microwave?
Microwave capacitors are used as tuning elements, or as components in simple or complex filter structures. Used as a tuning element, a high tolerance is often required on a low capacitance value. Used as a DC block or bypass, usually all that you will care about is a that your RF signal sees a low impedance.
How do you discharge a capacitor?
2:115:07How to discharge capacitor - Electronics Tutorial For BeginnersYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipYou need three things insulated gloves glasses and a discharge pen a discharge pen is one perfectMoreYou need three things insulated gloves glasses and a discharge pen a discharge pen is one perfect device that is not expensive at all which will safely discharge the capacitor.
How many volts does a microwave capacitor hold?
The high voltage capacitor in a microwave is rated in microfarads, which is one or less and up to 2100 volts.
How do you discharge a capacitor with a multimeter?
Open all switches on the power board. Then bring up the voltage supply on the capacitor to 100V with all switched adequately opened. When the voltage reached 100V, turn off the charging switch of the device. Wait for a few moments until the digital multimeter (DMM) display shows the result strictly at 100V.
Can I replace a microwave capacitor with a higher uF?
It can be higher but never never lower or you will probably be replacing it again in the very near future. Now for the uF rating: Unlike a conventional power supply filter capacitor, the capacitor in a microwave is in a voltage doubler and effectively in series with the load (magnetron).
What a High Voltage Capacitor Does
The high-voltage capacitor or voltage microwave capacitor is a device in a microwave that provides additional voltage to the magnetron (which is responsible for outputting the actual microwaves) because magnetrons require at least 240V as opposed to the standard 120V most home power sources provide to an appliance and is sometimes the culprit when the microwave is not heating food..
Jed Smith
I'm a musician and recording engineer and live in Queens. I have a cat. Her name is Elsa. I love to write about consumer tech and musical instruments.
What is the part that converts electricity into microwaves?from upgradedhome.com
However, it’s the magnetron that takes the electricity and converts it to microwaves. All these components work together in a circuit.
How does a microwave capacitor work?from partselect.com
A capacitor stores large amounts of electricity even when your microwave is unplugged, and it must be discharged before beginning any repair. A capacitor is discharged by creating a short circuit between each of the two capacitor terminals, and between each terminal and the chassis.
Why Discharge a Capacitor?from upgradedhome.com
Even while unplugged, the capacitor will continue to hold the charge until it’s discharged. Since your microwave operates at very high voltage to heat food , the capacitor can hold a lot of dangerous charge.
How Long Does a Capacitor Hold a Charge?from thekitchentown.com
If you only leave the microwave unpowered for a decent stretch, it’ll discharge on its own, and some of these Circuits can hold the charge for up to forty minutes with a comparatively giant capacitance of up to one hundred millifarads, which allows you to eat your food without current for a long time. Here’s how to take proper care of a microwave oven:
How to tell if a capacitor is fully discharged?from onsiteappliance.com
You will notice crackling sounds and sparks flaring from the capacitor terminals. The screwdriver needs to touch both the posts together; otherwise, this step will not work. Keep touching the terminals until you don’t see any spark or crackling noise from it. This will mean the capacitor is fully discharged.
What is the difference between a microwave and a microwave capacitor?from upgradedhome.com
A microwave capacitor may have around 0.95-1.00 microFarad capacitance. Additionally, inside the microwave is a transformer. A transformer converts one level of voltage to another.
How many volts does a microwave have?from thekitchentown.com
Answer: The capacitance of a microwave is rated in microfarads of high voltage, which is up to one or 2100 volts. You will see the reading on the side tag of that capacitor all the time so that you can easily understand.
How to remove bottom panel from microwave?
Close the microwave door and flip the microwave on it’s back so you can remove the bottom panel. Remove all of the mounting screws around the bottom pane. Then set the bottom panel aside out of your way.
How to remove a slit in microwave door?
If your microwave has a top grill behind the door, there will be screws along the top. Unscrew these screws and then open the microwave door. Slide the grill to the left and lift to remove it. This will leave an exposed slit behind the microwave door when the door is closed. Close the microwave door.
What to wear when microwave is off?
Wear rubber gloves or rubberized work gloves. This is absolutely necessary once you have the case off the microwave to make sure you are at no risk of being electrocuted.
How to insulate a capacitor?
If you came for a quick and simple explanation, here’s the basic principle: You will need to insulate yourself against electrocution. Then touch the positive and negative terminals of the capacitor with the same metal object. In some terminals, a long screwdriver with a rubber handle will do.
How to find capacitor in microwave?
Locate it by looking up the guide for your make and model of the microwave or look for the piece that clearly has two terminals.
What to do when microwave case feels loose?
When the case feels loose, you should be able to lift and pull it away. Be careful not to catch anything like the cord or pieces that remain part of the microwave body. Now is when you put on your work gloves. Both because the inside of the panel can be sharp and because you have just exposed the electric interior.
Is it safe to use a microwave after it's unplugged?
However, what you may not know is that your microwave has a part called the high-voltage capacitor which actually holds onto dangerous amounts of electricity even after the microwave has been unplugged. This is extremely dangerous as it can electrocute someone immediately after being unplugged and can still deliver a nasty shock even days after the microwave has been sitting unplugged. The capacitor is great for ensuring your food gets hot enough when your microwave is working. But when it’s internal repair time, the capacitor is your biggest safety hazard.
What Is a Microwave Magnetron?
The first time an atom of barium ever became "alive" was when it was created in a laboratory by smashing together some calcium atoms, which is easy to do. The first time one ever becomes "dead," i.e., stops glowing, is when it hits the floor or some other surface at high velocity after accelerating up to that speed in the tube of a working microwave oven.
How Dangerous Is a Microwave Magnetron?
Some things to do with a microwave magnetron are incredibly dangerous when not handled properly. For example, when running, the microwave oven's magnetron emits 2.4 GHz microwaves at about 100 watts. Microwave radiation is non-ionizing, meaning they have too little energy to separate electrons from atoms or cause direct molecular damage. Therefore, the microwaves emitted by a microwave oven are safe, but they can cause injuries if handled improperly.
How Powerful Is the Magnetron in Your Microwave Oven?
One of the most powerful forces in the universe is magnetism, and it has many applications on Earth, from electric motors and generators to high-powered lasers .
What Can You Do With an Old Microwave Oven?
For starters, you can have a lot of fun burning things to a crisp. You can also experiment with microwaves and magnetrons yourself.
Can You Scrap a Magnetron?
Yes, a cavity magnetron is a vacuum tube that contains a pair of plates separated by a small air gap. When the air has been removed, this acts as an insulator, and not much happens.
What is magnetron in microwave?
Learn more... A magnetron is the main component in your microwave that generates microwave energy and allows you to warm up and cook food quickly. Over time, your microwave may not work as efficiently or it could stop producing heat altogether.
How to unplug a microwave?
Never take apart or work on your microwave while it’s still plugged in since you could get shocked or electrocuted. Locate the plug for your microwave and disconnect it from power completely. If you have a microwave mounted over your stove, look inside of a cabinet above it for the outlet.
What temperature does a magnetron work at?
If the water temperature rose by 35–65°F (19–36°C), then your magnetron works great! If the temperature doesn’t increase by at least 35°F (19°C), then the magnetron may be faulty and you will have to replace it. Warning: The glass and water will be extremely hot when it’s finished in the microwave.
How to remove a capacitor from a microwave?
Place an insulated screwdriver against the capacitor’s terminals to discharge it. Locate a small metal box near the back of your microwave that has a black cylinder sticking out from the side, which is the capacitor. Find the metal prongs that stick out from the end of the capacitor and have wires connected to them. Hold onto your screwdriver’s insulated handle and make sure you aren’t touching any metal. Slide the screwdriver next to the capacitor and press the metal part against the terminals. You may hear a click or snapping sound once you discharge it.
How to remove a microwave casing?
Look for the screws on the top, back, bottom, and sides of your microwave. Use a screwdriver with an insulated handle to turn the screws counterclockwise until they’re loose. Once you remove all of the screws, carefully lift the casing off of the microwave and set it aside.
Why does a capacitor have a lightning bolt on it?
Sometimes, the metal box with the capacitor has the image of a lightning bolt on it to mark that it’s dangerous.
How long to heat water in microwave?
Put the measuring cup in your microwave on high for 1 minute. Set the cup of water in the middle of the microwave’s rack so it gets heated evenly. Allow your microwave to run through its entire cycle before opening the door. Check the microwave’s manual if you don’t know how to change the settings.
How to Troubleshoot and Repair the Magnetron
To troubleshoot the magnetron, you’ll need an ohmmeter or multimeter (sometimes called a Multi – Meter).
What to Do Next
If you’ve determined you need to replace your magnetron, you have two options: buy a replacement and follow the simple replacement guide- or replace the microwave altogether. A new magnetron isn’t cheap- it could run you anywhere from $100-250- more often than not equal to or greater than the cost of a new microwave.
Jed Smith
I'm a musician and recording engineer and live in Queens. I have a cat. Her name is Elsa. I love to write about consumer tech and musical instruments.
How does microwave radiation work?
The microwave radiation that the cavities produce is collected up and channeled by a kind of funnel called a waveguide , either into the cooking compartment of a microwave oven or beamed out into the air by an antenna or satellite dish in radar equipment. In reality, it's all a bit more complicated than that—of course.
How does a magnetron work?
Artwork: Right: One of the drawings of the high-energy magnetron developed in the 1940s by Percy Spencer, who went on to perfect the microwave oven while working at Raytheon. (I've colored it in to match my own artwork below.) You can see a bigger version of this drawing and read the full technical details via Google Patents. Artwork courtesy of US Patent and Trademark Office.
What is the invisible wave that travels at the speed of light?
Those are the invisible, super-energetic, short-wavelength radio waves that travel at the speed of light, doing the important stuff in microwave ovens and radar-navigation equipment. Making microwaves is easy if you have the right equipment—a handy gadget called a magnetron. What is it and how does it work?
How do electrons emit radiation?
As the electrons nip past the cavities, the cavities resonate and emit microwave radiation. Think of the electrons passing energy to the cavities, making then resonate like someone blowing on the open end of a flute—only producing microwaves instead of sound waves.
When was the microwave invented?
He patents the microwave oven in the 1950s. 1943: The British cavity magnetron is deployed for the first time.
What is the color of the cathode in a magnetron?
There's a heated cathode (a solid metal rod) at the center of the magnetron. Here it's colored orange.
What is the purpose of magnetron?
Instead of making a picture, it's designed to generate microwaves—and it does that a little bit like a flute. A flute is an open pipe filled with air.
