The microwave is cracking

Household appliances, especially kitchen appliances, make a person’s life much easier. A microwave oven allows you to heat up food in a matter of moments, and has many more functions related to cooking. But frequent and incorrect use leads to the device breaking down. A common breakdown is cracking and sparks inside the oven. Let's figure out what to do when the microwave crackles and sparkles when you turn it on.

Why does the microwave crackle?

The crackling sound coming from a household appliance will scare anyone. After all, equipment usually runs on electricity and a sudden breakdown can cause a fire. Or a person may get burned by touching a working device.

Important! When a microwave oven crackles and fires, it must be unplugged immediately.

In addition to the crackling sound, the microwave may make a knocking or humming sound - this is also a sign of breakdown. The appearance of sparks inside, accompanying the sound, is a dangerous manifestation of a malfunction that must be eliminated immediately. Most often, the cause is an internal failure, sometimes due to improper use of the device.

The most common reasons why a microwave oven crackles and sparkles

There are 4 main reasons why a microwave oven breaks down and causes a similar sound:

• malfunction of the microwave itself - the mica plate burns out or the coupler burns out (the part on which the plate rotates);
• damage to the enamel coating;
• non-compliance with the rules of use: for example, placing inappropriate dishes (metal containers cannot be heated), or turning on the equipment empty;
• overheating at low load - numerous rays are reflected from the walls, while heating the space, not the food.

Most cases are caused by burnt out mica plate, since it is this part that fails over time. It protects the main unit of the microwave oven - the magnetron.

Reference: a magnetron is an electrical device that generates microwaves.

The mica plate is a dielectric that protects the “heart” of the microwave from contamination: grease, dirt and steam. By transmitting the rays from the inside, the plate does not allow them to return, and collects all the accumulated dirt. It is fat that causes the mica to burn out - when heated by reflected rays, it heats up the surface of the plate. There is a crackling sound and sparks.

A characteristic feature of this reason is that the plate burns out in several places at once. If you don’t keep the microwave clean, you will have to change at least this part, or at most update your household appliances. A spark hitting the magnetron will immediately damage the device.

A similar problem occurs with the coupler - This is a plastic part located under the rotating plate. Many people only see it once - when they set up the tray. Dirt and grease also accumulate on the coupler, which is heated by the reflected rays and the plastic begins to melt.It is quite simple to determine such a breakdown: a characteristic smell of burning plastic will appear.

Damage to protective enamel. The main body of the microwave oven consists of metal coated with enamel. Defects may appear from mechanical stress and prolonged use. A special enamel is used that can withstand the effects of rays and reflect them, so it does not crack from overheating. The situation is different when the rays hit the metal body through defects - then an electric arc is formed, and the microwave begins to spark.

How to repair a microwave oven yourself

Most parts can actually be replaced yourself, since external signs of failure will be obvious. However, it is recommended to contact a specialized service if the cause is not visible or if the oven continues to make sound after correction.

Removing a burnt out mica plate is very simple. Brown, burnt spots on it will obviously indicate the cause of the breakdown:

1. The first thing you should do is turn off the power to the stove - disconnect it from the power supply.
2. Check the mica (located in the upper corner on the right wall of the inner chamber). If it is burnt out, then remove it.
3. Purchase a new similar plate (sizes may vary depending on models) and replace it.
4. Turn on the microwave to check if it is working properly.

However, it happens that burnt mica allows rays to pass to the main unit of the microwave. The magnetron is not only the most expensive part, but it is also impossible to replace it without the help of professionals.

The coupler is subject to similar repairs — purchase the required diameter, replace the melted part and check the operation of the microwave oven.

Damage to enamel can be of various kinds.If there is a small defect (paint has peeled off or peeled off), you can take independent measures. So, scratches or chips can be painted over with special paint. But, if more serious damage is observed, the breakdown must be entrusted to professionals.

Where to turn if the microwave is cracking

Should contact service centerswho diagnose and repair microwave ovens. The cause of a breakdown, expressed by a crackling sound, may lie in the internal contents - a burnt-out unit, a broken wire, or simply loose contacts. The technician will determine the breakdown and name the exact price during diagnosis.

If the equipment is new, then you can contact warranty center. They will tell you the reason and replace the stove or tell you where to go to get it repaired. Often centers provide such services independently.

Prevention to prevent the microwave from sparking

Every person wants their equipment to last as long as possible, since repairs or upgrades are often expensive. That is why it is necessary to pay attention to cleaning and follow some rules:

1. Regularly wash the inner chamber from grease, but it is not recommended to use harsh cleaning agents - they can damage the enamel.
2. Do not turn on the oven empty.
3. Do not use metal utensils.
4. Don't load your camera to capacity.
5. Cover the plates with a special plastic cap.

It is also necessary to regularly clean all additional equipment: a glass plate, a grill grate or skewer, a two-level heating grid and a plastic cap.

Regular care and compliance with the rules of use will significantly increase its service life.Use the microwave oven only for its intended purpose, then it will work properly for many years.