Microwave oven problem

[RogerS]

In the top of our microwave oven there's a small mica(?) panel that covers the waveguide where the microwaves come out. This evening there was a lot of flashing and buzzing and a small hole has appeared in the mica.

Can I use the microwave while I go and try and get a spare?

 

[JFC]

Yes as long as you put tin foil over it :twisted:

 

[CHJ]

Yes as long as you put tin foil over it :twisted:

Not helpful JFC, you may know you are joking but others who read this forum may not realise it. Not all systems display emoticons.

An internal fire may ensue, or worse case radiation leakage may occur due to excessive reflected energy.

Roger the scorching of the window is not unusual but your description of flashing and buzzing causing instantaneous failure is a little disturbing.

The excessive heating and scorching of the dielectric by small amounts of moisture or more possibly fat contamination is common but flashing is not normal, UNLESS the contamination of the dielectric was considerable from the ovens last usage, even then I would only expect smoke.

 

[RogerS]

Thanks Chas. It's a combi oven (grill and oven) and so I guess that what probably happened was that a small hole appeared over time in the cover allowing microscopic fat particles to migrate into the waveguide or even bits of the mica itself and it was these that were igniting.

Pleasantly surprised to find them for sale on the web for just under £3!