The microwave sparkles inside what to do: do it yourself mica, crackling, video, you can use it with damaged enamel

Precautionary measures

In order for a household appliance to work for a long time and properly, certain rules and conditions must be observed during operation.

• Keep the microwave clean.
• When cleaning, exclude the use of hard and abrasive substances and sponges.
• Do not switch on an empty machine.
• When heating food, cover it with a special cap.
• Do not place metal objects or utensils with gold, silver or copper edging in the microwave.
• If areas with damaged enamel are found, do not use the device.
• Do not operate the device for more than an hour and a half. This can cause some internal parts to overheat.

Prevention of malfunctions

After using the microwave for a long time, let it cool down.

Proper care and operation in accordance with the instructions will prolong the life of the microwave oven:

• regularly cleans the inner surfaces;
• use glass and porcelain dishes
• make sure that no foreign objects get into the camera;
• use the grill only for baking;
• do not close the lids tightly;
• do not place large containers that rub on the surface of the camera when rotating;
• the foil covering the food must have holes at a distance of more than 2 cm from the edge of the plate;
• do not put eggs and nuts in the cooking chamber.

When washing out the oven chamber, inspect the enamel. Cracks and chips in the coating expose the metal of the case and cause crackling and sparking.

It is advisable to cover the meat baking dish or place the food in a deep dish so that fat does not splash onto the walls and the protective mica plate.

With careful handling, the microwave will last for years. If you start to spark, calmly deal with the cause and repair it yourself.

DIY microwave mica: repairing a mica diffuser

The microwave diffuser is a thin mica plate that can become squeaky and sparking if dirty or damaged. In case you saw that the microwave sparks when turned on, this small part may well undergo self-recovery.

It is possible to change the mica plate with your own hands, the main thing is to follow the recommendations in this matter

Many owners of this device decide not to repair themselves, but to contact a specialized workshop for this. This decision can also be called correct, since the specialists will certainly carry out repairs quickly and efficiently. However, many owners try to fix the malfunction on their own. Then they need to follow some general rules of action.

Recommendations for repairing a microwave oven with your own hands, if it began to spark:

• You will have to use a sharp knife to cut a piece of mica of a suitable size;
• Make a hole for fasteners with a drill or punch;
• After cutting the plates, the edges must be processed with fine-grained sandpaper;
• Remove all the dirt on the bare places, resulting from the dismantling of the previous mica, and only then proceed with the installation of the new one.

These simple rules will help you fix the oven better and faster. The mica wall will be restored and the fire will no longer fly out of the appliance.

What exactly can spark

If the microwave sparks and you want to repair it, you need to know how the device works.

One of the main elements of the device is a magnetron, which generates electromagnetic waves. If their voltage is high, high frequency vibrations appear. If the wavelength is 12 centimeters and the frequency is 2.4 gigahertz, the microwave starts working.

To prevent microwaves from leaving the device, the door must always be closed. Water heats up when electromagnetic waves and molecules come into contact.

Why sparks can appear

An electrical discharge appears when two conductors come into contact. If contact occurs, sparks will appear. Such guides can be:

1. Metal dishes.
2. Foil.
3. Items that contain metal.

Therefore, it is forbidden to put dishes made of metal in the microwave. If foil is needed for cooking, the distance between it and the microwave should be at least 3 centimeters.

Sparks can also appear if there is a container that is too large inside the microwave. Such containers touch the walls of the heating chamber, scratching the enamel.

If the conductors are in contact, an electrical discharge appears inside, and this can lead to damage. That is why the microwave crackles and creates sparks.

LG microwave ovens crackle and spark when empty (no food inside).

Sparks in the microwave

Waveguide cover

The magnetron is not located inside the microwave, but in a special chamber of the waveguide. There is a special cover at the top of the waveguide that prevents the current from leaving the chamber. These covers are made of plastic or mica.

If dirt, grease or food particles get on the lid, they may catch fire, emitting a crackling sound. Electricity hitting this dirt burns it, so sparks and crackles appear inside.

If this happens, the cover will be damaged. If it is damaged, it is unlikely that it will be possible to limit ourselves to just replacing the lid itself; most likely, it will be necessary to replace the magnetron and its cap. There is no point in cleaning the lid from carbon deposits, since the burnt areas have begun to metallize. Such a malfunction is very difficult to repair yourself. We'll have to contact the experts.

The magnetron is the most important and expensive part of the microwave oven. Its cost can exceed $ 100. If the magnetron is damaged, there is a possibility that electromagnetic waves will burn through one of the walls of the microwave.

This is what the waveguide cover looks like

Enamel damage

Sparks can appear if the enamel is damaged inside the microwave. From the constant temperature drop, it begins to deteriorate. You need to buy a special enamel (at a hardware store) and apply it to the walls of the microwave. Don't look for an enamel replacement, as other solvents can have negative consequences.

Microwave enamels can be electrically conductive or special food (based on organic substances). It is recommended to apply new enamel after removing the remnants of the old one (only those areas that are damaged).

Erased enamel

Microwave device

Do-it-yourself microwave repair will be easier if you have at least a little idea of ​​its structure and functions of the elements. Knowing the algorithm of work and which part is responsible for what, it is easier to determine the causes of the breakdown.

Microwave or microwave oven, microwave oven is all about one device

Magnetron power supply

First, let's look at the algorithm for the operation of the microwave. The main working element is a magnetron. It is he who generates waves through which food is heated. But a high voltage must be applied to it, because power (220 V) is first supplied to a high-voltage transformer, from the output of which 2000 W is already leaving. After the transformer, there is a diode and a capacitor, which double the voltage. The magnetron already receives about 4 kW. This is where the generation of microwaves begins. To ensure that the magnetron does not burn out during power problems, a fuse is installed in the power circuit. When it burns out, the stove does not turn on.

The main working units of the microwave

The waves emitted by the magnetron enter the working chamber, where, reflecting from the walls, they are concentrated in the area of ​​the dishes with food.Since the magnetron gets very hot during operation, a fan blows it over. Warm air also enters the chamber, which speeds up heating.

To avoid overheating of the magnetron, which in this case may fail, there is a thermal fuse in its power supply circuit. In case of violations of the operating mode (the fan does not work or does not cope with cooling), this fuse blows. Then a situation arises when the microwave works but does not heat. In this case, the plate is spinning, the light is on, but the food is not heated.

Door lock

The waves emitted by the magnetron can "warm up" everything that comes in their way. Therefore, the microwave oven should not work with the door open. All waves must remain inside the chamber. Therefore, blocking buttons are installed in the power supply circuit of the transformer. They only close when the door is closed, door latches close the contacts, power is supplied to the transformer.

Basic functional elements

Sometimes the microwave does not turn on precisely because the door lock does not work. It can be a foreign object that has fallen into the holes for the door latch, burnt or loose contacts. In this case, do-it-yourself microwave repair consists of replacing the contact group. You can handle this yourself.

Movable table

To ensure that food in the microwave is heated evenly, a movable glass table is installed in it. In the lower part of the chamber there is a guide roller on which the glass table top is installed. On the bottom of the tabletop there are projections of a certain shape, which cling to the projections of the guide roller. Since the tabletop plate is large, so that it does not warp, a plastic ring with small wheels is installed under it. It facilitates the movement of the table.

The microwave does not heat. One of the reasons - the table does not spin

The roller is driven by a motor that receives power when the door is closed. Sometimes the microwave works, but it heats food unevenly because the table has stopped rotating. This can be seen through the closed door. The reason is the failure of the motor, breakage of the ring with rollers. In this case, do-it-yourself microwave repair - replace the motor or guide ring.

Rear view with cover removed

Knowing how a microwave oven works for self-repair is not enough. You also need to have an idea of ​​what the details look like, where they are located. You will have to start repairing the microwave with your own hands by removing the casing. All elements are under it.

The back of the microwave

There are many microwave oven models, but the layout is usually the same. The magnetron and its power circuit are located on the right side (when viewed from the back). There is also a fan. On the left there is a control unit, there are also locks and door locking devices. That, in fact, is all.

Burned-out diffuser plate

The mica plate can burn out if grease and dirt get caught in the gasket. In this case, the metal begins to burn out, and the magnetron will be damaged.

In 80% of cases, it is due to the combustion of the mica plate that the microwave begins to emit incomprehensible noises and sparkle. The diffuser plate is located on the right side of the inner wall of the oven.

Magnetron burned out due to plate damage

Magnetron burned out due to plate damage

What to do in such a situation

You can repair the structure yourself. For this you need:

1. Turn off the microwave.
2. Short-circuit the magnetron and capacitor.
3. Check the condition of the mica. If damaged, replace the plate. It can be attached to the wall with self-tapping screws or plastic clips.
4. Take out the magnetron.
5. Check the cap. If it is intact and unburned, reinstall the magnetron. If the cap is damaged, replace it. If there is no cap at all, you will have to replace the magnetron.

The mica plate is needed to transmit electromagnetic waves, which are emitted by the magnetron, into the chamber. It also protects the magnetron itself from food and dirt.

You can buy a mica plate at any hardware store.

How to avoid damaging the plate

Keep the heating chamber clean. Remove food and grease leftovers at all times. When heating food, it is recommended to cover it with a cap or dry napkin, then the fat will not get on the plate.

Damaged plate

Why the microwave oven sparks during operation: reasons, remedies

The most common cause of such a malfunction is the user's carelessness. Turning on the device with an empty platform, metal objects in the working device, drops of dried fat on the mica plate - this is what can cause such a nuisance. Even cookware with gold or silver trim should not be used for microwave heating, let alone stainless steel or enamelled steel cookware. Consider the causes of sparks and methods of eliminating them.

Microwave oven malfunctions causing crackling and sparks

A mica plate, if not cleaned in time from the fat that has got on it, begins to deteriorate over time. This is due to the heating of food debris that has accumulated on it. As a result, a small black speck appears on the mica plate (microwave diffuser), which grows rapidly during operation of the microwave oven. The process is accompanied by smoke, sparks, crackling.

Consequences of burning out the mica plate (microwave diffuser)

Crackling and sparks inside the microwave: what to do, how to troubleshoot

The first step is to thoroughly wash the inside of the microwave oven. For replacement, it is better to purchase a larger plate. Attaching the old one to it, cut out the required shape with ordinary scissors, process the edges with sandpaper. Next, mark and drill the holes for the mounting screws, after which it remains only to fix the cut out plate with self-tapping screws.

We mark with a pencil the contour along the old plate and cut out a new one

IMPORTANT INFORMATION!

After removing the mica plate, pay attention to the condition of the magnetron cap. If necessary, it should also be replaced.

Another cause of crackling and sparks can be peeling of the camera enamel. This happens when too large dishes are placed in the oven for heating. It rubs against the walls, leaving scratches that lead to sparks and can easily damage the magnetron. If scratches appear, do the following.

1. Thoroughly wash the chamber to remove dried fat.
2. We clean the scratches with sandpaper, degrease.
3. We apply a primer, and after 2-3 layers of enamel (food, refractory or electrically conductive).
4. We are waiting for complete drying, after which the device can be used.

You cannot use such a microwave oven - restoration and replacement of a mica plate that is already starting to burn out is required

Microwave device

To make it easier to repair a microwave oven, let's get acquainted at least in general terms with its device. Most of all we are interested in her "insides".

Microwave device

Generates microwaves magnetron. It is connected to the camera by a rectangular waveguide. In some models, the waveguide is covered by a piece of mica (a gray-brown material that looks like metal), in others it is covered with a plastic cover. The magnetron is powered by a transformer, a capacitor and a diode. There is often a high voltage fuse in the supply circuit to protect the transformer from overload.

There is a fan for cooling the magnetron. Warm air from the magnetron also enters the working chamber through the air duct, which accelerates the heating of food. Steam and excess air are removed from the chamber through special openings that do not allow radiation to pass through.

Microswitches for locking the closed door

To prevent the microwave oven from working with a loosely closed door, interlock microswitches are installed. Until their buttons are pressed (doors are not closed), power is not supplied. When the door is opened, the power circuit breaks instantly. One of the reasons the microwave does not turn on is breakage or sticking of these small parts.

The number of microswitches depends on the model. There can be from 2 to 5 pieces. Some manufacturers also use them in start button and power control circuits. So one of the reasons why the microwave does not heat up may be damage to the microswitch in the power control circuit.

An incandescent lamp is installed in the chamber for lighting. Most often it is located inside the duct.

Operating modes are set from the control panel. It can contain electromechanical switches, or it can be made on the basis of a microprocessor. Digital control again can have options: there can be ordinary buttons that select a mode, or there can be a touch panel. If a trouble happened with the control, it is better not to get into electronics without knowledge and skills. The only thing that can be checked is how well the conductors hold. Everything else - only with the appropriate experience.

Likely 4 reasons

Why does it spark and crack inside the microwave? Main reasons:

Violation of the integrity of the enamel coating
... The enamel gradually deteriorates from regular cleaning.

Broken enamel can cause sparks.

Metal decor on dishes
... If the dishes sent to the microwave oven have metal edging, it is almost impossible to avoid sparks.

Using solid metal cookware
... Due to design features, it is forbidden to put such dishes on heating (unless there are exceptions specified by the manufacturer).

The diffuser plate is burnt out
.

In the photo - a diffuser plate or mica

The microwave fires and sparks for each of the listed reasons, but the most common is always the burning of mica.

Determine the reason

If the microwave sparkles or crackles, then you should not panic, even a novice master can repair the device. The main thing is to adhere to expert recommendations. However, first you need to figure out why the microwave sparks? Key features have already been highlighted earlier, now we will study this problem in more detail.

In order to determine the cause of the sparking of a microwave oven, it is necessary to carry out a comprehensive diagnosis

It is extremely important what the dishes in which you reheat food are made of. Sometimes glittering is a temporary effect due to the use of metal kitchen utensils

Forbidden dishes

It is strictly forbidden to use metal kitchen utensils for heating or microwave cooking. The interaction of metal and centimeter waves is a catalyst for the formation of an electric arc, because of which the equipment begins to shoot, spark, creak. Even a golden border on the edge of the plate will lead to this negative phenomenon. The problem will disappear if you remove the prohibited dishes from the chamber. Continuous use of too large or metal utensils will cause the microwave to burn out.

Mica plate

This plate is not designed to conduct current, but it is not able to isolate the magnetic field. A component made of this material ensures uniform dispersion of the study throughout the entire heat chamber. It also provides maximum protection for the magnetron antenna. Prevents premature failure of the waveguide cover.

In the process of active operation of the microwave oven, the fat accumulated on the walls can catch fire. Ignition of the plate will create an electric arc. Conductive functions are performed by plasma.All this leads to the fact that the microwave oven begins to spark and crackle, the subsequent heating of food in the microwave is impossible.

Replacing the plate is far from the most difficult process, which is quickly carried out in several stages:

1. Wash the heating chamber thoroughly, removing grease from the walls.
2. Fit the new plate to the desired size.
3. Make holes for the fasteners.
4. Fasten the cover to the chamber wall with screws.
5. When you're done, try reheating any food or food.

Damage to the enamel inside the chamber

The use of oversized kitchen utensils is strictly prohibited. For example, a saucepan that barely fits in the microwave will hit the walls of the chamber as it rotates, damaging the enamel. The appearance of scratches and the gradual disappearance of this layer causes the device to sparkle.

Analyzing why sparks appear, it must be said about washing with prohibited cleaning agents.

It is imperative to clean the camera regularly by wiping dry. A large accumulation of moisture - a wake-up call

Over time, excessive moisture will cause corrosion. Everything will end with the appearance of an electric arc. The final result is always the same - the breakdown of the magnetron.

What to do if the microwave sparks due to damaged enamel? It is necessary to treat the damaged areas with sandpaper and degrease by applying alcohol. Then you need to cover these areas with enamel in several layers. When everything is dry, you can check. No smoke indicates that the problem has been resolved.

Waveguide cover

The waves emitted by the magnetron enter the heat chamber through the waveguide. The waveguide cover ensures proper sealing. This component is made of dielectric material. It does not conduct current. Advantageously, this part is presented in the form of a disc.

The accumulation of various contaminants on the surface of the waveguide leads to the fact that they begin to burn. Fire is a plasma that conducts current, which creates a great danger. The formation of an electric arc creates sparks. If your LG microwave oven starts to sparkle, be sure to clean the air duct. Sometimes this is more than enough to fix household appliances.

Appliance socket and plug

In some situations, sparks inside the microwave are caused by breakdowns outside the oven. Broken outlet or damaged power cable are common causes of various malfunctions in household appliances. A short circuit caused by a poor connection can damage hardware components. It is advisable to detect this breakdown even before turning on the device.

If the oven starts to sparkle, it is imperative to check for a possible break. It is possible that the outlet is not working or the power cable is damaged. Damaged elements must be replaced to restore the correct operation of the equipment.

Why does mica burn out?

During its work in the microwave oven, fat begins to accumulate on the walls and parts. Getting on the mica plate, the fat begins to gradually burn out and because of this, the metal overheats (sometimes completely burns out). Continuing to use the oven may burn out the magnetron cap and antenna.

The magnetron is the most expensive part in the microwave.

A magnetron is a special device that generates high-frequency electromagnetic waves up to 12 cm long. The special design of the inner chamber allows water molecules to resonate at a certain frequency and heat food.

So why does the microwave spark? When working in the oven, there is a very large load on the circuits of the electrical circuits, therefore, over time, some parts may malfunction. The cover of the waveguide burns out especially often (example in the photo below).

The waveguide chamber is closed with a rectangular dielectric cover.

A waveguide in a microwave is a special recess with a magnetron antenna inside it. The waveguide cover is most often made of a material that does not allow electricity to pass through, but does allow electromagnetic waves (dielectric) - mica and plastic - to pass through.

When dirt and grease sticks to this plate, it starts to burn out, so the microwave sparks when turned on from the side of the waveguide. It looks as if some kind of cardboard is burning and sparkling inside.

Eliminating sparks

You can eliminate the appearance of sparks on your own, without seeking help from specialists:

You can quickly save the situation if damage to the enamel inside the oven is found. To do this, remove the remnants of the old paint and apply a special store-bought product.

Look for products labeled "Home Appliance Enamel" on the packaging.

Precautionary measures

You can avoid sparks coming from the microwave. For this I recommend:

Cap.
Use hoods and lids when cooking and heating food (especially oily).

The hood will keep the walls of the microwave oven clean.

• Foil and metal
  ... Do not use foil or utensils with metal edging (including all metal plates).
• Work pauses
  ... If the microwave oven is operated for more than 75 minutes without stopping, there is a risk of overheating of the internal parts. Therefore, try to take cooling breaks.
• Cleansing
  ... Clean and check the oven regularly for possible malfunctions.

Regular cleaning of surfaces in the oven will keep sparks away from the appliance.

The inside of the microwave is corroded - what to do

If the owner of the microwave equipment did not overlook and found signs of corrosion inside the chamber in a small manifestation or significant, he must de-energize it, wash it with detergent, dry it and take up the repair. If the damage is minor, the recovery process will be straightforward.

Procedure:

• We clean the places of chips and rust with coarse-grained sandpaper.
• We remove debris and dust with a vacuum cleaner.
• We process the surface with fine-grained sandpaper.
• We degrease the metal with a solvent, it is quite suitable, white alcohol.
• We prime the surface so as to repeat the bottom relief with primers GF-021, GF-0119, FL-03K, PF-0244.
• We level with alkyd putty (in the presence of depressions or potholes).
• We go through a thin emery.
• Let it dry completely.
• We seal the holes inside the camera with masking tape.
• We apply the enamel in 2, preferably 3 layers, using a foam rubber swab, brush, mini-roller, paint can.
• We dry each layer for at least 20-24 hours at a temperature of +20 degrees.
• It is best to work outdoors.

In the event that in the microwave from the inside there is not just a dent from rust, but a hole, at home you can repair it using a piece of gauze and glue with a two-component composition.

Dyes are best used to protect and prevent corrosion:

• food organic;
• electrically conductive;
• acrylic aerosol.

After drying, the microwave looks, if not as new, then as ready for safe and efficient operation.

Troubleshooting

The general scheme of a microwave oven is assembled from several complex components. You can fix the equipment yourself. To do this, you need to replace the mica plate and restore the enamel.

Replacing the plate

The plate covers the waveguide located in the recess - the magnetron antenna. It is made from strong and thin sheet mica. You can buy it ready-made, but it's easier to find a piece of material and cut it yourself.

1. Disconnect the oven from the power supply.
2. Wash the inside of the stove.
3. Use a thin screwdriver to pry off the protective plate. Pull out of the grooves.
4. Draw the outlines and cut a new plate out of a piece of mica. It is not as elastic as the one set by the manufacturer. Shorten the protrusions entering the grooves by 1 mm.
5. Unscrew the screws at the back and remove the case by sliding it back.
6. Discharge the capacitor. It is located at the bottom and can store the accumulated charge in itself. It is enough to touch the contact and the body with a wire or a screwdriver.
7. Remove the 4 screws holding the magnetron.

Take out the assembly and check the cap on the side of the camera. It protects the antenna, looks like a cylinder with a hole in the bottom. Replace with a similar one purchased at a service center.

Reassemble in reverse order

Place the plate carefully - it is fragile. First, the groove underneath is washed out.

Then 2 distant protrusions are wound into the grooves, then the near ones.

Enamel and plate coupler

When the microwave is cleaned and disassembled, remove the plate - the rotating disc and the coupler underneath - the tripod that fits into the slots in the bottom and transfers the rotation from the motor. Now it remains to carefully examine the surface and restore the coating on the defective places:

1. Buy a special tool - enamel for kitchen equipment.
2. Remove defects with fine sandpaper.
3. Remove dust with a vacuum cleaner.
4. Apply according to the instructions and allow to dry.

Manufacturers offer many different enamels. See if they are suitable for microwaves, if you need a primer and which one. Do everything according to the instructions.

Check out the cymbal coupler. If there is blackness on the disc, it must be crumpled. Replace the deformed coupler with a new one.

Useful Tips

Do not turn on an empty oven. The rays will not be absorbed. Reflecting from the walls, the rays have a destructive effect on the coating, falling into the cracks in the coating, and begin to sparkle.

When you warm up a bun for tea, a croissant for morning coffee, put a saucer or glass of water in the microwave. The stove will have more wave-absorbing food and will not shoot free beams.

First disassemble the stove, then go to the store with the mica plate, cap and coupler. The removed plate must be placed on the oven with all protrusions. You can cut it with scissors and a construction knife. The cap may have a hole of a different shape, the main thing is the diameter and height.

The Kupper for Samsung microwave ovens are different from all the others. He has a wider soles of stops under the cymbal. The models of all other manufacturers are installed the same.

History of appearance

According to the legend, the microwave oven (commonly called the "microwave") was invented quite by accident. Can you believe it? According to legend, this happened in the United States Army, when one of the military forgot about his hamburger, which he left in front of the radar. And under the influence of radar radiation, a cold piece of meat in a hamburger turned into a juicy, hot and mouth-watering steak. Thanks to this occasion, scientists came up with the idea to create a device that can quickly heat food without taking up a lot of space. This is how the microwave oven was created, which quickly gained popularity among all segments of the population.

The microwave oven has firmly entered our life and has become an indispensable thing in the kitchen.With its help, you can prepare various dishes using both fresh products and semi-finished products. But, basically, its main purpose is to warm up food. After all, just a few minutes is enough, and your dish will become more attractive and tasty for consumption.

However, along with many positive qualities, the microwave has problem areas associated with frequent breakdowns. All this causes inconvenience to their owners and requires additional financial investments and time to carry out repairs.