Private master. saransk

5 stages of replacement

Step 1. Inspect the element and carry out preparatory work
look into the microwave oven chamber. Protective mica is located on the side wall on the side of the control panel;
if you saw burnt areas on the surface, or scale, as in the example in the photo, then you need to change the plate;
purchase one of the materials described above

Please note that it should be slightly larger in size so that you can cut the element of the required configuration and fit it exactly;
prepare everything you need: a set of screwdrivers of different sizes and configurations, a ruler, scissors and a pencil for marking. You will also need a cotton pad or cloth and alcohol.

Stage 2

Remove the protective plate
remove the plug from the outlet so that no one accidentally starts the microwave during the repair process;
inspect the item and determine how to remove it. If it sticks to the screws, then unscrew them with a suitable screwdriver. Plastic plugs are carefully removed with a thin flat screwdriver;
if you have clamps on the sides, then the plate either bends slightly and gets out, or the protrusions are gently bent with a screwdriver

Step 3. Clean the surface from carbon deposits
moisten a cotton pad with alcohol and moisten any contaminated areas. Leave on for a couple of minutes to soak the plaque;
moisten the disc again and wipe off any dirt. The processing is repeated several times, if necessary. Usually, almost all plaque is removed from the surface.
If your paint is damaged, you will have to sand it down to metal with sandpaper. Then the surface is degreased and painted with any paint with dielectric properties. The color is matched to the color of the microwave coating

Step 4. Cut a new plate

use the old plate as a template. Lay it on a surface and trace it with a pencil or felt-tip pen;
if the old element is missing or badly damaged, then measure the parameters inside the microwave. Then transfer them to the workpiece and cut out the element. It is better to make it a little larger - it will not be difficult to remove the excess, and you will not spoil the material;
holes for fasteners, if needed, are best done on the finished plate. You need to transfer them accurately and punch them accurately

Step 5. Reinstall the new element
try on the cut plate and make sure it fits perfectly;
fix the element as provided by the design. If you have self-tapping screws, do not screw them in too much, so as not to damage the material;
turn on the microwave and make sure everything is fine and the problem goes away

About the reasons for burning out

It can be concluded that the failure of such an irreplaceable element is not uncommon. But the question arises, why, what are the reasons for burning mica in the microwave? Can the microwave be repaired if the plate burns out? Yes, this is real, how to replace mica for a microwave oven, we will consider further. Initially, let's go through the key reasons for the failure of such a part:

1. The most important reason why the plate burns in the microwave is the splash from the heated food on this element.
2. Operation of the oven with a small volume of food, less than 100 g. When the microwave operates without food inside, because of the increased electric field strength, breakdowns occur on the surface of the mica screen. It is these breakdowns that increase in size during further operation, acting as a catalyst for plate burnout.

If this breakdown is not eliminated in time, this can become the basis for a local burnout of the magnetron antenna up to the complete destruction of this element. This will be followed by the destruction of the enamel inside the chamber and the complete burnout of the walls.In this situation, you have to pay a tidy sum, since you will need to replace the magnetron, the waveguide cover and additional, professional cleaning of the microwave chamber inside.

1. After the next cleaning, the plate did not dry out, as a result of which it got wet, and began to flake and crumble.

Now you know why mica burns out in the microwave. If necessary, each microwave owner can independently replace the part with an identical component or use food grade plastic for the microwave.

What is mica, what is it for

It is a mineral that looks like glass on the outside. This material lends itself to splitting, as a result of which it is divided into small, flexible, but strong plates. It is in the microwave that such an element is installed. Microwave mica is most often fixed with a flexible base, in the form of a rectangular piece, which can be located on top or on the side of the appliance. The mica plate is gray and rough.

What is a mica plate in the microwave for? This part has many purposes. The key task is to protect the vacuum tube from contamination. During operation, no matter how hard the hostess tries, there is still fat and splashes from food, these traces settle on the inner surface of the device. Such traces are gradually heated under the influence of the lamp and small coals remain, then the process of their melting begins. As a result, the mica plate burns out in the microwave. How to replace it? More on this later. Let's continue with the functions of mica. After this element has failed, burned out, it does not provide adequate protection to the lamp. Even when you notice the first signs of melting of a part, further use of the device can become a catalyst for a worsening of the situation.

Now you know why microwave mica is needed. Using this kitchen appliance without this part may end badly. Is it possible to replace this material with another, if yes, what kind? More on this later.

How to change the plate with your own hands

Despite the fact that DIY repair in the case of microwave ovens is not the best solution, because very high voltages are used in the device, they remain, and even after turning off the equipment (on capacitors), you can replace the plate yourself. This does not require disassembling the case. We will tell you how to do it correctly.

When replacing a mica plate with a new algorithm of actions, the following is:

Remove the old plate. Depending on the fastening method used by the manufacturer, you will have to squeeze out the latches or unscrew the fasteners with a Phillips screwdriver.

Unscrew the mica plate

Use the old part as a stencil in order to make a new plate according to a given template. After that, sand the workpiece with fine-grained emery paper. When removing serifs, sandpaper and any sharp edges. Remember that mica is a brittle material. The most suitable tool for cutting mica is a sharp shoe or upholstery knife. Work is carried out on a steel ruler. Holes of a suitable diameter can be made with a punch.

Cut a new plate using the old one as a stencil

After the workpiece is made, you need to carry out preliminary surface preparation. To do this, carefully clean the place where you plan to install the sheet from grease and dirt. Put the new part in place of the burnt one. If the mica is held in place with the special tongues, slide the plate under them.

Clean the place where the plate is installed from dirt "

We check the performance of the microwave oven. To do this, load any product into the chamber, for example, a glass of water, and turn on the device for a few minutes. If you did everything correctly, there will be no sparking and the water will heat up.

Check how the microwave oven works after replacing the plate

If a dielectric plate burns out in your microwave oven, don't worry too much. This is one of the simplest breakdowns that does not require a lot of money to fix it. In addition, even a person who is not at all versed in electrics and electronics can cope with replacing the plate. On the other hand, the problem should not be ignored. If the part is not replaced in a timely manner, the magnetron will fail very soon, and the cost of this unit is about half of the cost of a microwave. Follow the manufacturer's recommendations, cover the food with a lid, periodically clean the walls of fat - and then the microwave oven will serve you for many years, and you will not even know about such troubles as burnt mica!

Why do you need mica in a microwave oven?

Cooking food in the microwave is due to the work of the magnetron. It is this element that generates a microwave signal. A transformer is also included in the microwave generation chain. This device converts the alternating current of the household network to the values ​​necessary for the normal operation of the magnetron. The magnetron communicates with the camera through an antenna.

In a microwave oven, in addition to a transformer and a magnetron, the following elements are included in the circuit: a plate motor, limit switches, a high-voltage capacitor and a control unit, and, of course, you cannot do without a fuse.

Electrical schematic diagram of a microwave oven

If a microwave oven suddenly starts to spark, mica burns in 90% of cases. What is a mica shield for?

A mica plate performs several important functions in a device at once:

• Enables other parts of the microwave oven to withstand high temperatures.
• Protects the magnetron from dirt and grease.
• Distributes ultra-high-frequency waves, providing uniform and high-quality heating.
• Reflects the waves emitted by the emitter.

As you can see, the oven will not work without a mica plate. Therefore, if the plate is damaged, it must be urgently replaced.

The protective plate can be placed in the center, at the bottom or on the right side of the camera.

How to replace mica with your own hands?

First, we disconnect the oven from the mains. Then follow this diagram:

1. Remove the damaged cover, acting depending on how it is attached: self-tapping screws or plastic latches.
2. Rinse the damaged plate thoroughly to remove the residual dirt (otherwise they will fall on the new one during cutting, which can cause its rapid breakdown).
3. Now attach the removed overlay to the new plate and cut out the shape according to this "template". Use an upholstery knife, clerical knife, or boot knife for cutting - their blades are thin and sharp enough for this job.
4. Poke holes for fastening with an awl or punch with a drill of a suitable diameter.
5. Sand the edges of the resulting workpiece with sandpaper to eliminate irregularities.
6. Now the new part needs to be rinsed and dried in order to remove the remnants of the dust that has settled during the cutting process.
7. While it is drying, completely degrease the inside of the microwave oven. Especially carefully - in the area of ​​the location of the protective mica screen.
8. Remove the magnetron (before that, short-circuit it and the capacitor for a short time to remove the residual charge), inspect. If not only the cover is burnt out, but also the protective cap of the microwave generator, replace it as well.
9. If, when the mica plate burns out, there are marks under it, clean them with sandpaper and paint the damaged enamel.
10. When all parts are dry, install a new pad. It will not be difficult to install it, since the location of the old one is clearly marked. This is either a special pocket, fastened with a screw in one corner, or metal "tongues" on the body to fit the plate. In the second case, it will have to be slightly bent so that it snaps into place.

When all the work is completed, you need to make sure that everything is done correctly and the device functions again as before. To do this, the oven must be turned on, having previously put any moisture-containing product inside (at least a bowl of water).

How to change it yourself

Dismantling and replacing the mica plate is available to every microwave oven owner.

Preparatory work

The microwave oven should be prepared for repair work. Disconnect it from the power supply. The camera, including the swing mechanism and the door, is washed with warm water and dishwashing detergent or treated with a professional cleaner. The inner surface of the microwave should be well degreased and dry.

Removing the cover plate

The plate is usually attached to the wall of the microwave chamber with a self-tapping screw and 3 latches. The bolt is unscrewed with a screwdriver and removed from the latches. The place of contact with the chamber wall is washed with a degreaser and dried.

Cleaning the surface from carbon deposits

If the plate is not burnt through, then it is enough to clean out the charred area. Then rinse well, dry the mica. In this case, you will not need to install a new plate: the work surface of the old one is changed by turning it over to the other side. The burnt place is located below the waveguide line. New holes must be made for fixing in the mica. Their location is transferred to the template, from which the markings are made on the plate.

How to cut a new plate

To cut a new waveguide spacer, you will need:

• knife;
• ruler;
• marker;
• scissors;
• needles (round and square).

A failed mica plate is applied to a new one. A marker is used to outline the perimeter and mounting holes. Using a ruler and knife, cut out a new contour and fixing rectangular slots. A hole is made with a round needle file for a self-tapping screw. A square file is used to grind the contour and cuts. Use scissors to round off the corners of the plate.

Installation and check after replacement

The prepared mica is applied to the chamber wall, snapped in and a bolt is tightened. To check, place a glass of water in a rotating tray, close the door and turn on the microwave. If the assembly is done accurately and accurately, then the operating mode of the device will not change.

How to replace mica with your own hands

Replacing mica in the microwave is a simple process, but it requires attention and care. You can do this yourself at home.

You will need a minimum set of tools and confidence in your actions.

The mica plate on the right side of the chamber, if there is no burn-through on it, can be reused after cleaning and simple rework.

How to make a plate with your own hands

Why you need mica for the microwave is understandable. It remains to figure out how to make a plate with your own hands.

1. Purchase of a new plate. You can buy material in specialty stores or search the Internet.
2. Removing the burned-out sheet. Each model may have a different mount. In some, the plate is fastened with self-tapping screws, in others - with special plastic latches.
3. Cleansing the old sheet from dirt. The burned-out plate will act as a stencil on which it is easy to cut a new one. Therefore, the application of the old screen to the new mica should be carried out after complete cleaning of contamination.
4. Cutting out a new plate. The best way to do this is to use a sharp clerical knife. Holes required can be drilled or punctured with an awl. After the cut out sheet, it is necessary to wipe it with sandpaper to remove the resulting irregularities.
5. Clean the area where the mica shield will be attached.
6. Inspect the parts. To make sure there are no other faults, remove the magnetron, inspect the protective cap. If it burns out, it should be replaced.Clean all contaminated areas, clean with sandpaper. Places with peeling enamel should be tinted with a special dye.
7. Installing a new sheet. Placing it in a special pocket, the sheet is easily attached to the right place.

Upon completion of the work, it should be checked for operability.

Do not start the oven empty, put at least a cup of water.

What can replace mica in the microwave

If you find it difficult to buy new mica, you can resort to using a different material.

Mica is vapor-permeable in both directions, so the steam accumulated during the cooking process freely escapes from the waveguide to the outside when the oven cools down

Thanks to the development of online commerce, such material can be easily ordered on the Internet.

Required material properties:

• non-toxicity;
• do not accumulate electricity;
• do not melt at high temperatures;
• good steam permeability.

Fluoroplastic possesses such criteria. It is a heat-resistant dielectric that does not absorb moisture and grease.

Fluoroplastic is a white fluorinated synthetic polymer.

Food grade plastic is another alternative. It is much more durable, more reliable. But it has a high price tag.

Recently, in workshops, instead of mica, they began to use heat-resistant food-grade plastic. This pad is stronger and more durable.

When mica replacement is needed

The microwave oven may stop working due to a burned-out magnetron, mains fuse, breakdown of a waveguide or a high-voltage network element. However, when sparks and bright flashes are visible inside the camera during heating, the problem in 90% of cases is related to the protective plate. To understand exactly what the problem is in the mica, examine it. Replacement indicators:

• darkening and stains;
• melted areas;
• scratches or cracks;
• crumbling;
• severe grease contamination;
• soaking.

The protective plate wears out during the operation of the furnace, the process is facilitated by the ingress of moisture and grease on the material. If not cleaned properly, fungi can develop on the plate and destroy the dielectric. The first sign of a malfunction will be a crackling sound, then sparking will appear, and if you look closely, you can see electric arcs coming from the plate. With careful care and adherence to the rules of operation, you can extend the performance of the part:

• the walls of the chamber must be regularly cleaned of dirt. Some ovens have a steam cleaning function, if there is none, they put a container of water in it for 8-17 minutes (average power). After disconnecting, the walls are first wiped with a soft washcloth with dishwashing gel, then with a damp and dry cloth;
• food should be covered with a special lid;
• after warming up the first courses, it is recommended to leave the microwave door ajar for a while so that the chamber is well ventilated and dries out from fumes;
• it is better not to use large containers, they will touch the walls of the stove while rotating. With constant friction, the mica will collapse.

Attention!

Peeling paint under the plate or burning out the waveguide cover does not affect the operation of the oven as long as the dirt does not get onto the magnetron. If the part burns out, the cost of replacement and maintenance will be almost equal to the purchase of new equipment.

Microwave can spark not only due to wear and tear of mica, there are several reasons. The problem can occur after the enamel has peeled off inside the chamber, as well as when using plates with shiny patterns. In the instructions for the stove, you can find recommendations regarding the use of special dishes or ordinary ones, but without decorative metallized spraying.

What is a mica plate in the microwave

Mica is a mineral with dielectric properties that transmits and distributes radio waves of different frequencies of any power. On one of the inner walls of the microwave there is a rectangular or square flexible silvery plate on which mica is applied.The material protects the magnetron from grease and other contaminants, allows parts and the furnace body to withstand elevated temperatures, reflects and evenly distributes microwaves.

Fat accumulating on the protective plate is carbonized under the influence of high temperatures. Coal is electrically conductive, which is why sparks appear inside the chamber and a crackling sound is heard. With further heating, the plate melts, acquires breakdowns, and stops working correctly. When the screen burns out, an electric arc appears, which disables the electron-beam unit.

Washing mica with plenty of water or with a stiff brush threatens to deform and break.

Any dirt on the walls of the guiding channel of the waves takes on a part of the radiation power, and oxidation occurs. The food will not heat up evenly and the microwave will have to be used at maximum power, which will shorten its lifespan. Sparks, flashes and strong crackling mean that soon the fat will start to fall on the magnetron cap, if nothing is done, it will burn out.

During the operation of microwave ovens, grease spots appear on the inner surface of the household appliance, which are difficult to ...

A microwave oven cannot be used without a protective screen, it will not last long, and food reheated in it will be dangerous to your health. Products will receive excessive exposure to radio waves. The symptoms of wave harm are similar to those of nicotine poisoning. After frequent use of faulty equipment, asthma may develop or worsen, frequent dizziness (vertigo) will be observed, and in critical cases, convulsions will be added to the symptoms.

Signs of a broken mica plate

The reason that the microwave is out of order is often a malfunction of the magnetron. At home, it will not be possible to determine such damage, but defects on the mica plate can be detected by visual inspection. To do this, turn off the microwave and inspect the item. It will have to be changed if:

• the white or gray plate has darkened and covered with brown spots;
• the surface is dirty or covered with a layer of grease;
• shallow grooves or bumps appear;
• the plate has cracked or began to crumble;
• the element has burnt out so much that a hole or several have appeared in it.

If in the first two cases the plate can be cleaned and reused, in the remaining cases the element requires a complete replacement.

—

Important! One of the reasons for removing the mica plate is abrasion. It happens if too large dishes are used in the microwave, the edges of which touch the mica screen.

Therefore, it is important to select containers that are suitable for the size.

Replacing the mica plate

It is easy to understand that it is a mica plate in front of you. It is a gray rectangle, has a rough surface and is located, as a rule, on the side wall of the microwave (in some versions of the device on the top).

The gasket mainly performs protective functions. It promotes the correct distribution of microwaves, prevents critical overheating of other vital elements of the oven, and also protects the waveguide from dirt.

Damage to the mica plate will render household appliances unusable. If, during the operation of the device, it starts to spark inside, it must be replaced as soon as possible.

Completing of the work

There is a simple step-by-step instruction on how to properly replace the mica pad.

1. It is necessary to thoroughly rinse the microwave door.
2. Depending on the model, unfasten the fasteners, or use a screwdriver to unscrew the plate.
3. Clean the remaining space from dirt.
4. Prepare a replacement plate. Return the rectangle to the grooves, then screw the fasteners or snap into place (see point. 2).

It is possible to make a gasket for the oven with your own hands.

Prepare the material from which the original plate is made. Take measurements from it and make a figure with suitable parameters. The edges are smooth and the surface is sanded. If the microwave spacer requires screw fastening, drill a few holes on the sides.

Check the compatibility of your own plate with the microwave: if the material fits, it will work again.

When do you need to change mica in the microwave

It is not at all necessary that the mica lining becomes the cause of the improper functioning of the microwave. In some cases, this happens due to a malfunction of the waveguide or magnetron. Before making drastic changes, you should make sure that the problem is in the plate.

When replacing, it is imperative to make sure that the gasket is broken.

There are several specific external signs that trigger an alarm:

• the surface is covered with a thick layer of fat;
• rust and uneven dark spots;
• the color changed from gray to darker, black, brownish;
• on the edges and on the flat part there are chips, cracks and dots.

If no such changes were noticed, soon after all, the mica plate functions within normal limits, and its replacement is not necessary.

If everything is in order with the gasket, but the oven is still malfunctioning, it is most likely something else, and replacing the mica gasket will not lead to anything. Only an employee of a service center or a repairman of household appliances can help to deal with the problem.

How to choose replacement material

Having found out that the mica plate has burned out, many are interested in how to replace the mica plate in the microwave and whether it is possible to use a different material for replacement. When deciding how to replace a plate that has burned out, it is necessary to take into account the characteristics of the material:

dielectricity (it must be high);

environmental friendliness (no harmful substances should be released when heated);

vapor permeability (high vapor permeability prevents condensation from forming on the magnetron during microwave operation).

Why is so careful when choosing a material? If these requirements are not met, then during the cooking process, substances hazardous to health may be released or moisture will settle on the conductors passing through the current. Why risk it? After all, a short circuit may occur, which will lead to costly repairs to the microwave.

Of what can replace a burned-out plate, mica and heat-resistant plastic are considered optimal.

Mica

An environmentally friendly material with high dielectric properties and high vapor permeability. The mica plate allows for high-quality heating inside the microwave chamber and ensures the safety of the waveguide and magnetron.

Mica is inexpensive and can be bought at all specialty stores.

An additional plus is the possibility of reuse if the mica plate is not completely burnt out. For this you need:

carefully remove the plate;

clean the surface from dirt;

turn the working side inward;

make new holes for fasteners;

refit.

Since mica is available and easy to use, you don't need to think about how to replace it.

Heat resistant plastic

Some craftsmen consider the mica pad to be short-lived and, when deciding how to replace it if it burns out, they prefer food-grade heat-resistant plastic.

This option is stronger and more durable, but it is more expensive and it is not always possible to purchase the necessary part for the microwave.

Reasons for burning mica

The main reason for burning a microwave mica plate is due to contamination of the surface of the material with splashes from food.Fat and food debris deposited on the plate absorb the radiated microwave energy and heat up, which causes sparking between the magnetron antenna and the plate itself.

The second reason is the operation of the oven with a small volume of products, less than 100 grams. When the technique is idle, due to the increased electric field strength, holes occur on the surface of the mica plate for the microwave, which only increase with subsequent use of the technique, as a result, the part simply burns out.

Untimely elimination of the breakdown can lead to complete burnout of the magnetron antenna up to its complete destruction, breakdown of the enamel coating of the chamber and destruction of its walls. In this situation, to eliminate the breakdown, it is necessary to replace the magnetron, the waveguide cover and clean the chamber with special detergents. The microwave mica plate must be replaced if it is in poor condition, becomes soggy after cleaning the camera, or is heavily soiled with grease.

Features of mica for microwaves

The mica plate on the right side of the chamber, if there is no burn-through on it, can be reused after cleaning and simple rework:

carefully, so as not to break, remove the plate;
carefully, without damaging the mica layer, remove dirt from the surface;
unfold the plate with the working side inside the waveguide;
mark and drill new holes for mounting screws or self-tapping screws;
install and secure.

The new plate will take over the functions of the old mica plate.

The plate must be cut with such grooves or holes - it depends on the type of microwave.

When is mica replacement in the microwave required?

If, after turning on the microwave again, sparks appear at the place where the mica is placed, accompanied by a crackling sound, you must immediately turn off the oven and inspect the plate. The mica plate must be replaced if:

• the surface has become dark with brown spots;
• deformed from exposure to moisture;
• the surface is contaminated with grease;
• mica crumbles;
• burned to holes.

What is mica?

If the microwave oven suddenly began to spark and crack when turned on, the mica probably burned out. This is a kind of window inside the microwave that allows radio waves to pass through. Mica is used to isolate the working section from the influence of the magnetron and waveguide. This plate is located on the right side of the oven.

Natural mica crumbles, therefore, for use in household appliances, the material is glued to the base. The result is a plate that is somewhat reminiscent of a geotextile. By color, the material can be:

• Gray
• White
• Undefined color

Mica

Why is there sparking inside the oven?

Faulty mica

In order to prevent damage to the oven, it is recommended to regularly clean the inner surface of food debris. You don't need to use a lot of detergents. It is best to rinse the inside of the microwave with plenty of warm water.

How to replace mica?

Having identified that the reason for the appearance of sparks inside the LG oven is a faulty plate, we proceed to replace it. Any home craftsman can handle this task. Before making a replacement, you need to purchase a suitable mica from the store. The replacement process consists of the following steps:

• Dismantle the old plate. On different models of LG microwave ovens, this element can be fixed with self-tapping screws or plastic latches.
• The old plate does not need to be thrown away immediately. It needs to be washed and dried to be used as a sample.
• Using the old mica, cut a new plate along it.
• We make holes for self-tapping screws with an awl.
• To remove defects, the workpiece must be sanded with sandpaper.
• For the final cleansing of new mica, it should be rinsed under running water and dried.
• In the meantime, you need to prepare the place for attaching the gasket. Clear this area from fatty deposits.
• Remove the magnetron and evaluate the protective cap. If necessary, we replace it with a new part.
• We install the plate in the desired place, fix it with fasteners.

New mica in the microwave

Upon completion of the work, it is necessary to check the functionality of the microwave oven. To do this, do not forget to place a glass of water inside and turn on the most powerful mode.

What to do if the mica plate in the microwave burns out?

So, if crackling is heard when the microwave is turned on, sparks or even electric arcs are visible - most likely, the mica plate has burned out. The first thing to do is turn off the oven and take care of purchasing a new pad. Also for work you will need sandpaper, a stationery or a similar knife and special enamel for damaged areas of microwave ovens.

We are not in a hurry to call the master - you can easily replace the lining at home on your own.

It is also necessary to change the plate if a too clean housewife, removing the stove to a shine, tore off the protective layer from the mica screen (as a result, the plate deforms and breaks down), if traces of carbon are visible on the surface of the plate (even in the absence of holes - soon and they will appear). Well, if the holes are more than 5 mm in diameter, we change them immediately!