Forum Discussion

duckwonder's avatar
duckwonder
Explorer
Aug 26, 2017

Microwave Overheating - Catch on Fire???

Hi All. I'm in a 2004 PleasureWay Excel TS. When I got a new generator (Onan from Cummins), they told me as part of regular maintenance to run a heavy load on it (including the a/c and microwave) for about an hour per month. I did that today for about 15 minutes.

The microwave was extremely hot to the touch. Turned off the microwave and the GenSet. Afraid to use it now. Has anyone had this problem? Is it an electrical issue that could start a fire? What can I do to prevent and/or fix it?
Class B
  • Lwiddis's avatar
    Lwiddis
    Explorer II
    Aug 26, 2017
    Yes, a microwave can catch fire. What was in the microwave that you were heating during this stress maintenance?
  • darsben1's avatar
    darsben1
    Explorer
    Aug 26, 2017
    Whoever told you that is wrong.
    The a/c is plenty
    What did you have in the microwave to absorb the energy?
    Bowl of water?
  • 2oldman's avatar
    2oldman
    Explorer II
    Aug 26, 2017
    darsben1 wrote:
    What did you have in the microwave to absorb the energy?
    x2
  • GordonThree's avatar
    GordonThree
    Explorer
    Aug 26, 2017
    Mfan wrote:
    Never run a microwave empty


    x2 - that micro is likely shot.

    In a perfect scenario the microwave's thermal safety cut-out would stop the unit before it got hot enough to start a fire... but who knows with the limited circulation and close quarters an RV unit is subjected to.
  • DownTheAvenue's avatar
    DownTheAvenue
    Explorer
    Aug 26, 2017
    Two issues here:
    1. Never run a microwave without something non metallic in it.
    2. Never listen to anyone from a RV dealer. Read your owner's manual.
  • SCVJeff's avatar
    SCVJeff
    Explorer
    Aug 26, 2017
    That microwave expects to dissipate 1000+ watts into some sort of a "load" (food, liquid, etc) in that cavity, it's no surprise it got hot IF it was empty. Put a non-conductive bowl of water in there and see what happens. Those Klystons can take a beating so it might be fine.
  • KD4UPL's avatar
    KD4UPL
    Explorer
    Aug 27, 2017
    Beside needing something in the microwave I would question if it's rated for that long of continuous use. Most people run a MW no more than 5 minutes at a time. I would assume the cheap ones used in RV's probably aren't designed for that kind of duration.

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