Help with microwave power surge problem

You're lucky!

When ours was hit the fuse (if there is one) didn't blow, but the circuitry went bonkers. Randomly flicking numbers up on the screen and beeping, often in the middle of the night. But we were able to find an almost exact replacement at Walmarts for ~$60.

The microwave being so cheap to replace I wasn't sure if a PD EMS made economic sense, but got one anyway. Turns out it's been very useful, not so much as a surge/lightning protector (that hasn't been needed so far), but more for it's AC line voltage (max and min) and ground checks.

We've been at two campsites so far with improper ground connections. One was in a newly (and improperly) installed area of the campground, so we moved the trailer and reported it. The other was only the 30A socket, so we used the 20A as we didn't need any more. And on a couple of occasions, the EMS has cut out because of low voltage.

TCI wrote:
Hi all, thanks for all the info. They took the micro off the wall, replaced the fuse and it works perfect. Thanks!!!!

Great. Now get a Progressive Dynamics EMS ASAP before something much worse happens.

Hi all, thanks for all the info. They took the micro off the wall, replaced the fuse and it works perfect. Thanks!!!!

pianotuna wrote:
I see Walmart is now selling the PI.

US only, not here in Canada.

Hi,

I see Walmart is now selling the PI.

https://www.walmart.com/ip/Progressive-Industries-EMS-LCHW50-EMS-Hard-Wire-Surge-Protector-50-Amp/51053189?wmlspartner=wlpa&selectedSellerId=2976&adid=22222222227045603797&wmlspartner=wmtlabs&wl0=&wl1=g&wl2=c&wl3=95388088250&wl4=pla-217935513410&wl5=9011738&wl6=&wl7=&wl8=&wl9=pla&wl10=113148164&wl11=online&wl12=51053189&wl13=&veh=sem

Mandalay Parr wrote:
You should really get a Progressive Industries EMS to prevent such damage.

A little late now :R but I couldn't agree more. Funny how so many think such an electrical catastrophe won't happen to them, just "the other guy". :S

There is usually a safety fuse in the microwave oven, yes. It needs to be replaced with the same type (which is not a typical glass AGC fuse).

Do be very very careful when opening a microwave oven. The power supply for the magnetron is quite capable of delivering a lethal shock of several hundred milliamps at a few kilovolts. Especially if the circuitry is damaged there's a chance that a significant charge could be lurking in the capacitor in this circuit even if no power is applied to the oven. Microwaves are quite probably the most dangerous household appliance to work on from an electrical point of view.

They often do have a large fuse in them but It's probably not the only problem.

Remove the grille.
Unscrew and remove the key pad.
Mine has a fuse on that board.

I suspect more damage than the fuse.

Call me if you wish

You should really get a Progressive Industries EMS to prevent such damage.