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thewayweroll's avatar
thewayweroll
Explorer
Nov 15, 2022

Safety: Microwave Fire!

Hi Folks,
The kids have moved out. The wife & I have been able to spend more time in our TC. I installed a microwave when we first bought our used Lance. It is a 700 watt so we can run it off the inverter when needed.

I had got into a habit of putting a piece of paper towel underneath the plate to absorb any extra moisture from cooking. There was a piece left inside the microwave when I was doing some testing on a new 30 amp plug in I installed at the house. Long story short... I ran the microwave with nothing inside of it. I didn't realize there was a piece of paper towel inside & even if I did it wouldn't of changed anything. Well, that all came to an end.

While the microwave was running I went outside & quickly smelled smoke...****! Ran back in & the Microwave ignited the Paper towel. My assumption is that if you have food inside with a paper towel than the energy is not all going towards the paper towel & that's why most get away with it. However, if there is nothing inside the towel gets 100% of the energy. Yes, there was an active fire inside the small 700 watt microwave. Needless to say I will no longer be using any paper towels inside anymore.

I just wanted to share this experience with you all.. Stay safe my friends!
  • If you want a real thrill put something metal in there.
  • I had heard long ago that it was hard on the microwave 'tube' to operate it without a 'load' for the power so never thought to operate it without some food or drink in it.
  • thewayweroll wrote:
    I ran the microwave with nothing inside of it.
    NEVER do that
  • I've heard about paper towels catching fire before. But until now I figured it was probably an urban legend. Glad you aren't posting that your camper or truck was damaged.
  • Wow! That is surprising, since using a micro with a paper towel under a dish ordinarily does not heat up the paper. Thanks for the tip!!

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