Is a broken magnetron dangerous in microwave oven

 

Microwave radiation leakage, potential health hazards, and compromised food preparation are among the primary concerns associated with a broken door seal. A replacement might cost $70 - I wouldn't risk my life for $70. Mix some of the vinegar or baking soda with water, and have a cloth dipped with it. Today I was disassembling old microwave oven (from 1990ies) and I accidentally broke magnetron ceramic part. Unusual sounds from the microwave. This component holds a charge and can be very dangerous if handled improperly. Second, some magnetrons are made with a pink ceramic May 21, 2024 · The heart of a microwave oven lies in its magnetron tube, which generates these microwaves. However, it is dangerous to you if sparking or smoking is due to broken electronics. Waveguides that are damaged cannot be repaired. The magnetron is responsible for the sparking. The age of the microwave. If the meter display shows a reading between zero and Jun 2, 2024 · The microwave oven is not safe to use if the door is either removed, missing, or not closed. Metal in the Microwave. There are two main types of magnetron: a magnetron with a rotating ferrite (also known as a ferrite ring) and a magnetron without a ferrite ring. Your LG microwave could be getting old, thus the broken button, among other parts. Apr 23, 2024 · The power output of a microwave magnetron is measured in watts. Next, place the beaker, cup or container in the center of the microwave until the water is boiling. This heat is created by the magnetron, which works continuously while the oven is in use. ) \$\endgroup\$ – A magnetron is a device that emits an electromagnetic field. A partially broken enamel surface does not mean that the microwave oven cannot be used. Clean the magnetron with a vacuum cleaner and a cloth. If your microwave is over 6 years and especially if it’s approaching 10 years old, you’re likely better off with a new microwave. Shortly after World War II, Percy Spencer, an engineer at . Think about it – a microwave operates by generating intense heat to cook your food. It is recommended that those unfamiliar with microwave repairs contact a professional to ensure safe removal and installation of the component. This will act as a test load. Understanding the causes of magnetron failures can help prevent these issues and extend the lifespan of your microwave. The Dangers of a Rusty Microwave. This field creates heat or light, depending on the application. Feb 25, 2024 · Microwave ovens have an electron tube called a magnetron that produces microwaves inside. The magnet in the door helps to keep the seal in place. Water could be over-heated (perhaps even past boiling point), as it will just keep on heating up for a long as you’ve set it for. The magnetron is the heart of the microwave oven, since it ultimately converts voltage to microwaves. Depending on which model you have, it should take no more than 2 minutes for the water to come to a boil. – Sep 18, 2011 · Sometimes, when you're troubleshooting a microwave, it can be tricky to tell whether or not the magnetron tube is bad. Now you can wipe the rusty area with the The magnetron is the part of the microwave that produces heat, and it can fail in a way that causes a loud and strange sound. Mar 3, 2022 · The magnetron of a microwave is usually located near the rear wall of the microwave’s interior (near the door) and is held in place with a bracket. Now you will need to very carefully remove the leads from the terminals of the magnetron. Therefore at a distance of 3m (roof to bed), a 0. The mica plate serves as a dielectric shield for the core components of a microwave, safeguarding them from potential contamination such as grease, dirt, and steam. I'm going to assume it radiates uniformly when removed from the oven. In any eventuality it should be replaced. 5 ohms. Dec 29, 2021 · A microwave that runs for 500 hours will last about five and a half years. (Hint: The time of one revolution (called a period) is T=v2πR and the frequency is f=T1. If the diode is burned out, the magnetron will not receive enough voltage to operate and the microwave oven will fail to heat. You can find common oven magnetrons on eBay in the range Jun 23, 2020 · Check the turntable, if it’s displaced, the turntable can be the culprit making this noise. e. A "punch" could cause serious damage. Magnetic fields generated by magnets may have an impact on Mar 3, 2016 · Step 13 Remove magnetron. Depending on how long you have used the oven, you can determine whether it is wear and tear due to old age or normal appliance failure. Using a microwave oven with damaged enamel is possible, but it is important to consider that the surface layer will continue to deteriorate. Fortunately, you can usually tell from the sound whether the magnetron is acting up and when it’s time to call in a technician for service. Once produced, they bounce off the oven's metallic interior, creating a highly controlled cooking Test the temperature of the water to make sure it is approximately 70 degrees Fahrenheit. A typical microwave oven circuit. The good news is that you won’t damage your microwave if you run it empty for a small amount of time (less than 5 minutes). These magnets are used in the door of the microwave oven. So the power will fall off as 1/r 2. While most microwaves won’t run while the door is open, damage could compromise this safety feature or create areas where radiation can escape. appliancefactory. As you can already probably tell, a rusty microwave is a huge health and safety hazard. Before we can understand the potential dangers of a hole in a microwave, it’s important to have a basic understanding of how microwaves work. Some trash companies may offer the option to drop your appliances off at their location. Sep 17, 2013 · Don’t take apart the magnetron or play with it for several good reasons! First, there is the obvious danger of 2. This tube converts electrical energy into focused microwave radiation that cooks food. The devices are used in radar, and microwave ovens, where the radiation causes the molecules in Jun 29, 2017 · Microwave magnetrons are dangerous things. Eventually, the magnetron will fail completely and your appliance will no longer work. The price of new microwaves has come down in recent years Boiling a cup of water in a microwave could cause it to explode. So a microwave oven uses a magnetron to cook food at high Step 1 Magnetron, capacitor, fuse or diode. This cuboid Oct 5, 2023 · The inside of a microwave gets hot during operation due to the process of dielectric heating. Seems like you are running around into dangerous places (HV TV section, microwave oven innards, etc. 23 cm. Therefore, it is completely normal for your countertop microwave to emit warm air, given that it is from the vents. This can lead to electrocution risk. Additionally, if your food is taking significantly longer to cook than it used to or it isn’t heating up at all, it may be due to a bad magnetron. Switch off the microwave. Altering this magnetic field with external magnets could disrupt the magnetron’s output, potentially leading to uneven heating or even microwave malfunction. Drop your microwave off at your local garbage center to avoid a fee. 4 GHz. Microwave magnetrons are found in microwave ovens and work by exciting solid particles in a gas. This process depends on a specific magnetic field created by ring-shaped magnets. Most household microwaves range from 700 to 1200 watts. Microwave energy generated by the magnetron is transferred to the Apr 9, 2023 · 1. Microwave oven users should carefully read and comply with the manufacturer’s instructions because new ovens vary widely in design and performance. The filament winding on the high voltage transformer supplies 3 to 5 Volts AC to the magnetron but you should never attempt to measure primary voltage or any other voltage on the HV Transformer. It is for your safety but can be annoying. It’s easy to identify a broken magnetron, when your microwave is not heating anything up at all. Before you replace the diode with a new one, you should confirm the part is, indeed, defective. A faulty magnetron can cause the oven to lose power. Capacitor Failure: A faulty capacitor can affect the magnetron’s operation. 45 GHz, i. The magnetron is a delicate device, and it is important to handle it with care. To perform this test, you will need a multimeter. Check to see if the magnetron is faulty. Jan 15, 2023 · Sparking or smoking a microwave is not dangerous to you, but it is to itself. A Survey test should be performed yearly to test for leakage. Sep 22, 2023 · Check the Power Source: Ensure the microwave is properly plugged into a working power socket. Remove the turntable along with the roller ring. Diode Damage: A damaged diode can disrupt the flow of electricity to the magnetron. Microwaves use electromagnetic waves to heat up food. Myth 2: Magnets can speed up the cooking time in a microwave. Unplug it until it is thoroughly checked. At the heart of the magnetron is a very powerful magnet. If this is an option in your area, you will probably be able to avoid paying a fee for pickup service. Using magnets in a microwave for this purpose is not only ineffective, but it can also be dangerous. Apply a coat of silicon grease to the magnetron’s poles. Mobile (cell) phones output around a watt, and wifi routers Feb 19, 2020 · Cracked Magnet (s) This is caused by the magnetron over heating, some instances this is because of reflected microwave energy. Microwaves are generated in a magnetron which feeds via a waveguide into the cooking chamber. The higher the wattage, the more powerful the microwave and the faster it can heat food. In this method, you will first need to unplug the microwave oven from the main power supply and discharge all the high voltage capacitors. Either you’ll experience rust arcing or radiation leakage. The door contains two safety features: the shield in the door itself and the activation latch, which will not allow the oven to operate unless the latch is closed. Microwaves in a microwave oven are produced by electrons circling in a magnetic field at frequency of 2. The enamel coating is designed to protect consumers from harmful electromagnetic microwaves that can harm human health. The most popular reason a microwave isn’t heating food is that the magnetron is broken and needs replacing. A malfunctioning magnetron can cause the microwave to cut out or fail to heat food effectively. At 1000 hours, it will last 11 years. Microwave ovens are also a favorite target of scavengers and experimenters who like to take things apart. This can lead to a fire and, in extreme cases, damage to your microwave to the point where it becomes a hunk of useless metal. This movement causes friction between the molecules and produces a rapid rise in temperature. If you live with five people, and they all need to heat up international conventions, microwave ovens at home or in restaurants operate at frequencies of about 2. Not only is replacing a magnetron a complex and costly repair, but other aspects of your microwave will likely start breaking soon due to the age of the appliance. Jul 6, 2023 · Here’s how you can check the power output: Set up a test load: Place a cup of water or a microwave-safe container filled with water inside the microwave. Homeserve's Blog is your source for home maintenance and repair tips, information and news for educational and entertainment purposes only. The microwaves are reflected in the metal inside of the oven and are absorbed by the food. 45 GHz cavity magnetron from a microwave oven. Here are a few tips: 1. When you run an empty microwave, the magnetron (which produces the microwaves) doesn't have a job to do and may overheat. Physics of a microwave oven Figure 1 depicts a typical microwave oven (many details can be found in [1–3]). That’s because one of two things can happen. To fix these issues, it’s recommended to unplug the microwave, discharge the capacitor, access the components causing the noise with a multimeter, and replace or repair the damaged parts. Inspect the Microwave Plate: If the microwave plate is not turning, inspect the plate, guide roller, and coupler for any Jun 21, 2018 · It is also mentioned that RF power reflected back into the magnetron has a detrimental effect. ) (a) What is the magnetic field strength? (86mT) (b) The electrons' motion takes place in a tube called a magnetron. There are a few signs that indicate a bad microwave magnetron. Jun 1, 2005 · Oven manufacturers do not recommend operating an empty oven. 10) limits the amount of microwaves that can leak from an oven throughout its lifetime to 5 milliwatts (mW) of microwave radiation per square centimeter at Learn the TRUTH About Big Box Appliance Dealers:https://www. Microwaves emit electromagnetic waves, but the presence of magnets does not typically interfere with their operation. I'd expect it is very unlikely that you can economically repair a cheap microwave oven that has no obvious simple fix and where there appears to be a sustained high-voltage (~5000V) high current arc ocurring. 2. Sounds like your thermal fuse is a one-shot though. We've got a over-range microwave that's part of our 4 appliance set, so I'm not particularly interested in replacing it. Aug 10, 2023 · Like any other electrical appliance, a microwave can fail and usually does so when you need it most. ”. If the rust is not too severe, you could easily get rid of the rust with this step. However, they also have applications in Oct 15, 2023 · Increased Risk. After long usage, appliances wear and tear. You can test the magnetron by removing the outside of the microwave, and test it with an ohm meter. The Blog should not be used as a substitute for a competent advice from a licensed professional in your state, reviewing your issue. Apr 19, 2023 · Inside a microwave oven, microwaves are generated in a piece of tech called a magnetron and are beamed into the metal interior of the microwave oven. Though radiation from microwave ovens does not cause cancer, microwave cooking may pose an indirect risk due to its effects on foods or the containers the foods are cooked in. com/ ☆ Please visit us at:☆ • https://www. May 13, 2024 · Microwave magnetrons play a vital role in the functioning of microwave ovens. 45 GHz microwave radiation. When my microwave started cutting out, all it took was a good magnetron cleaning to get it running again. 5m 2 human has enough area to absorb a watt or two. These microwaves excite water molecules in food creating heat which cooks food quickly. Feb 11, 2023 · Some common causes of noisy microwaves include a faulty magnetron, diode, cooling fan, turntable motor, or stirrer motor. Anything you put inside the microwave oven Feb 26, 2024 · First, you’d want to carefully sand the rust inside the microwave oven. The fact that it is non-ionizing radiation is important to note because that’s one of the main reasons that microwave ovens are safe to be around while exposure to ionizing radiation like we find in X-ray machines Even with a seriously malfunctioning microwave oven, there’s minimal risk of any human injury. At 2000 hours, it will last over 20 years. Apr 19, 2012 · WARNING: Make sure that the microwave oven is unplugged and the high-voltage capacitor(s) have been discharged before beginning these test. Jun 16, 2020 · Microwave is Over 6 Years Old. This heat can cause the interior walls and floor of the microwave to become warm. Be sensible! Take precautions like not powering it up uncovered, allowing time for high voltages to discharge. If it has fallen off or got a hole in it then there is Apr 6, 2022 · If your microwave has a button to release the door, press it down while checking the door switches. Over the weekend it started behaving the same way (loud buzzing, no heat), so I ordered a May 16, 2019 · If your microwave does not start at all, one of the first things you should consider is a door latch issue. Feb 19, 2020 · Cracked Magnet (s) This is caused by the magnetron over heating, some instances this is because of reflected microwave energy. The more people you live with (assuming you use your microwave frequently), the more important it is to find a quality microwave. 2 and 1. Remove the secondary winding from a microwave transformer and replace it with 1. The Magnetron is the element in your microwave oven that does the job of converting electrical energy to non-ionizing radiation. Contact the black meter lead to one of the magnetron’s terminals and the red meter lead to the other terminal. The glass door doesn’t seal properly. Test the magnetron: This requires advanced technical skills and specialized equipment. Observe the multimeter display. This generates microwaves that are channeled into the microwave oven. Sparking can occur in a microwave if the waveguide is clogged with food particles or grease. It previously had an issue where it was buzzing very loud and not heating and I replaced the magentron and that fixed that issue. Let's also see if its cathode May 20, 2014 · The Mysterious Effect That Makes Hot Water Freeze Faster Than Cold Microwave ovens cook food using (what else) microwave radiation. If you hear a buzzing noise when using your microwave, it could be a sign of a broken magnetron or diode within the appliance. And the magnets from the magnetron can be removed intact, too. Safer useful things can be done with the transformer core, for example. The magnet in the door also helps to keep the door closed when the Nov 9, 2010 · if your microwave is working ok and behaving itself then there is nothing to worry about, but there may be one of 3 problems that may arise which should be rectified. Nov 27, 2023 · The Basics of Microwave Mechanics. And no, you do NOT want to do that. Let's see what's inside and how does it work. Microwave ovens are pure science in action. When it comes to managing the troubles of a malfunctioning microwave, the microwave magnetron is at the forefront of the issue. These include: A microwave has a cavity magnetron inside of it that fires electrons at speed in a magnetic field that pass over cavities quickly. In a microwave oven a lot of reflections occur as not all waves are absorbed by whatever you're trying to heat. All microwaves are designed so that if the door doesn’t latch, the microwave won’t run. Sep 25, 2020 · The microwave radiation is conveyed to the oven section via a waveguide. Aug 17, 2023 · The magnetron is the heart of the microwave, generating the microwaves that cook food. To resolve the internal issue, you can contact the oven company or you can buy a new microwave oven! 5. The ferrite ring magnetron is less expensive, but Oct 12, 2016 · It is not safe. The sound can vary a bit don’t expect it to sound like a standard alarm or The Real Dangers of Microwaving Metal. Locate the power cord, which is typically plugged into an outlet on the counter or in the wall. The most common cause of microwave sparking is metal objects inside the microwave. Metal reflects microwaves and turns them into electricity, which causes sparks. Set the magnetron aside. The waveguide directs these microwaves into the cooking area of the oven. 3. If you feel warm air coming from your over-the-stove microwave oven, it could be a problem since this type 1. If the magnetron is still under warranty, it might be possible to get a replacement, however, the cost of a replacement can be high and the labor involved in replacing it can add to the cost. Additionally, the cavity, the door, and the tray absorb the excess energy while cooking your food. If these become loose or damaged, a great deal of excess heat is generated. Method 1. This is another step that must be done before replacing the cover. I imagine a typical microwave oven magnetron, which emits a power of ~800W. Examine the Door: Make sure the microwave door is completely shut, as microwaves will not work unless the door is properly closed. Rotate the multimeter’s range selection dial to the lowest setting for ohms of resistance. Evaluating the severity of the damage, testing for radiation leakage Nov 28, 2019 · Today let's make an autopsy of a 2. The heart of every microwave oven is the magnetron, which generates the microwaves that cook your food. Inspect the magnetron for burn marks or damage and replace if necessary. When the microwave fails to heat food properly, this can be an indication that the waveguide is damaged. In the absence of food, the microwave energy can reflect back into the magnetron and may damage it. So when it is disturbed or moved, it’s likely that the heat will release by erupting violently. Microwaves can last a long time, but they have the shortest lifespan of household appliances. In the case with many GE microwaves, the magnetron can test good according to the filament resistance specifications yet fail when you're actually trying to get the damn thing to heat up your bagel. Feb 12, 2023 · There are a number of connectors that fit on tothe filament terminals in a magnetron. Solution: Replace the magnetron and check why the magnetron has overheated. On the other hand, microwaves have a safety mechanism that prevents them from turning on So, handle your LG microwave with care. Microwaves use electromagnetic waves to cook food, and magnets do not have any effect on this process. When you first learn to use a microwave oven, there's one important admonition that's usually taught first: don't put metal objects in the microwave oven! If you look closely at a microwave oven, though, that warning might seem a little strange. Poor seal on the door. Nov 8, 2023 · The magnetron is capable of producing up to 2,000 watts of microwave power, although most microwave ovens use only a small fraction of this power. Jan 28, 2024 · Quick Summary. If you suspect a faulty magnetron, it’s best to contact a qualified appliance repair technician. Note: A magnetron is an electrical device that produces microwaves. As the door latch is a semi-exterior part, this is something that can be easy to repair. One expose to beryllium oxide dust can be lethal. 5 turns of 2 awg cable. When this energy comes in contact with food, the absorbed energy causes the water molecules in the food to rotate. Disconnect the red wire connector protruding from the bottom of the magnetron. Jan 3, 2024 · A microwave is unsafe to operate if the door, hinges, or latches are damaged, or the door is not closing fully. Unplug the Power Source: If your microwave is getting hot even when it’s not in use, the first step is to unplug it from the power source. The first indicator that your microwave is better off replaced is the five-year lifespan. Nov 19, 2020 · This high voltage powers the magnetron to heat the food or beverage placed in the oven cavity. When unsure if the Microwave is safe, you should unplug it to avoid dangers and find out the problem and solve it. If the terminals of the microwave read zero, they have continuity. However, like any other electronic component, magnetrons can sometimes fail and cause your microwave oven to stop working properly. Apr 5, 2023 · Disconnect the wires from the magnetron terminals. Doing so could allow harmful radiation to escape while it is running. Its fallen off. The microwave interior is lined with metal on the inside to ensure the microwaves don’t bounce all over the circuitry. Don't be afraid, but just be sensible. Oct 9, 2022 · Summary: Fixing a magnetron in a microwave is not as hard as you might think. If not, the switches will Jun 7, 2017 · The following will tell you how to test microwave’s magnetron: Image Credits: Wikipedia. com/• https://w Nov 26, 2023 · The most important component of a microwave is the magnetron. Also check that the cooling fan, if any, is working, has a free air path, and is pointed at the magnetron fins. This seal helps to keep the door closed while the oven is in operation. Aug 7, 2016 · It's pretty much just an ON/OFF thing. Mar 20, 2023 · A Federal standard (21 CFR 1030. λ = 12. Remove 4 phillips screws holding the magnetron to the food compartment. This can happen if you accidentally leave a spoon, fork, knife, or any other metal utensil in your food when you heat it up. Be safe, never attempt to repair a microwave unless you are certified. Mar 8, 2023 · A buzzing microwave is a warning sign that the appliance may be faulty. Advertisement. A 1984 microwave could have a lot of brittle parts, corroded connections etc. To avoid the dangers of microwaves when boiling Nov 6, 2019 · 2. First, if your microwave is making loud buzzing or humming noises, it could be a sign of a faulty magnetron. Sparks in the microwave can cause permanent damage and may even lead to electrocution if caused by broken electronics. If the microwave is sparking or arcing behind the waveguide cover in the oven cavity, you will likely see smoke or there will be a burning smell. The appliance's magnetron is one of the components that could be damaged and causing the sparking or arcing. Later I read that these parts can contain beryllium oxide which can be very dangerous even in small quantities. Poor cooking performance ie your food isn’t cooking through properly. White vinegar or baking soda would come in handy at the moment. It is arcing or sparking during use. These waves are generated by a device called a magnetron, which is located at the back of the microwave. After all, the inside walls of microwave ovens are made May 21, 2024 · A magnetron is a device that uses the interaction of a stream of electrons, guided by a magnetic field, with cavities within a block of copper to produce microwave radiation. Some protective devices inside the microwave oven shield the magnetron from the waves bouncing back from the cooking chamber. You can use it to melt metal objects. The multimeter should display a reading between 0. Unresponsive controls. The magnetron is one frequently scavenged component. Microwave ovens have become an essential part of our modern kitchens, making cooking and reheating food a breeze. However, if the inside of the microwave Aug 22, 2023 · In conclusion, using a microwave with a broken door seal poses significant risks to both personal health and food safety. Question: 6. Nov 21, 2023 · A waveguide cover is designed to protect the opening in the microwave's cavity where microwaves enter from the magnetron. The mica plate serves as a protective barrier for the microwave oven’s main unit – the magnetron. Sparking can damage the cover of the waveguide. More interesting reading can be found here: "The typical life of a magnetron tube is approximately 2000 hours of operation. It has a hole in it. Gently remove the plug from the outlet to cut off the power supply to the microwave, preventing it from Jun 16, 2020 · Buildup of kitchen grease on them can make the magnetron run too hot. Wear And Tear. The door of the microwave oven has a magnetic seal. Click image to enlarge. If it is, take it out and replace it with a new one. Dec 22, 2023 · Yes, microwave ovens have magnets. Over time, this constant heat can take a toll on the magnetron, causing it to burn out. There is a possibility, albeit small, that microwaves can create carcinogens at higher power settings. For many people, it may be more financially prudent to just purchase a new microwave oven. [4] 3. Nov 27, 2023 · Overheating. As the connections weaken over time, you’ll notice your microwave producing less and less heat. How to test a microwave diode. Applications of Microwave Magnetrons. bigboxappliancereviews. Symptoms: Weak or no heat, magnetron gets extremely hot (overheats), intermittent arcing or “snapping” sound. Otherwise, your microwave oven has an internal issue. Then, touch the probes to the magnetron terminals labeled “Filament” or “FIL. Faulty door switches are also a common problem and are much easier to diagnose and replace when they have failed. 1. The cover also prevents food particles, grease, and moisture from entering the opening and reaching the sensitive electronic components inside the Empty Microwave Dangers: A Reality Check. Microwave magnetrons are primarily used in microwave ovens. Begin by setting the multimeter to the resistance setting and ensuring that it is properly calibrated. Jan 29, 2024 · Our survey results suggest that you should consider repairing the broken microwave if it’s still under warranty or if it’s 5 years old or less, but you’ll definitely want to replace it if it’s Jul 20, 2020 · If your microwave is so old that the magnetron has become noisy or non-functional, it’s time for a new microwave one way or the other. Moreover, there are sensitive electronic components Be sure to learn about the beryllium oxide bushing in the magnetron before you mess with that. Magnetrons are commonly used in microwaves but can also be found in radar and security systems. Feb 12, 2023 · In particular, you should look out for these six telltale signs of an unsafe microwave oven: Burning smells, smoke or sparks. Oct 14, 2014 · 1. “If your microwave is operating with the door open, that’s definitely an unsafe condition Nov 17, 2020 · But that’s sometimes too difficult to tell, so your best bet would either be de-rusting or buying a new microwave. Any reflective or metallic metal reflects or deflects the microwave or radiowave rays, leading to all sorts of unintended consequences like sparks, electrical arcs, and internal damage. 7 Causes of Microwave Sparking Aug 22, 2023 · The magnetron is the heart of the microwave oven, generating the microwaves that heat the food. Placing magnets directly on a microwave is not recommended, but using magnets near microwaves or having magnetic materials in microwave-safe utensils is typically safe. The magnetron is the component responsible for producing the high-frequency current to heat up items. This is not true. 4. Microwave ovens also contain other metals like copper wiring, steel framing, and aluminum casing. The frequency range of the radiation depends on the size of the cavities. The microwave generates electromagnetic waves that cause water molecules in the food to vibrate, producing thermal energy or heat. Sep 10, 2023 · The magnetron, a central player in the microwave, generates the microwaves that heat our food. See the video description on YouTube and take note of safety advice. One of the main reasons for a magnetron to fail is overheating. It is important to be safe first to ensure that you have switched off the appliance at the mains before you start with the process of replacing the waveguide cover. Countertop microwave ovens have vents on the sides, bottom, or both to keep them cool while the magnetron generates heat. Run the microwave: Start the microwave and set it to run for a specific duration, such as one minute. Microwaves are a form of radiofrequency (RF) electromagnetic energy. vc ik uw cd sv ta ij uf ff oq