Is Your Microwave Tripping Your Circuit Breaker? Here’s Why…

Brad Ormsby — Tue, 14 Jun 2022 00:41:34 +0000

Nearly every person or business has a microwave because it is a convenient appliance! Microwave ovens are high-wattage devices, meaning that they pull a great deal of electricity from the circuit when being used, which can trip your breaker. Continue reading to find out why this happens.

Reasons Your Microwave Trips Your Circuit Breaker

A breaker can trip whenever the fail-safes within it sense that there is an unreasonable amount of power being pulled from it. There are a few things you can do to help mitigate the issue.

Overloaded Circuit Breaker

Each breaker on the electrical panel is designed to handle a specific amp load when in use. You should try not to pull the maximum amps. When a breaker requires more amps than the panel can provide, the breaker trips to prevent an electrical mishap.

Breaker design allows for 80% of the max amp rating for an extended period. A microwave pulls between 12 and 15 amps and can trip the breaker, even though it should be on a 20 amp breaker. This problem becomes even more prominent if the breaker is shared. Avoid this problem by dedicating a breaker to the microwave, and the breaker should be fine.

Defective Microwave

If your microwave is on a dedicated circuit, you should be able to check if the microwave is defective. Look for issues like:

Faulty door switch
Blown fuses
Wet turntable motor
Electrical supply
Faulty capacitor

Electrical Supply Problem

You can check the electrical socket to see if the supply is the problem. Check to see if the socket is damaged, if the plug is hard to unplug, or if the plug and socket have fused. Any of these means the electrical supply is a problem. The best way to handle this is to contact an electrician.

Faulty Capacitor

A microwave capacitor allows the microwave to function. This component stores electricity and effectively doubles the power from the outlet to power the magnetron, which is how the microwave cooks food.

Visually examine the capacitor. Damage indicates replacement is needed. Also, you can test with a multimeter. Discharge the capacitor and then check. A reading of zero indicates you will need to replace it.

Malfunctioning Door Safety Latch

In the latch, switches inform the microwave if the door is closed. This prevents microwaves from causing harm while in use. Unplug the microwave, discharge the capacitor, and test with a multimeter.

Turntable Motor Problem

The turntable motor allows the magnetron to cook evenly. During use, the steam escaping from food can get into the motor and cause electrical problems. You can use a multimeter to check for continuity, revealing the motor functions.

Get to the Root of the Problem

Remember the things mentioned above to pinpoint the problem. Inspect the microwave and look for defects as well as electrical supply concerns. See if there is a dedicated circuit, and if not, think about installing one. You can also have a certified electrician come out and do all these things.

Bottomline

There are several reasons your microwave could be tripping the circuit breaker. Any one of the reasons we discussed could be a potential problem. If you need an electrician, call a master electrician at U.S. Electric today and we can help with all your electrical needs!

Do You Need a Breaker Box Replacement?

Brad Ormsby — Tue, 17 May 2022 00:50:05 +0000

A breaker box plays an essential role in your home’s electrical system. It keeps electricity flowing safely and protects against electrical surges by cutting off the power as necessary. Knowing how to identify the signs that you need a replacement will help keep you safe.

Here are some signs you need a breaker box replacement.

Signs That You Need a Breaker Box Replacement

Call an electrician if you notice any of the following signs your breaker box has a problem.

Breaker Box Keeps Tripping

A circuit breaker’s function is to interrupt electricity flow if a fault is detected. Frequently tripped breakers might signal the need for a new breaker box.

Circuit Breaker Trips When Appliances Are Plugged In

A fully functional breaker box should be able to handle your home’s power demands. You likely have a problem when multiple appliances or electronics are plugged in and the breaker trips.

Emission of Burning Smell

If you smell burnt plastic or wood, check your breaker box. This may happen as the insulation of the electrical wire melts or the wood and insulation in your walls become scorched.

Old Breaker Box

The average lifespan of a breaker box is 25–40 years, but this can vary because of power surges, wear and tear or defects. If your breaker box is over 25 years old, have it inspected by an electrician.

Outdated Fuse-Based Electrical System

A fuse’s job is the same as a circuit breaker’s job— to interrupt the flow of electricity. When a fuse blows, fuse-based electrical panels are often overtaxed until the fuse is replaced.

If you have a breaker box with fuses, install an updated one with circuit breakers. Some homeowners’ insurance companies charge more to cover homes with outdated breaker boxes.

Presence of Rust or Corrosion

Rust or corrosion indicates water damage to your box. Water coming in contact with a breaker box can cause electrocution, and corroded components can cause breaker malfunctions and electrical fires.

Produces Weird Sounds

Monitor any buzzing or hissing sound from a breaker box. These sounds can mean there is a bad wire or loose electrical connection.

Breaker Box Feels Hot When Touched

A breaker box regulates how hot an electrical system becomes. Overheating should trigger a tripped circuit breaker to protect your home from a potential electrical fire.

If you notice your electrical panel is warm or hot to the touch, it is best to have a professional electrician take a look.

To Add or Upgrade to Large Appliances

A new large appliance may have a higher electrical draw than your old appliance. If your breaker box is at capacity, it will need to be replaced before your new appliance can run safely.

To Add Additional Outlets

If you don’t have enough outlets in your home, do not add a power strip. It can overtax the outlet. If there is room on your breaker box, an electrician can add additional circuits to accommodate new outlets.

However, if your current box can’t take additional circuits, you will need to have it replaced to install more outlets.

When the Breaker Box Has Received Direct Damage

Perhaps a heavy item fell on your breaker box, or a car pulling into the garage hit it. If your electrical panel has received direct damage, you should have an electrical technician replace it to be safe.

US Electric: Your Breaker Box Experts

When it comes to your electrical system, you should take maintenance seriously. Only hire dependable, skilled, and certified electricians to ensure your electrical system’s best condition and safety.

Experts from US Electric are always ready to assist with all your electrical project needs.

breaker box | US Electric