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Potential microwave problems soon?

I have a Panasonic Inverter microwave oven, rated 1.25kW. Though this isn't quite related to the problem, the light on the inside of the microwave oven has gone out. However, before this even happened, occasionally, the microwave oven would randomly stop microwaving food, as if the door had been opened. You had to press Start again to continue microwaving. It also tended to happen multiple times in a row soon after, and one time, some food was placed in for 60 seconds. The microwave oven stopped about 10 times, and this is where I noticed that occasionally, the display would light up slightly more than normal, with a very faint buzzing noise. Just earlier, though, is where the real concern comes from. I heard a very loud buzzing noise from the microwave oven, like electrical arcs (what I also find to be the most likely culprit). I feel this may soon develop into a serious problem, such as the oven even exploding internally. Do you have any solutions for me?

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Oh, and by the way, somehow, the light started working on its own again. I'm still curious as to why...

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@goldenwaves2000 You need to start your own thread with a lot more info.

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Hi @michaeld2 ,

What is the model number of the microwave.

Check if the door interlock switches and the door actuating levers are OK, not loose etc.

Usually there are 3 micro switches (two N.O. (normally open)and one N.C. (normally closed). These are a safety device to prevent the oven from working and releasing harmful radiation by disconnecting the power to the various circuits within the oven when the door is open, e.g. power to the HV magnetron circuit.

Be safety aware when working inside microwave ovens. The HV capacitor can store >5000V DC for months, even if the power to the oven has been disconnected for this length of time. This amount of voltage can seriously injure you. The HV capacitor needs to be correctly discharged as soon as it can be accessed after the oven's cover has been removed and before any further work is carried out in the oven. If you don't know what you're doing, then don't do it!

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The buzzing sound is most probably a high voltage arc and generally associated with the HV Diode. I'm guessing if you take it apart you will find carbon for a diode.

The intermittent start stop is not defined enough. Did it stop operating or just stop cooking the food?

If it stopped cooking the food, that would point to the diode. If it stopped operating that would point to the door switched. They could be loose and out of alignment or the frame/actuator could be worn.

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Michael Deitz will be eternally grateful.
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