How To Discharge A Microwave Capacitor – 4 Simple Steps

So you’ve done some research and discovered that your microwave isn’t heating. You know it’s not the door latch. Therefore it has to be the magnetron or anything in between. You’ve determined that this is a fix you want to take on. However, before you replace any element of the microwave heating mechanism, you must first discharge the microwave capacitor, which is a risky process. So here is how to discharge a microwave capacitor safely?

How To Discharge A Microwave Capacitor;

• Choose the appropriate tool (Nose Needle Plier and Screwdriver)
• Put on your rubber gloves.
• Using a screwdriver, disassemble the microwave.
• Keep an eye out for the termination screw.
• Hold on to the rubber handle (Nose Needle Plier)
• Using the Nose Needle Plier, reach for the termination screw. (A little spark will occur.)
• The Spark indicates that the Microwave capacitor has been discharged effectively.

How To Discharge A Microwave Capacitor

Safety Warning: Do not attempt this procedure or any other repair that involves discharging the capacitor unless you are highly confident in your abilities and understand how to protect yourself from electrocution. We’ll take you step by step through the procedure, but we don’t want anybody to be harmed. It is usually suggested that only qualified professional repairmen perform capacitor discharges and other related repairs.

Step 1: Get Your Tools

You will need a few materials and equipment for this simple repair. Remember that these materials are only appropriate for eliminating dangers. You will still need to locate the defective component and buy it individually. You will also want a torque screwdriver, rubber-handled needle-nose pliers, safety-protective rubber work gloves, and rubber work boots. Once you have them all, you may start working.

Step 2: Dissembling The Microwave

Without taking apart the microwave, the capacitor is not visible or accessible. Put on your rubber gloves as the first step since safety comes foremost. To lessen the chance of electrocution, unplug the microwave, relocate it to the working area, and put on the gloves. The majority of microwaves have the same basic design, generally speaking. Of course, there are a few little details here and there, but the fundamentals remain the same. Check out the instruction manual if you are unsure about anything in particular. Ideally, you ought to take the whole case off.

Remove the gliding roller and the rotating plate. They are pretty loose but have nothing to do with the repair. You just run the danger of shattering them, costing yourself extra money and headaches. They will move about loosely and rattle. Now, peek behind the door. Is there a top grill visible? One is included with certain microwaves; some do not have it. Typically, screws are used to attach these grills. Take them off by inserting the screwdriver. To remove the grill, slide it and raise it.

It’s also necessary to remove the bottom panel. The microwave must be turned upside down before the door can be closed. You will now see several screws holding the bottom panel in place. Take them off and remove them.

Step 3: Unscrew

Get rid of all the body-fitted screws at this time. Locate every screw you can find on either side of the microwave and remove them. You should take the case out since it should feel rather loose. It would help if you moved gently in order to avoid grabbing other objects, such as ropes or wires. You should put on your gloves as you approach the electrified inside.

Make sure you locate the capacitor and terminals first, then search for bad components. The placement of the capacitor varies between microwaves. Checking the instructions handbook is the recommended course of action. The component needs two terminals. Two red and white wires should be linked to two screws attached to a metallic container by two screws. Usually, it is lengthy. Remember that this area is hazardous, so avoid just poking and touching anything there, just use your eyes.

Step 4: Discharging The Microwave

Understanding how to discharge a microwave capacitor is very straightforward. Choose the tool you’ll need to discharge the unit first. A flat screwdriver along both screws will work if you can see them and reach them. In the end, you’ll produce a little spark, so do not panic. On the other hand, a capacitor with screws concealed under plastic tubing may also be present. Needle nose pliers will do the trick at this stage.

To assure protection, grasp the rubber handle using the same metallic instrument to contact both terminals simultaneously. Wait for about five seconds, and if necessary, a few more. Your high voltage microwave capacitor only discharges electricity, so ignore the spark or the fizzling noise.

Signs That Your Capacitor Needs to be Replaced

Microwave capacitors eventually wear out and need to be replaced, just like any other electrical component, regardless of how long they can store a charge. A few signs suggest it’s time to replace your capacitor.

• Dimming lights: When microwaves were first invented, they could fill a room with brilliant white light. These days, microwaves can only illuminate a small dining room or kitchen section. This is true because a higher voltage is needed for the microwave to function properly and provide enough power for brilliant lights. When using your microwave, you may notice that the lights start to darken. This sign that your capacitor is failing and needs to be changed immediately.
• Multiple fuses blowing: When operating your microwave, multiple fuses blowing is a common sign that the capacitor needs to be changed. This may be a result of the high voltage microwaves used today and the increased power requirements placed on microwaves by more modern devices like air conditioners and refrigerators that depend on magnetic fields to operate.
• Hissing or popping noises: If your microwave makes a hissing or popping noises when it is turned on or off, the capacitor is deteriorating and has to be changed right away!

Why Do Capacitors Need To Be Discharged?

Capacitors have the capacity to store charges for a long time, especially if they don’t include a ” bleeder ” resistor in their circuit to remove the electric charge when the gadget is turned off. You might get charged if you come into contact with a charged capacitor’s terminals. Sometimes, such as when your fingertips are near the terminals and the charge arcs over, this may even occur across a very short distance.

Depending on the amount of energy in the capacitor, this might result in a little tingling sensation, shock, burns, or even death. The latter occurs when the current stops your heart after passing through it.

Which Capacitors Are Most Dangerous?

It is crucial to emphasize that capacitors by themselves are completely safe. Instead, the potential for damage lies in the energy they hold. Capacitor voids are never dangerous. Nevertheless, certain capacitors may store more charge than others, so you should exercise extra caution when using any capacitor that has a high energy storage capacity.

Since there are additional considerations to take into account, there is no simple formula for determining the quantity of energy that might cause (lethal) injury. For instance, the ability of current to flow through your body depends on factors such as skin conductance, skin thickness, moisture levels, and the surface area you contact.

In actuality, you should pay close attention to the high voltage, high capacity electrolytic capacitors often found on the power supply’s main (AC) side. When charged, they have the ability to harm people very badly (which they often still are after a period of non-use).

Which Capacitors Are Considered Safe?

Capacitors rated up to around 50V are often thought of as being quite safe. While they can still cause substantial conduction in your body and cause death, they are not powerful enough. But keep in mind that a capacitor rated for up to 30V, for instance, may still function at greater voltages. Therefore, the voltage rating does not provide a whole picture.

Similar to this, capacitors with a very big capacity and a safe voltage rating nonetheless have a lot of energy. When their terminals are shorted, intense heat, sparks, and potentially an explosion occur, dispersing electrolytic liquid. Everyday capacitors do not experience this, but when dealing with low-voltage capacitors that have capacitances of 1 mF/1000 uF and above, you should be aware of this.

What Is A Microwave Capacitor’s Power Capacity?

Even if it is unplugged, the capacitor will maintain the charge until it is drained. The voltage in your house is typically 120V. The output voltage of your microwave ranges from 2100 to 3000 volts. The unit of measurement for capacitors is farads. The capacitance of a capacitor is expressed in farads. An increase in the number denotes a higher rating and hence greater power. A microwave capacitor’s capacitance may be in the 0.95 to 1.00 microFarad range.

The microwave also has a transformer inside. A transformer is a machine that transforms one voltage level into another. This converter converts the 120 volts from a power outlet to the 2100–3000 volts needed to cook your food. On the other hand, the magnetron is in charge of turning energy into microwaves. All of these elements work together in a circuit.

Conclusion On How To Discharge A Microwave Capacitor

You may now continue with your repair after learning how to discharge a microwave capacitor correctly. You may have a look around to find the issue. When the defective component has been identified, you may acquire it separately from the maker or simply from a regular retailer. Remember that following all of these precautions will help you avoid receiving any unpleasant shocks when working near the microwave, so make sure you follow them to the letter before starting any repairs.