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HomeRepair HelpMagic Chef Microwave RepairMagic Chef Microwave is sparking or arcing Repair
Magic Chef Microwave is sparking or arcing
When a Magic Chef microwave is sparking or arcing, stop using it and identify where the sparks occur. The most common cause is a damaged, burned, or loose waveguide cover, also called a mica sheet. Replace the cover if it will not stay in place. If the microwave is sparking inside the cabinet rather than the oven cavity, a shorted door switch or burned high-voltage diode may be responsible. Inspect the primary, secondary, and monitor door switches for burn marks, then test them with a multimeter. A damaged magnetron can cause microwave sparking behind the waveguide cover and may produce smoke or a burning smell. Other possible causes include a burned shelf support or chipped interior paint exposing metal, which can be repaired with microwave oven touch-up paint. These repairs may require opening the outer cabinet. The high-voltage capacitor can store a lethal charge even after the microwave is unplugged, so it must be properly discharged before interior work. Repairs involving the magnetron, high-voltage diode, or other high-voltage parts may require a qualified technician if you are not familiar with capacitor discharge procedures. Enter your model number to find the exact replacement part for your Magic Chef microwave.
01 - Magic Chef Microwave Waveguide Cover
The waveguide cover might be damaged and arcing or burning. If this is the case or if the cover will not stay in place, replace it with a new one.
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02 - Magic Chef Microwave Door Switch
If the microwave is sparking or arcing in the cabinet area, and not in the oven cavity, you will likely see smoke or there will be a burning smell. One of the appliance's door switches could have shorted and is causing the sparking or arcing. You should inspect each door switch for burn marks or damage and test the components with a multimeter to determine if any the door switches are malfunctioning.
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03 - Magic Chef Microwave Magnetron
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. Inspect the magnetron for burn marks or damage and replace if necessary.
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04 - Magic Chef Microwave Diode
If the microwave is sparking or arcing in the cabinet area, and not in the oven cavity, you will likely see smoke or there will be a burning smell. The appliance's diode is one of the components that could be damaged and causing the sparking or arcing. When the diode fails, it is often visibly burned out. Inspect the diode and if the diode is burned out, replace it. If inspecting the diode proves inconclusive, test it with a multimeter that uses a 9-volt battery or put a 9-volt battery in series with the diode. When the leads are reversed, the diode should only have continuity in one direction..
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05 - Magic Chef Microwave Shelf Support
Some microwave ovens will have cooking shelf supports on the interior walls. Inspect the shelf supports for any burnt spots or damage. If there are any burnt or damaged spots, replace with new supports as needed.
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06 - Magic Chef Microwave Touch-Up Paint
The paint on the interior of the microwave might be chipped. If the paint is chipped, the interior metal will be exposed, causing the microwave to spark or arc. Check the interior of the microwave for any spots where the paint has chipped away. If there are any damaged spots, gently sand the compromised area and touch them up with microwave oven interior paint.
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07 - Magic Chef Microwave Paint
The paint on the interior of the microwave might be chipped. If the paint is chipped, the interior metal will be exposed, causing the microwave to spark or arc. Check the interior of the microwave for any spots where the paint has chipped away. If there are any damaged spots, gently sand the compromised area and touch them up with microwave oven interior paint.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do if my Magic Chef microwave is sparking inside?
Why is my Magic Chef microwave sparking behind the waveguide cover?
Why is my Magic Chef microwave arcing in the cabinet or producing a burning smell?
Is a Magic Chef microwave that is sparking dangerous to use?
How do I find the correct Magic Chef microwave waveguide cover or other replacement part?