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HomeRepair HelpSharp Microwave RepairSharp Microwave is sparking or arcing Repair
Sharp Microwave is sparking or arcing
If your Sharp microwave is sparking, sparking inside, or arcing when running, stop using it and unplug it before checking the cause. The most likely problem is a damaged or loose waveguide cover. A burned, warped, or missing cover can cause microwave waveguide cover sparking and should be replaced. If the sparks occur in the cabinet area rather than inside the oven cavity, inspect the door switch for burn marks or damage, then test the primary, secondary, and monitor switches with a multimeter. A damaged magnetron can cause arcing behind the waveguide cover, while a failed high-voltage diode may be visibly burned and can be tested for continuity in one direction with a suitable 9-volt source. Also check interior shelf supports for burnt spots and inspect the cavity for chipped paint exposing metal. Touch up minor damage with microwave oven interior paint. Repairs involving the magnetron or high-voltage diode, and any repair requiring the outer cabinet to be removed, are hazardous because the high-voltage capacitor can store a lethal charge even after the microwave is unplugged. Proper capacitor discharge is required, so use a qualified technician if you are not familiar with that procedure. Enter your model number to find the exact Sharp replacement part for your microwave.
01 - Sharp 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 - Sharp 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 - Sharp 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 - Sharp 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 - Sharp 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 - Sharp 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 - Sharp 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
Why is my Sharp microwave sparking inside?
Can I replace a Sharp microwave waveguide cover that is sparking?
What causes a microwave to spark in the cabinet area?
Could chipped paint or a shelf support cause my Sharp microwave to arc?
How do I find the correct Sharp microwave sparking part?