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HomeRepair HelpRCA Microwave RepairRCA Microwave is sparking or arcing Repair
RCA Microwave is sparking or arcing
Is your RCA microwave sparking? Popping, or arcing, stop using it until you identify the cause. Microwave sparking inside the oven cavity is most often caused by a damaged or loose waveguide cover. Replace the cover if it is burned, cracked, or will not stay in place. If arcing occurs in the cabinet area, inspect the door switch for burn marks or damage, then test the primary, secondary, or monitor switch with a multimeter. A damaged magnetron can cause microwave arcing behind the waveguide cover, while a burned high-voltage diode may cause sparking in the cabinet. Less common causes include a burned shelf support or chipped interior paint that exposes the metal cavity. Sand and touch up small damaged areas with microwave oven interior paint, or replace damaged supports. Any repair that requires opening the outer cabinet, including work on the magnetron or high-voltage diode, is hazardous because the high-voltage capacitor can store a lethal charge even after the microwave is unplugged. The capacitor must be properly discharged, so use a qualified technician if you are not familiar with that procedure. Enter your RCA microwave model number to find the exact replacement part for your appliance.
01 - RCA 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 - RCA 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 - RCA 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 - RCA 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 - RCA 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 - RCA 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 - RCA 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 check first if my RCA microwave is sparking inside?
Why is my microwave sparking in the cabinet area instead of the oven cavity?
Can a magnetron or diode cause microwave sparking?
Can chipped paint or a damaged shelf support make a microwave spark?
How do I find the correct RCA microwave waveguide cover or other replacement part?