Microwave flash
#1
02-17-23, 08:39 AM
Microwave flash
I have a Kenmore 721.62349202 microwave oven manufactured in December 2004. Still working great.
Last week when softening several pats of butter in a glass baking dish the oven flashed. We usually cover butter when melting it in the microwave to avoid it exploding all over the inside. This time since I was only going to run it for about 15 seconds and not to full melt, I left it uncovered. At about 12 seconds the microwave flashed and I stopped it. The butter was only soft and did not explode.
Was this flash due to the uncovered butter (ionization)? Or is the microwave approaching its end-of-life?
Due to the age of the oven SWMBO has already ordered a replacement and is standing way out of the line of fire when using the oven. It has been working normally since.
Last week when softening several pats of butter in a glass baking dish the oven flashed. We usually cover butter when melting it in the microwave to avoid it exploding all over the inside. This time since I was only going to run it for about 15 seconds and not to full melt, I left it uncovered. At about 12 seconds the microwave flashed and I stopped it. The butter was only soft and did not explode.
Was this flash due to the uncovered butter (ionization)? Or is the microwave approaching its end-of-life?
Due to the age of the oven SWMBO has already ordered a replacement and is standing way out of the line of fire when using the oven. It has been working normally since.
#2
02-17-23, 10:38 AM
Group Moderator
Do you know where the flash emanated? That would give you the biggest clue. None of the parts that can spark or flash are inside the cooking chamber.
#3
02-17-23, 11:51 AM
Definitely looked like it was inside the chamber in the back right corner. I believe the tube is behind that section and there are no openings there. The light is on the right near the front behind a perforated panel. The light dimmed when the flash occurred.
A couple of weeks ago there was a small flash that I attributed to a small piece of foil on the rim of a peanut butter jar. But maybe the oven is nearing its end.
The replacement arrived today and is in place.
A couple of weeks ago there was a small flash that I attributed to a small piece of foil on the rim of a peanut butter jar. But maybe the oven is nearing its end.
The replacement arrived today and is in place.
#4
02-17-23, 04:55 PM
Group Moderator
That's a Gold Star microwave made for Sears.
Typically the microwaves will arc to ground.
I don't think I've seen a magnetron short with a flash. They are pretty much enclosed in metal.
I'd imagine any internal arc would be instant death.
I have an original GE Spacemaker II from around 1985. It uses an oblong glass dish which fetches around $75 used. Mine broke several years ago. Still works cracked but is very sharp. GE microwave
Typically the microwaves will arc to ground.
I don't think I've seen a magnetron short with a flash. They are pretty much enclosed in metal.
I'd imagine any internal arc would be instant death.
I have an original GE Spacemaker II from around 1985. It uses an oblong glass dish which fetches around $75 used. Mine broke several years ago. Still works cracked but is very sharp. GE microwave
