One of the main reasons you might have a microwave not heating is because of a defective high voltage capacitor. The capacitor works together with a diode to convert alternative current (AC) into direct current (DC) and to double the voltage. If the capacitor stops working the entire high voltage system also stops working and the microwave does not heat. So the procedure for microwave oven troubleshooting will include testing the microwave capacitor. The process to test the high voltage capacitor typically follows three main steps:
- Discharging the capacitor
- Checking for continuity
- Testing the inbuilt resistor
Unplug Microwave And Discharge High Voltage Capacitor
Before you start testing the microwave capacitor, make sure to star by unplugging the microwave from the power outlet on the wall. The next most important thing to do is to make sure that you discharge the high voltage capacitor because that may store about 3000 volts, which can potentially kill a human being instantly from electrical shock. To discharge it, you can use pliers with properly insulated handle and place it across each of the terminals. That will discharge the potentially stored electrical energy to avoid injury. While you do that make sure not to touch the metallic part of the pliers or any other tool you use to release the stored electrical charge.
Check For Continuity
Use a multimeter with capacitance checking capability to help determine if your microwave’s capacitor has failed. First set your multimeter to continuity and connect the clips at the end of both wires from the multimeter across the terminals of the capacitor. There should be no continuity and if any then it’s bad capacitor. Also check for continuity between each of the terminals and the body of the capacitor. Again there should not be any continuity. If there is any continuity noticed then it means the capacitor is bad and if used can blow the main fuse of the microwave oven.
Test The Inbuilt Resistor
The capacitor also has an inbuilt resistor that will also need to be tested and make sure the resistance is within the correct range. You will need to switch the multimeter to measure resistance in ohms (symbol: Ω) by connecting the wires from the multimeter across the terminals of the capacitor. Most microwave capacitors are likely to have the 10 mega ohms resistor and that is usually indicated somewhere on the body of the capacitor. When you check the resistance, your multimeter may not read exactly 10 mega ohms but should be close to that. It may fall within a range like 10 – 12 mega ohms, but if not close enough then it would mean the inbuilt resistor is bad.
Some of the above steps followed to test a high voltage capacitor can be dangerous if done by someone who is not skilled enough or experienced in undertaking such technical procedures. So if you do not have the necessary technical skills, it is important to contact an appliance repair technician who is well trained, qualified and certified to do the test as part of the required microwave oven troubleshooting procedure.
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