Microwave Mica

A modern kitchen cannot be imagined without a microwave. It has firmly entered our lives, because thanks to the microwave you can cook various dishes and reheat food. However, in addition to benefit, the technique can deliver a lot of unpleasant moments, when the microwave sparks inside and pops when turned on. Do not rush to immediately transport the device to a service center. Most likely, the mica plate burned out, and such a breakdown can be corrected independently. Today we will tell you why you need micas for a microwave, and what to do if the device sparkles inside.

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Why do you need micas for a microwave and where is it located?

The microwave was invented by chance, thanks to the military of the US Armed Forces, who simply forgot his hamburger, lying under the direction of radar radiation. After some time, the young man drew attention to the smell of fried meat in the product, which is what prompted the creation of special equipment, which over time gained worldwide popularity.

Important! Many users often wonder why, next to the microwave, cell phones, computers, and the Wi-Fi network do not work well. The thing is that many devices operate at the same frequency, because any household device should use only allowed frequencies. One of those is the 2.4 GHz section, which employs:

• Mobile phones.
• Bluetooth
• Wi-fi

Water absorbs this frequency well, but the mica for the microwave in this area is a window. That is why mica-based materials are used to isolate the working compartment from the waveguide and magnetron.

Important! Microwave mica is an insulator and any radio waves pass through it.

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Types of mica

Varieties of mica:

• Powder.
• Intumescent.
• Sheet.

Natural varieties of mica crumble easily. Therefore, in order to somehow compensate for this feature, the material is applied on a flexible basis. The result is something like geotextile, but a little thinner (0.4-0.5 mm). This material is called mica for the microwave. The color of the mica for the microwave is gray, white and vague.

Important! All owners of microwave ovens should know that a magnetron is installed inside the equipment - a generator of microwave oscillations. The magnetron is connected to the working chamber through a waveguide, the output of which covers the mica plate. Usually this part looks like a dense fabric or like a blotter. The plate can be located on the right wall of the device, in the center or at the bottom.

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Why is it necessary to separate the waveguide from the working chamber?

If you press the plate with your finger, you can feel the hole of a rectangular waveguide. The walls of the waveguide should always be perfectly clean, since otherwise not only the device’s operating efficiency will decrease, but also violent oxidation processes will begin. The purpose of mica for the microwave is precisely to protect the waveguide from contamination.

Important! Do not forget about the purpose of the plastic cover - it should cover the plates. If fat and dirt get on the mica, an electrical breakdown may occur due to a violation of the distribution of electric current.It is under such conditions that the burning of the plate occurs.

As soon as fat enters the mica plate, it begins to burn and destroy mica under the influence of direct rays of the magnetron. Through the gap formed, the rays from the magnetron fall directly into the microwave housing, as a result, the microwave sparks inside and bursts.

Simultaneously with the mica pad, the magnetron cap may also burn out. Also under the plate can burn and paint. In any case, if there are malfunctions in the device, it is better to turn off the microwave and not use it.

Important! Experts say that neither the paint nor the burnt-out cap interferes with the adequate operation of the device. This is until the magnetron’s antenna burns to the ground. But this must not be allowed.

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When is the time to change mica?

The first sign that a breakdown has occurred is cracking when turned on, and the microwave itself sparkles inside. Electric arcs in the area of ​​the mica plate may even be visible. The cause of unusual phenomena is fat that has fallen on the surface of the mica lining. Even ordinary steam can carry aromatic molecules that can gradually contaminate the tissue. Over time, a breakdown of the lining may occur, which will visually look like a real lightning inside the case.

Important! For the equipment to serve as long as possible, it needs regular care. Manufacturers recommend that as often as possible clean the inside of the microwave oven from food debris. Smooth surfaces of the housing must be washed with minimal use of detergents, in addition, the rough surface of the protective plate must also be kept clean.

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Microwave sparks inside - what to do?

If the microwave sparks, then there may be several reasons:

1. The mica plate burnt out. (We will talk about replacing the gasket below).
2. Damage to the enamel of the camera. The reason for this malfunction is the lack of regular cleaning of the walls of the working surface. Severe pollution and sparks. To correct the situation, it is necessary to restore the enamel by specialized means.
3. The presence inside the body of metal utensils or ceramic utensils trimmed with gold or silver powder. In the microwave oven, you can not use any type of cookware with metal trim.

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Mica plate replacement

If the fault is due to a burnt mica plate, then it must be replaced with a new one. This work can be done independently by any owner in the house.

Step-by-step troubleshooting guide

To fix the breakdown, you must perform the following steps:

1. Buy a mica for a microwave. It is not difficult to purchase a new plate; you can search in the store or order on the Internet.

Important! The mica for the microwave oven must have all the necessary certificates so that there are no health problems in the future.

2. Remove the old plate. Depending on the model of the device, the mounting options for the mica plate may be different: self-tapping screws, plastic latches.
3. Wash the old gasket in warm water to remove any remaining grease.
4. Mark and cut a new plate, using the old one as a stencil. It is most convenient to cut the gasket with a clerical knife. Make holes with a drill of the required diameter, or with an awl.
5. Process the workpiece with sandpaper to eliminate defects.
6. Rinse the duplicate in running water to clean it of dust and crumbs.
7. Dry the gasket.
8. Eliminate all grease contamination at the location of the mica, completely clean the inner work surface.
9. Remove the magnetron and evaluate the quality of the protective cap. If the cap is blown, replace it with a new one.
10. Clean all burnt places with a skin and paint the charred enamel with special paint.
11. Install a new plate.The installation of mica for the microwave oven will not cause much difficulty, since it is installed either in a special pocket, attached on one side with a screw, or held by the metal tongues of the case. In this case, the plate needs to be slightly bent to install it in place.
12. Check device functionality. But do not forget that you can turn on the microwave only if it contains some moisture-containing product, for example, a 200-gram heat-resistant glass with water.

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Useful Tips:

1. When removing the magnetron, follow all safety rules:
   1. Turn off the microwave.
   2. Short-circuit the capacitor.
   3. Short-circuit the magnetron.
2. Remember that microwave mica is a very fragile material, so cut it with a sharp cutter (shoe or wallpaper knife) along a steel ruler.
3. To prevent fat and food debris from accumulating on the walls of the chamber, regularly clean: first warm the chamber at low power for 10-15 minutes with water inside, and then wipe the walls of the working surface with a soft sponge dipped in a detergent with a fat-splitting effect.
4. Do not use bulky dishes to heat food. Even if the plate placed in the chamber does not touch the walls of the chamber, then when the tray rotates, it may move out a bit and touch the surface. As a result of constant friction of the dishes on the walls of the chamber, the enamel will thin out, as a result - its deep damage.

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Stock footage

We hope that our tips have helped you troubleshoot and the microwave will no longer spark. And in order not to encounter a similar problem in the future, adhere to the rules of operation of the equipment, and when choosing dishes for a microwave oven, follow the signs on the products. The drawn waves indicate that the dishes will not harm the device and will not deteriorate from exposure to microwaves. Take care of the equipment and it will thank you with delicious hot breakfasts.