Why Is My Microwave Tripping My Breaker?
Microwaves are a frequent culprit for overloaded electrical circuits. If you’re a homeowner experiencing issues with your microwave tripping your breaker, it can be frustrating and inconvenient. But don’t worry, there are a few potential solutions that you can try.
First, it’s important to understand electrical circuits are rated to handle certain amounts of amps. A breaker is designed to protect your home’s electrical circuit from overheating and possibly causing a fire. When the breaker senses that too much electricity is flowing through the circuit, it will “trip” and shut off the power to prevent damage.
Tripped circuit breakers are common in households, but when it keeps happening because of your microwave, it’s time to get to the root of the problem and find a solution. Let’s look at some potential reasons why your microwave might be tripping your breaker:
- Overloading the Circuit: Because most microwaves pull about 12 amps, they need their own dedicated circuit. This means they shouldn’t share a circuit with any other appliances. If you’re using multiple appliances on the same circuit as your microwave, it’s possible you’re overloading the circuit and causing the breaker to trip. Try unplugging the other appliances and see if the problem persists. If it does, you may need a dedicated circuit installed for your microwave. –Need dedicated circuit installation? Call Linc Electrical today!
- Faulty Microwave: If your microwave is old or has been damaged in some way, it’s possible that it is malfunctioning and drawing too much power. To evaluate the problem, plug the microwave into an area where the breaker is set for a higher amp rating (like a garage), then turn on the microwave and see what happens. If the circuit breaker in that area trips, it’s a sign that something is wrong with the microwave. In this case, it’s best to have a professional assess the issue and determine if the microwave needs to be repaired or replaced. If the breaker does not trip, it means the microwave is fine, but it needs its own dedicated circuit. – Need dedicated circuit installation? Call Linc Electrical today!
- Wiring Problems: If the wiring in your home is old or has been damaged, it could be causing the breaker to trip. If you suspect this is the case, it’s best to have a professional electrician assess the issue and make any necessary repairs.
- Circuit Breaker Problems: It’s also possible that the circuit breaker itself is malfunctioning and tripping unnecessarily. If you suspect this is the case, you’ll need to have a professional electrician assess the issue and replace the breaker if need be.
How to handle tripping outlets and circuit breakers for my microwave
In conclusion, there are a few potential reasons why your microwave might be tripping your breaker, including overloading the circuit, a faulty microwave, wiring problems, and circuit breaker issues. By following these tips and consulting with the professional electricians at Linc Electric, you can get to the bottom of the problem and get your microwave back up and running smoothly.
As always, leave the electrical work to the pros. Whether you’re sure you need dedicated circuit installation, or you just need help diagnosing an electrical problem, the local electricians at Linc Electrical are happy to help!
Get the electrical upgrades your home needs, stay safe and connected by scheduling service with our team at Linc Electric today!
