Is Your Microwave Tripping Your Circuit Breaker? Here’s Why...
Do you ever find yourself tossing leftover pizza into the microwave for a quick reheat - only to be met with an ominous click and total silence? Suddenly, the kitchen lights might flicker and you’re left standing there with cold food and a tripped circuit breaker.
If this keeps happening, then you’re right to be concerned. A circuit breaker that trips occasionally is doing its job of cutting off power when it detects a problem. When the same circuit keeps tripping, however, it’s time to dig deeper.
In this brief article brought to you by Mr. Electric, we explore what could be going on, why, and how a certified electrician can best help. Continue reading or call Mr. Electric to have your electrical questions and concerns addressed.
What’s the Circuit Breaker’s Role in All of This?
Your electric panel is basically the control center of your home or business’ electrical system. It distributes power to different rooms and areas through individual electrical circuits. If a circuit draws too much power or experiences a fault - like a short circuit or ground fault - then the breaker trips OFF and cuts power to prevent overheating, fires, or equipment damage.
In short, the circuit tripping isn’t a bad thing. In fact, it means your system is working... but if it keeps happening, then something’s off.
So, Why Does the Microwave Keep Tripping It?
Don't underestimate them; Microwaves are powerful appliances. Even smaller models can draw between 1,000 to 1,800 watts or more. They're complex, too. Here are a few common reasons why they may cause a circuit breaker to trip:
- Overloaded Circuit: If your toaster oven, coffee maker, and microwave are all plugged into the same kitchen circuit, then the combined demand may exceed the circuit’s capacity. When the breaker senses this overload, it shuts down to prevent overheating.
- Wiring Problems: If your microwave has always worked fine and suddenly begins tripping the breaker, then there could be an issue with the wiring in the wall. Loose connections, frayed wires, or aging insulation can create a short circuit or a ground fault.
- Weak or Outdated Breaker: Circuit breakers might trip even if the circuit isn’t technically overloaded. If the breaker is overly sensitive or degraded, it might be time for a circuit breaker replacement.
- Faulty Microwave: It might not be the breaker at all. Internal components like the magnetron or capacitor can wear down over time. This can cause faults that trip the breaker.
Electrical issues involving the electric panel are always best left to trained professionals. A licensed electrician can evaluate your kitchen’s circuit layout, diagnose wiring issues, and test the breaker itself. When you choose Mr. Electric, you can rest assured knowing our professionals come out prepared to handle most electrical repair the first time around.
When to Call in the Professionals
It’s tempting to chalk up a tripped breaker to a one-off glitch, but recurring trips are your electrical system’s way of begging for help. Electrical issues aren’t just inconvenient; they’re a major safety concern if left unaddressed. Still, a DIY circuit breaker replacement could be more dangerous.
Hiring a certified electrician means getting the issue diagnosed accurately and fixed right the first time around. Plus, when you choose Mr. Electric, you get an upfront price quote and a workmanship guarantee.
Don’t Let a Microwave Hijack Your Kitchen. Call Mr. Electric
Your microwave should heat up leftovers, not stress you out. If it’s repeatedly tripping the circuit breaker, then it's time to switch up your approach. Instead of guessing or unplugging every other appliance in the kitchen, give Mr. Electric a call so that we can get to the root of the problem.
The live representatives and dedicated electricians at Mr. Electric are ready to take your call or message today. Contact Mr. Electric to request emergency electrical repair, schedule an appointment, or address electrical questions or concerns.
