Why does microwave leak electricity in the casing?

Many people have encountered the problem of getting shocked when touching a microwave oven, which causes numbness in their hands. Why does the microwave oven leak electricity to the casing?

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If you are not careful when using, you can be in danger of the microwave leaking electricity to the shell. Let’s find out the causes and solutions.

Why does the microwave leak electricity to the shell?

One of the most dangerous malfunctions of the microwave is electrical leakage, electrical exposure, which can make people touching it feel tingling. When this happens, you should immediately disconnect the power and check and repair it before using it again.

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The microwave leaking electricity to the shell is not uncommon. (Photo: Sharp)

Why does the microwave leak electricity to the shell? There are 6 reasons below.

Placing the microwave in a humid place

When installing the microwave, especially the built-in type, make sure the cabinet is well ventilated and not too close to a humid source. When placing the microwave on the ground or in a place with a lot of moisture, such as near a refrigerator, washing machine, etc., the device can be electrified, explode, and directly endanger the user.

Precautions: When you first bring it home, you need to place the microwave in a high, well-ventilated place, away from electronic devices, gas stoves, refrigerators, etc. Place the microwave in a place where it is not exposed to water due to heat and steam, which can damage the components or reduce their functions.

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It is recommended to place the microwave in a high, well-ventilated place. (Photo: Bertch)

Touching the wet hand to the microwave wall

When the microwave is operating, there will be a small amount of electricity leaking to the outside of the steel or stainless steel shell. You won’t feel it if you touch it with dry hands and wearing shoes. But when your hand is wet and you are barefoot, you will feel tingling when you touch it.

This is a normal physical phenomenon, but it can startle you due to natural reflexes, causing falls or dropping the microwave, and endangering yourself.

Therefore, make sure your hands are dry and wear shoes made of plastic or rubber for safety when using the microwave. Avoid touching the microwave shell while it is in operation or while it is plugged in, especially the screws holding the shell.

The microwave being used for a long time causing deformation and gaps

Over time, the microwave shell can become deformed, warped, and have gaps. Many people decide to open the microwave, remove the protective layer that prevents microwave radiation from escaping, and attempt to repair the microwave without experience… When the machine operates afterward, electrical energy can be transmitted out and cause electrical leakage.

If the product has only a damaged shell but the internal components still work well, you can bring it to a repair shop to replace the shell and continue using the machine. But if the product is damaged both internally and externally, with weak performance, you should buy a new microwave for safety and efficient energy saving.

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The condition of deformation, warpage, and gaps is also a reason why the microwave leaks electricity to the shell. (Photo: Samsung)

Electrical leakage due to no grounding wire

Using a microwave without grounding often leads to electrical leakage and electrical exposure. The grounding wire will eliminate the electricity that is leaked to the shell to prevent danger. Without it, when there is electrical exposure, it can cause electric shock and be unsafe for you.

Therefore, make sure to install the grounding wire for the microwave when using it for the first time, and follow the manufacturer’s recommendations.

Damp electrical circuit, reduced effectiveness of insulation layer

A damp or wet electrical circuit or a reduced effectiveness of the insulation layer will cause electrical exposure, and the electricity will be transmitted to the microwave shell, causing it to become electrified.

Remedy: Take it to a warranty center for experts to handle. You should not attempt to repair it yourself as it will affect the microwave.

Using metal containers, cooking for a long time with high power

Using metal or metal-patterned containers in the microwave can cause electric sparks that lead to explosions, and that is also why the microwave leaks electricity to the shell.

In case of cooking with high power for a long time, high voltage, if the microwave radiation is not completely absorbed, it can also reflect and cause electric sparks, resulting in electrical leakage in the microwave.

When cooking with a microwave, use containers that are safe for microwave use, and avoid cooking for a long time to increase the durability of the product and protect your safety.

According to VTC

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