Yesterday, some of the buttons on my microwave were not working and today they are working fine. Does that mean there is a short in it?

Question

Should I be worried about it being a fire hazard?

Answer 1

If you're worried unplug it except for when you use it.

Answer 2

What? Maybe it wasn't plugged in yesterday. (or maybe it was overheated). Time to get a new one.

Answer 3

First you need to understand what a "Short Circuit" is. It's when the normal path of electricity does not take the full route. It takes a short cut back to the source - hence - a SHORT circuit. Shorts are dangerous because they cause fires.



NO, you don't have a "Short" in your control panel. More likely it's the collection of moisture from boiling and grease from frying. The most common problem with button failure is the connection where the flat ribbon wire mates to the board. They are often stuffed into a socket (called a "Zero Insertion Force" socket - or ZIF). Sometimes the connections are just dirty. Sometimes cleaning them can rectify the problem. WARNING: THIS IS NOT SOMETHING A NOVICE SHOULD TRY. 120 VOLTS AC CAN KILL YOU EVEN EASIER THAN IT IS TO COOK A STICK OF BUTTER. If you don't know what you're doing then DON'T.



Other times the buttons simply start to fail. They are replaceable, but again, needs to be done by a qualified person. Messing with anything high voltage needs to be done by someone who knows and understands what things are safe to touch and what things need to be avoided.



Microwaves are fairly cheap. You COULD order a new control panel for your oven. Just make sure it's an exact replacement for the one you have now. Unplug the oven and let it sit untouched for at least an hour. That's WAY longer than you need to - but it's better to be safe than to get stung by a capacitor that may be holding up to 2000 volts. After the oven has been disconnected for an hour you can then open the box. Carefully remove the screws that hold the control panel on and pull it free - but don't start unplugging things. Photograph where the wires are connected. Then start transferring wire for wire to the new panel. MAKE SURE you get the connections right or you could end up blowing out the new board.



That's a lot of work to go through to save a few bucks. But if you're competent then why not?! But if you're unsure or nervous then it's better to let a professional repair it. But professional repairs may be as expensive as buying a whole new oven. So proceed with wisdom and caution.

Answer 4

yes there could be

Answer 5

This is a common problem. You didn't say what kind of microwave. Some over the stove units collect moisture when boiling water that may sweat or migrate into the circuit board. If it goes away the problem is then fixed. Sometime it doesn't. If it is an over the stove make sure the fan is on when boiling anything and use burners furthest away from the buttons. In some cases it is simply a matter of the circuit board failing. It is not a fire hazard. Sometimes they come and go.

Answer 6

to fix and check

Answer 7

Big appliances have internal circuit breakers/ fuses, as well as safety ground, and most kitchens have GFCI outlets besides that. I'd say, it's worn out, but not dangerous.

Answer 8

Depending on what buttons were not functioning, either the touch key pad, a relay on the circuit board, or the door switch is starting to fail, and neither of these issues would raise the risk of the oven catching on fire, significantly more than any other appliance that stays plugged in or electrically connected 24/7.



If this is an expensive unit, consider getting it repaired, as the bill would likely be $150+. (9D1)

Answer 9

yes you should be worried. get it checked out asap

Answer 10

There is a problem but it probably is not a serious fire hazard. The whip and liquify settings in my blender haven't worked for years.. But it would probably be best to replace the microwave or unplug it from the wall each and everytime you use it