Is my microwave still safe to use after accidentally heating metal in it?
My small kid used a metal bowl in a microwave oven and there was a spark. I immediately switched off the oven.
There was a burnt mark on the left side of the oven. Though the microwave oven switches on (Light is one), I am not sure if it actually works.
Will the microwave oven in general work even after such spark and burnt ?
Best Answer
The spark was a voltage jumping over a gap somewhere. This may occur again, but so long as the magnetron survives, you should be okay. The problem with sparks is they can leave a carbon trail deep inside which is conductive and may actually make the next spark occur at a slightly lower voltage. If this happens enough, you will eventually (or shortly) damage the unit and make it unusable.
I actually work as a product safety consultant and I can say, so long as you have an approved product (CSA, UL, ETL, or TUV) this sort of fault was actually tested. You should be a safe enough and not start a fire.
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Is it safe to use microwave after burning metal?
The microwaves will not penetrate the metal; they can, however, induce an electric current in the bowl which is likely to have no consequence unless the metal has jagged edges or points. Then "arcing" can occur and sparks will fly. If there is something combustible in the oven, a fire is possible.What happens if you accidentally microwave aluminum?
We've all accidentally left a twist-tie or some aluminum foil in there accidentally, however, and the resulting show is pretty bizarre: bright, arcing flame, a horrible buzzing and popping noise, and flying sparks, freaky enough to make you go running to shut it off and occasionally damaging enough to ruin your ...What do you do if you put metal in a microwave?
UL-certified microwaves (which is almost all of them) are designed to contain small fires started by common foods (like popcorn or potatoes), so it should be safe to leave a microwave alone while the flames suffocate.What happens to METAL in a MICROWAVE?
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Answer 2
I haven't had this problem thankfully, but I would think that if it seems to function ok, then you can continue using it. After a bit of research I also found this:
I accidentally put something metal in my friend's microwave about 3 years ago. The metal was covered in plastic so I didn't realize what I was doing. The smell was really bad, but to this day, the microwave works.
My mom's microwave was having a problem where it would not turn off. The other day, she was on the phone and forgot about it, and burned something up in the microwave. Now it won't even heat water. So, she had to throw her's out.
I guess the microwave is okay if it still works.
AND a similar one here:
The metal isn't going to hurt the food in any way, the food should be fine. As long as the microwave seems to function properly, it should be ok, as well. I have accidentally left utensils in the microwave before and the appliance didn't sustain damage. Damage is just a possibility, not a definite occurrence.
Some metals are even meant to be placed in the microwave, it depends on the type and the shape. My microwave, for instance, came with a metal rack that slides into the center. I think it depends partially on whether or not there are flat edges on the metal, which can cause sparks.
Bottom line, you're ok. Just don't make leaving metal in the microwave a habit. Technically it could short out or catch fire or otherwise start acting up. But you'll know if that happens.
I think another good idea would be to call the manufacturer and ask them if you want to double check.
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