One of the important appliances in homes all over the country is the microwave. It helps in cooking and reheating food in very little time. The inside part of the cooking chamber is covered with a thin sheet known as a waveguide.
The waveguide cover is a metallic sheet that helps in cooking the food in the microwave by allowing the energy waves to pass to the food.
In case, the waveguide cover gets burnt, you will notice arcing or sparks in the microwave and it is advised to change this cover. If you continue to use the microwave oven after the waveguide has damaged, the paint and cavity of the microwave will get burnt, and eventually, the magnetron tube can get damaged.
It is an inexpensive spare that is found easily in the market which helps you to avoid changing your microwave. You can even cut a sheet of mica material according to the shape and size of the waveguide cover and use it to replace the old one.
Generally, the waveguide cover lasts longer if used properly. However, if this is not handled with care, the waveguide can break. Since it is brittle, it can be broken easily by the dishes when placed roughly inside the microwave.
What is waveguide cover in a microwave?
A microwave has a plastic or mica cover known as a waveguide cover. Sometimes, it looks like a piece of grey cardboard and is located either on one of the side walls or the top of the cavity. It is present in the hole where the microwave comes out.
The main function of the waveguide is to transmit microwave radiation. Steam and food particles are prevented from coming in contact with the electrical components within the microwave with the help of this waveguide cover. It also prevents the bits of food from getting into the microwave cavity.
This cover is rigid and hard but sometimes it may become soft and therefore, holes will appear. With use, this can cause sparking and food particles along with moisture can enter into the cavity. Hence, the functioning of the microwave will not be proper as expected.
How to replace microwave waveguide cover?
To replace the microwave waveguide cover, you need to follow the steps mentioned below:
1. Switch off the microwave
It is important to be safe first to ensure that you have switched off the appliance at the mains before you start with the process of replacing the waveguide cover.
2. Remove the turntable along with the roller ring
This is another step that must be done before replacing the cover. You should remove the turntable and the roller ring as these can get damaged while cleaning or doing any replacing work in the microwave.
3. Remove old waveguide cover
Waveguide cover must have been secured with some screws. Remove them which will allow the cover to slide out. Once the cover is removed, ensure that the area under it is completely clean. If not, clean with the help of a dry cloth.
4. Fit the new waveguide cover
Take the new waveguide cover and slide it in place. Put the screws back in position. Also, place the turntable and roller ring back in the microwave.
This is a simple procedure to replace a waveguide cover. In case you are not qualified at repairing a microwave or do not have the essential tools for it, it is recommended to contact a service technician.
Microwaves are high voltage components and you will need service equipment to work on a microwave even if unplugged. Thus, it is essential to take all the necessary precautions while working on it.
Is it safe to use microwave without waveguide cover?
It is not safe to use microwave without waveguide cover as when this cover is damaged, steam and vaporized food particles will start collecting on electronic components of the microwave. When this happens, the circuit board of the microwave can short and corrode. Due to this, with time either the microwave will lose power or will stop functioning immediately.
The waveguide cover protects the internal electrical components of the microwave while transmitting microwave radiation and also protects the internal and electronic components of the microwave from food particles, moisture, and steam.
Thus, it is advised to replace the waveguide cover as soon as it gets damaged or burnt.
How to tackle if microwave waveguide cover sparking?
If the microwave waveguide cover is sparking, you should immediately switch off the appliance and unplug it. Sometimes after unplugging the microwave, the sparking will stop, and once cooled, you can use the appliance comfortably.
In case there is frequent sparking of waveguide cover even in the subsequent use, it indicates the cover has been damaged and there is a need to replace it. Generally, this happens when a lot of food has been burned off it and some uneven heating has occurred.
Over time, if the food is cooked uncovered in the microwave, it can cause grease and food particles to attach to the waveguide cover. Sometimes, food can cause the waveguide cover to get burnt and it may appear as sparking. When this occurs, a solid cleaning can solve the problem.
Microwave waveguide cover material
Microwave waveguide cover material is mica. It is present as a small cover on the right-hand side or in the roof of the microwave cavity which resembles a piece of cardboard. It is held in place by one or more screws.
The main purpose of the microwave cover is to protect the holes from where the microwaves produced by the magnetron enter the microwave cavity. It prevents the entry of moisture and food particles from getting into the workings of the microwave.
The new mica sheet in the form of a waveguide cover is rigid and firm. Over time, food splatters on it and it absorbs moisture which causes it to become soft and flexible. This can cause one of the following things to the waveguide cover.
- It falls off.
- It gets a hole.
- It experiences sparking or arcing during use.
In any of these cases, the waveguide cover should be replaced. It can be replaced by another one which is made by the manufacturer of the microwave or a blank sheet of mica can be taken and cut into the shape with the help of the old cover if it is in good shape and can be used as a template.
How do you clean a microwave waveguide?
A waveguide cover is present on the ceiling or side of the microwave cavity. It is made up of mica and therefore, you should give special care to it.
To clean a microwave waveguide, take a damp clean cloth and clean the cover. This should be done immediately after the food is cooked in the microwave as the food gets splatter on the cover easily.
The built-up splatters may get overheated and can cause smoke or sparking of the waveguide cover. It is advised not to remove the waveguide cover while cleaning it. A clean waveguide cover ensures a good microwave performance.
To prevent splattering of food inside the microwave cavity and on the waveguide cover, you should always cover the food with a paper towel or a lid while cooking.
Conclusion
A waveguide cover present in the microwave helps the microwave radiation to transmit and prevents the food and moisture from entering into the electrical components of the microwave.
If the waveguide cover is burnt, you should replace it immediately to prevent damage to the magnetron and the entire appliance. Hope this article is helpful for you in getting more information about the waveguide cover.