Microwave safety.

[Yonnee]

I have a query for those into microwave ovens.

I've started to notice the coating on the inside of our 12yr old Panasonic microwave starting to peel off. It's only doing it around the bottom where the wheeled frame for the plate runs.

Is it still safe to use??

SWMBO decided that it was time for a new one anyway, but I would like to know if it would be safe to use if we gave it away, or do I cut the cord and take it to scrap metal for recycling.

Cheers.

Yonnee.

[RufflyRustic]

If you have any doubt, do what is safest.

cheers
Wendy

[arjay]

There is an inside foil that is designed so that the microwaves dont come thru the glass, if it is this then I would suspect it is becoming unsafe and you will start getting zapped, whatever that means!

[smokey2]

I did a search on the internet some time ago as I have a similar microwave. Touch up enamel is considered OK on the interior - not talking about the screen, around the Magnetron or door JUST THE ODD SCRATCH OR MARK on the interior.

Micro wave ovens contain a large capacitor and are capable of killing people even when unplugged SO DO NOT REMOVE THE COVER UNLESS YOU KNOW WHAT YOU ARE DOING AND SHORT THE CAPACITOR.

Considering a new one is not that costly why bother.

[China]

is it still safe to use Answer NO

[manoftalent]

when in doubt ....throw it out ......I just hope its not leaking as well ..its not something you could see, microwaves being cheap enough these days, they are not worth fixing or fiddling with ....throw it out to a metal recycler or hard rubbish pick up ...cut the cord so nobody else is at risk ..

[Smurf]

I really can't see any reason not to continue using it. Paint on the interior is cosmetic only and isn't a safety feature - there are bare unpainted microwaves available.

Only if there was a problem with the door (including seals, hinges, screen and latch mechanism) or something has been mechanically damaged (eg has a hole in it) would I be worried about leaking radiation.

Lack of regular cleaning the seals and abusing the door are the most common dangerous practices with microwaves. If it's not clean enough to eat off - don't use it until it's been cleaned.

[juan]

Any charity organisation would refuse to touch it and I think that is a good guide to what you should do. Bin it !!!

Cheers

[malb]

There was a discussion on Melbourne radio a few months back about microwaves and testing for leakage.

One suggestion from a techo panel member was to place a working mobile phone on the turntable with the oven OFF, and dial the mobile. If you get an out of service message for the mobile the shielding is adequate to block mobile signals, and should be adequate to contain microwave radiation.

About ten minutes later a very indignant woman rang the station. Yep, she tried it with the microwave running and fried her phone.

[Smurf]

Any charity organisation would refuse to touch it and I think that is a good guide to what you should do. Bin it !!!

Cheers
In that case you ought to bin EVERY microwave oven unless it's brand new still in the box. And then bin it the moment it's taken out of the box.

Many charities won't take mains powered electrical goods period. Condition isn't a factor, it's purely about liability just in case something does go wrong. I'm told this is due to a clock radio catching fire some time ago.

I still don't see why you'd be worried about paint on a microwave since it's not a safety feature. A bit of worn paint is no more reason to bin the microwave than a scratch is a reason to write off an otherwise perfectly good car.

[Timmo]

There was a discussion on Melbourne radio a few months back about microwaves and testing for leakage.

One suggestion from a techo panel member was to place a working mobile phone on the turntable with the oven OFF, and dial the mobile. If you get an out of service message for the mobile the shielding is adequate to block mobile signals, and should be adequate to contain microwave radiation.

About ten minutes later a very indignant woman rang the station. Yep, she tried it with the microwave running and fried her phone.

I'm glad theres people dumber than me.


It just makes me feel good.

[Master Splinter]

Its fine - its only paint that's worn off so it's cosmetic damage only.

Since you can't give it away, use some free classified ads and sell it for a nominal amount - you can then give the money to charity!!

[smokey2]

http://www.repairfaq.org/sam/micfaq.htm
Is a general manual available on the web which explains in simple terms how things work and what goes wrong. Mr Goldwasser has done a good job.

however Follow all safety instructions as these machines are dangerous.

[Yonnee]

http://www.repairfaq.org/sam/micfaq.htm
Is a general manual available on the web which explains in simple terms how things work and what goes wrong. Mr Goldwasser has done a good job.

however Follow all safety instructions as these machines are dangerous.

Thanks to everyone for their replies, and concerns.

The link above had some great information and I found this extract which is exactly what the problem is with our (now old one)...

"Special microwave oven cavity paint is available but any common gloss enamel will work just as well (and costs about 1/10th as much). Unplug the oven as paint solvent is generally flammable. Use touch-up paint with a small brush (recommended) or spray paint (be careful to mask off all but the immediate area). Allow at least 24 hours to dry with the microwave oven door OPEN so all the solvent has evaporatedf. The typical color is beige, almond, or some other form of off-white - just match it to your oven (if you care). While I have never heard of problems caused by these non-approved paints, it's always a good idea to test first in an inconspicuous location to be sure there are no surprises when power is applied. Test by putting a cup of water in as a load and running for a minute or so on HIGH. The area where the new paint has been applied should not be any warmer than other areas. Of course, there should be no smoke or six foot flames. :) But the odor from petro-chemical solvent-based paints may linger for some time and could be quite objectionable in the vicinity of food. Once the paint is dry to the touch, a blow-dryer on low heat (NOT a heat gun!) applied to the newly painted areas may be used to speed this along. Running the oven on the lowest setting should help as well, as the fan will circulate air throughout. Make sure there is a water or other load in the oven when doing this! Also, putting a container of used coffee grounds in the oven overnight for several nights should help clear the odor.
As noted, damaged paint is often a symptom of other problems, most likely due to debris causing hot spots. If around the waveguide cover, there may be gummed up food trapped under the cover. If it occurred along the turntable track, the turntable wheels themselves may be full of carbonized food causing heating and/or arcing as they rotate on the bottom paint. Any of this will destroy the new paint if not thoroughly cleaned first."

So we'll see if anyone we know requires a working Panasonic microwave that needs the interior paint touched up, free to good home. If not, maybe I can find a use for it in the shed.


Yonnee.