#22 - GE Microwave Trips Breaker - Schematic Explanation

Schematic analysis of what happens to certain model GE microwaves when the latch board wears out and causes the interlock switches to be pressed out of sequence, which can destroy the safety monitor switch. More information at www.TechCircuit.org or visit our Facebook group at / 746823709133603 . #GEMicrowaveTripsBreaker, #ApplianceRepair, #MicrowaveSchematic
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[@frankyang1273]

Thank you for sharing. mine is same issue. GE Profile was bought just about two years ago. As open it up, I saw the product is very cheap.

[@TheTechCircuit]

Unfortunately appliances aren't anywhere near as reliable as they used to be.

[@outboardfixer]

MOST people are pulling the door open while the microwave is running to PAUSE it to check whatever they are heating. If you PAUSE the microwave, THEN open the door, you should have no problems. The pause feature is there for a reason. You can pull on the top or bottom of the handle and also cause the same effect on the switches....not disengaging in the proper order. When grooves are wore in that switch panel you can set it back a bit. I just file the two plastic hooks on the back side and move it in a 1/16 or 1/32. You can look at it by just watching the door close before tou reinstall the toch pad.

[@appliancedude63]

Are all microwave door switches the same/universal?

[@TheTechCircuit]

No. There are variations, such as logical pinouts, normally open, normally closed. Some switches have both, which is more universal. However, the spade sizes also vary. It's best to get the part number based on the unit model number and use equivalents or universal replacements based on those part numbers.

[@appliancedude63]

@@TheTechCircuit thanks for your response. I guess what I'm asking is even knowing those differences, can I use a generic? Can I buy a variety of generics and as long as they are the same as what came out, use them? Or would I need a frigidare door switch, kenmore door switch etc?

[@TheTechCircuit]

Many people, including repair technicians, use generic switches. I believe its best to use OEM because the quality is more predictable and there's less chance of liability if they fail.

[@appliancedude63]

@@TheTechCircuit ok thanks.

[@ejonesss]

putting a switch in parallel with the primary of the transformer is so stupid.
why do they do that?
unless it is meant to clip the inductive spike that may happen when the transformer is powered down.
does a hot magnetron generate any charge like a peltier chip does (the stove fan that uses a teg witch is a peltier chip designed to generate enough charge to run a fan) causing aback feeding of the transformer?
it is maybe possible that the switch is acting as a shunt because older microwaves used hardware controllers and could not do the diagnostics like today's modern software powered microwaves can do.

[@TheTechCircuit]

It is a safety feature. Destroying a switch and necessitating a repair is the tradeoff for not energizing the primary and exposing the user to microwave energy.