Microwaves make a characteristic humming or hum sound. These sounds are caused by a diode, capacitor, or transformer in the microwave. These devices handle the energy that comes from the wall and step it up to create the noise. This hum sounds like an electric buzz.
High voltage diode causes loud humming
A microwave’s loud humming noise can be caused by a faulty high voltage diode. These diodes convert alternating current into direct current. To test if the diode is faulty, you can use a multimeter. A healthy diode should read between 50,000 and 200,000 ohms. If the diode is not working, you must replace it.
The diode, which works in conjunction with a capacitor, is the source of the loud humming in your microwave. It is responsible for directing the energy into the magnetron. If the diode is damaged or malfunctioning, the magnetron cannot function properly and the loud humming continues.
A faulty magnetron could also be the cause of a loud humming noise in your microwave. The magnetron is part of a high voltage circuit that generates heat. When a magnetron is faulty, it produces a loud buzzing or humming sound.
Faulty magnetron tube causes loud humming
The loud humming that you hear in your microwave may be coming from a faulty magnetron tube. If this is the case, you’ll have to dismantle the microwave to get to it. This process can be dangerous and requires special care. You should only replace the magnetron tube if you have experience working with electrical appliances.
Buzzing, humming, or grinding noises may be produced by a faulty magnetron tube in your microwave. This component generates high-voltage heat, so you should replace it if necessary. Before removing the magnetron tube from your microwave, you should disconnect it from the microwave’s other electrical components. Be sure that you unplug the high-voltage capacitor, and check to see if the mounting bolts are secure.
If you are unable to diagnose a faulty magnetron tube yourself, it may be time to call a repair technician. Microwaves are equipped with an inbuilt cooling fan to keep the magnetron cool. If this is not enough, consider changing the entire magnetron tube.
Faulty stirrer motor causes grinding noise
A grinding noise from your microwave could be caused by a faulty stirrer motor. This is a part of the microwave that rotates a metal blade to distribute heat and energy evenly throughout the food. A faulty stirrer motor will produce a grinding sound and should be replaced.
If you hear a grinding noise from your microwave, the cause could be the stirring motor or the turntable. While all of these components are relatively inexpensive, a faulty stirrer motor can significantly reduce the efficiency of your microwave. In such cases, experts recommend purchasing a new microwave instead of trying to fix the problem yourself.
If the grinding noise continues even after you clean the turntable, the problem may be with the drive motor. Most glass tray microwaves use a motor-driven coupler or roller guide to turn the turntable. If you can access the drive motor, you should remove the tray and look at it. Check the outer rollers for signs of wear and replace them if they are damaged.
Modern microwaves tend to be a little quieter
Most modern microwaves come with a silent mode to minimize noise. These appliances also have a soft-close door that will minimize noise when opening and closing. Soft-close doors contain soft material that absorbs sound waves and prevents them from bouncing. If your microwave’s noise levels are too high for your comfort, you may need to repair it or replace it. However, this can be a dangerous job.
Some modern microwaves have a feature that allows you to turn off the beep that tells you that your food is ready. This feature is useful when you’re in another room or are distracted, but it can also be annoying when you’re cooking while a roommate, baby, or pet is in the same room. If you’d prefer your microwave to be silent, you can turn off the beeping sound by pressing the number eight key on your microwave.
Typically, microwaves will make a light humming noise when operating, but loud noise could be a sign of a breakdown. Some people blame the magnetrons for microwave noise, but these don’t usually become noisy unless they are poorly secured or faulty. Besides, these devices can be extremely expensive to repair.
