Last updated on August 14th, 2022 at 01:26 pm
Microwaves often have pre-installed fuses for safe operation. The primary and thermal fuse both provide the required amperage of current needed to run a microwave efficiently.
However, a higher voltage or a low voltage will cause the microwave fuse amp to blow up, which leaves you wondering if you can use any amp fuse for your appliance without fear that the fuse will blow up.
Microwaves require a 20 amp fuse usually accustomed to power it up. Although, they are also used as time-delay fuses. These 20 amp fuses serve as a protective shield for most countertop and over-the-range microwaves with a 120-volt individual branch circuit with three-prong receptacles.
What Amp Fuse Do I Need For A Microwave?
Microwave ovens need a 20 amp fuse to work correctly. A lesser amperage could cause overheating or a fire hazard.
A 15 amp, for example, when used to replace a 20 amp breaker, is likely to trip, and the fuse will blow up.
Microwaves are mostly made of multiple fuses that serve as safety circuits. The main fuse also alters the flow of electricity when it detects too much current flowing through it.
On the contrary, the thermal fuse prevents current flow when the fuse is heated to the maximum or specified temperature.
When the wrong amp is used for a microwave, there is a risk of a power surge. The fuse will blow up to protect the microwave.
This action could also cause damage to the circuit breaker, thereby incurring a large repair bill.
Does A Microwave Need A Special Fuse?
Yes, microwaves need a particular fuse with a dedicated 20 amp and a 120/125-volt circuit to work efficiently.
Most microwaves differ in size and models; however, they have similar internal compartments and use standard electrical outlets and fuses, so it is not uncommon for you to find microwaves being plugged in on standard outlets.
Nevertheless, these microwave ovens use over 1500 watts when running. Therefore, larger microwaves must be plugged into their special fuses.
For example, over-the-range microwave models are to be connected to a dedicated circuit breaker or fuse.
Hence, microwaves need unique outlets; these outlets or fuses must follow specified national electrical codes when installing them.
While small countertop microwaves draw power in moderate and small quantities, modern over-the-top microwaves draw more power.
Most microwave amp fuses are rarely in positions that you can easily see.
As a result, they are challenging to locate even when there is a need to check the location of the fuse when you suspect it has developed a fault.
This can happen if you do not know how to work on a capacitor and how to differentiate it from a caster.
It is best to call for the services of an electrical professional to help you check your microwave.
Since the fuses are located inside the microwave, the obvious thing you have to do is first to switch off the microwave from the power source.
Sometimes it could just be an overload of appliances on the circuit breaker that is beginning to cause your oven to trip or stop running.
However, if you have confirmed the problem is not an overloaded circuit breaker, you can work on the ocean by first removing the panel and screwing out all the nuts from the top panel breaker.
The fuses are usually one or two inches long. The glass amp fuse usually has a filament wrapped over it.
If the glass fuse is blown, it will show scorch marks, and the filaments on it will also melt away.
The ceramic amp fuse is usually tested with an ohmmeter or continuity tester to see if it is still in good shape.
A zero-ohm reading indicates it is intact, while an infinite number reading suggests it is blown.
If the fuse seems to be in good condition and is not the cause of your oven’s failure, you could check the outlet or dedicated circuit to see if there is a need to service the oven.
You will need to use some useful tools such as needle-nose pliers, nuts, screwdrivers, an Ohmmeter, a continuity tester, and an electrical thermometer.
Can I Use Any Fuse In My Microwave?
Generally, microwaves work efficiently on any fuse, provided the appropriate amperage and the rating are ok.
For instance, a 125V fuse can be substituted by a 250V fuse because they have the same amplitude and voltage of 250 or less.
However, it is not the same as a 250V fuse replacing a 125V fuse with the same amplitude or voltage because it exceeds 125V.
The fuse-time delay option helps to prevent the microwave from being damaged. It works by shutting down the oven once it detects a power surge.
It is also otherwise known as a line fuse. Other fuses, such as ceramic amp fuses, are needed in the microwave.
Their exact location on the microwave is dependent on the model, but they are usually located behind the interface.
They are at least 3cm long and are often squat black cylinders.
The ceramic amp fuse is not transparent but has a high breaking or rupturing capacity. On the other hand, the glass amp fuse is a transparent tube fuse that makes inspection accurate.
A glass fuse has low breaking or rupturing capacity. Among the two, the ceramic amp fuse is more appropriate for high current and current circuits.
Substitute glass tubes with ceramic fuses. Although, it is not recommended that you replace the latter with the former.
If you must replace the glass fuse for a ceramic, endeavor that they have equal current and rating.
Thermal fuses are pre-installed inside the ovens to prevent overheating. They are known as thermal cutouts.
These microwaves and thermal fuses often use multiple thermal or power cutouts in the ovens to avoid a fire hazard or excess electricity.
Final Thoughts
Microwaves require special fuses with a 120-volt individual branch circuit. As a result, they utilize over 1500 watts of power.
The fuses on the microwave act as a shield to protect the oven from fire hazards, power surges overheating, and prevent it from tripping and damage.
Of all the fuses in the microwave, the glass amp fuse is the most efficient.