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Have you damaged your microwave’s cord and are now looking for a way to fix it?
You’re not alone! Although microwaves are mostly stationary appliances, it’s an unfortunate reality that their power cords can get damaged from time to time.
I know how annoying and concerning it can be to have your microwave’s power cord break or start fraying – especially when you’re not currently looking to spend hundreds of dollars on repairs or a brand-new microwave replacement.
But don’t worry; you’ve come to the right place for answers. Below, you’ll find a list including 3 fixes you can try when you’re in such a situation.
When you’ve damaged your microwave’s cord, look at the cable closely and examine it. If you determine the cord is too damaged, try replacing it or buying a new microwave as a last resort.
Keep reading to get your microwave back to normal!
Why trust us? This article was written by Craig Anderson and James Blackford.
Craig has helped thousands of other homeowners repair their appliances since 2016.
James is one of our resident appliance experts with over 16 years of experience. He currently works as a Master Technician for SquareTrade, and runs his own appliance repair business.
The Dangers of a Damaged Microwave Power Cord
Although it might not look like it, your microwave handles high currents of electricity while it heats your food. And even when it’s not heating anything, the current flowing through it can pose a serious health risk.
A damaged microwave power cord can be very dangerous under specific conditions. For example, if the cable is only damaged at the rubber housing, but the internal cables are okay, you likely have nothing to worry about. However, I’ve found that if there’s any damage to the internal cables, you must stop using the microwave immediately, as you risk a short circuit and even a fire.
Here are my recommendations regarding a damaged power cable to help you address the issue and stay safe during the process.
#1 Examine the Cord Closely
The first thing you need to do when you have a damaged microwave power cord is to look at it closely. As I mentioned earlier, depending on how badly damaged the cord is, you might be able to keep using the appliance safely, or you might have to replace either the cord or the unit.
My usual advice in such cases is to observe and take notes about how the microwave oven works. Does the cable spark while the appliance heats? Is there a burning smell? Can you see smoke coming from the power cord? Does the appliance work normally?
All important questions that must be answered to determine whether the microwave is still safe to use.
Solution: If you notice any of the symptoms mentioned above, please stop using your microwave immediately to guarantee your safety. Please unplug the appliance from the wall outlet when possible to prevent a short circuit.
#2 Replace the Cord (When Possible)
If you determine that the power cord is too damaged to keep using the appliance in its current condition, my next recommendation is to replace the power cord.
Bear in mind that replacing the power cord won’t be an option for all appliance owners, as some microwave brands and models allow for power cord replacement, whereas others don’t. To know whether your specific microwave oven model is replacement-friendly, check your User Manual.
If you don’t have the manual handy, that’s okay; please refer to our free resource below to find it and get any information you need about your appliance.
Solution: Once you know that your microwave oven offers the possibility of replacing the power cord, look for the right replacement online by searching through the oven’s model number or using a specific part number if the power cord has it.
To give you a general idea of what the replacement process looks like, please read the following steps:
- Unplug the microwave.
- Uninstall the microwave if it’s installed into a cabinet.
- Unthread the screws securing the front grill and remove the glass turntable and support from the oven’s internal compartment.
- Flip the oven over and undo the screws at the bottom of the unit to remove the bottom panel.
- Disconnect any wires connected to the panel and the wires that go into the turntable section.
- Flip the microwave back into an upright position.
- Remove any other screws securing the cabinet in place.
- Remove the oven’s cabinet once all the cabinet screws have been undone.
- Since microwave capacitors can hold dangerous electrical currents for months, use a screwdriver with an insulated handle to press across both terminals and discharge them. Please ensure you’re not touching the metal part of the screwdriver.
- Disconnect the power cord from the microwave terminals.
- Repeat the process in reverse to reassemble.
Note: A microwave power cord replacement can be VERY dangerous, so if you’re not 100% sure about what you’re doing or feel unsafe at any point during the process, please get in touch with a professional technician. Microwave professionals must pass several safety certifications before working on a microwave, which tells you just how dangerous it can be.
#3 Replace the Microwave
Lastly, let’s consider a last resort when you’ve damaged your microwave power cord – replacing the appliance entirely.
Sometimes, either because the appliance has sustained other types of damage or simply because the replacement of the cable will cost more than the unit itself, it’s best to go shopping. Replacing your current microwave is not a decision that should be taken lightly. You must consider all costs related to the repair vs the purchase of the new unit and weigh your options.
Solution: My usual advice is to look for your microwave’s brand and model online and see how much it retails for. Typically, I recommend repairing higher-end models and replacing cheaper units, as it’s the most cost-effective option.
Be sure to contact a technician you trust to get a quotation on both the repair and a replacement. Sometimes, technicians get discounts from vendors and manufacturers when purchasing parts, so you might be able to save some money on the new power cord if you choose that route.
Dealing With a Damaged Microwave Power Cord
That about covers it!
When you’ve damaged your microwave power cord and aren’t sure what you can do about it, frustration and concern can slowly creep in.
Luckily, as I hope this piece has helped you better understand, in most cases, addressing a damaged microwave power cord can be quick and not too expensive. Please don’t open your microwave if you’re not sure about what you’re doing, as you’ll be putting yourself and others at risk. Also, remember to stop using the appliance as soon as you suspect the cable is too damaged.
Thanks for reading. If this article was useful and answered your most burning questions, please check out our other resources and free guides below and consider subscribing to our newsletter.
Have a wonderful day!
-Craig.
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