DIYbanter - View Single Post - Radiation hazards from inefficient microwave oven?

[email protected]

wrote:

Hello,

My microwave oven is old, and has had the usual abuse (spills,
occasional sparks because of foil, etc).

After a few years, I notice that it heats up a cup of water slower than
it used to. Several explanations are possible, but I'm wondering about
this one:
Is the radiation likely to be leaking out into the rest of the kitchen?
Or is it probably something more benign, such as less power being fed
to the oscillator?

Thank you very much!

Ted Shoemaker

Probably magnetron emission falling. Its worth giving it a good clean
out though, especially where the microwaves enter the cooking caivty,
in case theres some piece of carbon glowing hot somewhere.

Leakage is not likely on modern ovens, unless the cooking cavity is
rusted right through or its been seriously abused.

NT