William Sommerwerck wrote:
"Eeyore" wrote in message
...

Chris wrote:

I've got a ~2 year old microwave that has shown no previous signs
of trouble and is to all appearances in good working order. During
normal operation (melting butter on low power)...

That isn't a suitable load for a microwave, is it? You need some water
in there. No surprise it arced.

I don't think that's correct. Butter contains water and fat, both of which
absorb microwaves. I've melted butter without problems.

Arcing usually occurs at a sharp metal edge. I once put a plastic jar of
Adams peanut butter in my microwave to soften it up, and got serious arcing
on the teensy bits of aluminum foil that had been left behind when I peeled
off the inner seal.


I've had that happen recently. Same product (different brand)--some
surprisingly SERIOUS fireworks immediately as I hit the button. If the
lights had been off, it would have lit the entire kitchen from really
minuscule bits of foil.

I'm with the other poster, in that I'm not sure I'd ever trust that unit
again.

jak