What Happens If A Microwave Runs With The Door Open? (Microwave Safety)

What Happens If a Microwave Runs With the Door Open?

A microwave oven is a common household appliance found in most kitchens. It cooks or heats food by emitting microwave radiation absorbed by the food. Microwaves heat things unevenly, creating hotspots that can lead to burns.

Microwave ovens have safety features to prevent them from turning on while the door is open. However, the door switches occasionally malfunction, causing the microwave to turn on even with the door open. This can be dangerous, as it allows microwaves to escape from the interior of the microwave.

Effects of Running a Microwave With the Door Open

Running a microwave oven with the door open allows microwaves to escape. This can have several consequences:

Radiation Exposure

The most apparent risk is exposure to microwave radiation. Standing in front of an open, running microwave could result in your body absorbing the microwaves. The effects of microwave exposure increase with proximity and duration.

In the short term, exposure can cause burns. Longer exposures at close range can cause deep tissue damage and organ injury. Exposure to very high levels can be fatal. However, most microwave ovens emit less than 100 watts of microwaves. So, brief exposure is unlikely to cause severe harm.

Damage to Microwave

Allowing microwaves to escape could damage the microwave oven itself. Microwaves are designed to reflect inside the metal interior continuously. With a door to remember them back in, some of the energy is preserved.

This can damage the magnetron – the component responsible for generating microwaves. It could also damage the control board or other members not designed to be exposed to the open air.

Damage to Other Objects

Since the escaping microwaves are not contained in the metal box, they can be absorbed by other objects. If you stand too close while the door is open, the radiation can cause burns or heating of your body.

It could also heat and potentially melt or burn nearby appliances, electronics, plastic objects, paper items, etc. Metallic objects may also arc if they form sparks. So, running an open microwave could damage surrounding items.

Interference With Pacemakers

The electromagnetic radiation emitted can interfere with pacemakers if exposed directly. Newer pacemakers are designed to be less susceptible, but those who have them should still avoid open microwaves.

Why Microwaves Turn On With the Door Open

Microwave ovens are designed to prevent operation while the door is open. Several interlock switches turn off the microwave if the door is latched.

So why would a microwave run with the door open? Here are some potential reasons:

• Faulty door: If the door or latch is damaged, the interlock switches may not engage properly. This allows the microwave to operate with an unlatched door.
• Faulty switches: The interlock switches themselves may be damaged or defective. If the button fails, the microwave could receive the signal that the door is closed when it is open.
• Malfunction: Issues with the wiring, control board, or sensors could cause it to malfunction and turn on abnormally. Electrical issues like a short circuit could bypass the interlock switches.
• Improper repairs: If repairs were done incorrectly, safety switches could have been turned off or bypassed, removing the safeguards.
• User tampering/bypass: In rare cases, users tamper with safety devices to bypass door interlocks. This allows operation with the door open but is exceptionally hazardous.

So, if your microwave turns on when the door is open, unplug it immediately and have it inspected by an appliance repair professional to identify and fix the issue. Please do not attempt to use it until it has been repaired.

What to Do if Your Microwave Runs With the Door Open

If you ever encounter a scenario where your microwave oven starts running even when the door is open, follow these steps:

• Unplug it immediately – This will cut power to the device to stop it from running. Don’t just turn it off; unplug it from the wall.
• Keep your distance – Back away from the microwave to limit exposure to the escaping radiation. Avoid standing directly in front of it.
• Only use it – Only attempt to use the microwave again once a professional has repaired it.
• Inspect the door and interlocks – Visually inspect the door, hinges, and latches. Check for damage or issues that could cause the safety interlocks to malfunction.
• Contact an appliance repair technician – Schedule service with a qualified appliance repair company to have them inspect and fix the microwave.
• Consider replacing old units – If the team is ancient, it may not be worth repairing. Consider replacing outdated microwaves with modern ones that have updated safety features.

Running the microwave with the door open can be a fire hazard or cause radiation leaks. Discontinue the use immediately of any microwave that turns on with the door open, and have it repaired right away to prevent unsafe operation.

FAQ

Can a microwave run with the door open?

No, a microwave should not be able to run while the door is open. Built-in safety interlocks automatically turn off the microwave when the door is unlatched. However, those safety mechanisms can fail due to malfunction or damage.

Is it dangerous to run a microwave with the door open?

Yes, running a microwave oven with the door open is highly hazardous. It allows dangerous microwave radiation to escape from the interior. This can cause burns or other injuries to people, damage to objects, and harm the microwave itself.

Why would a microwave turn on with the door open?

This is usually caused by a malfunction in the door sensing switches or latch, a faulty control board, or damaged wiring. It could also happen if safety mechanisms have been deliberately tampered with or bypassed. Incorrect installation or improper repairs can also be to blame.

Can you get radiation poisoning from an open microwave?

You would unlikely get radiation poisoning from a brief exposure to a typical microwave oven’s radiation. However, standing right in front can cause burns or other tissue damage. Prolonged exposure at very close range may cause radiation sickness. It’s best to avoid exposure entirely by unplugging units that run open.

Does microwave radiation leak out of older microwaves?

All microwaves have some radiation leakage even when operating normally. However, newer microwaves with tighter door seals and improved construction have less leakage than older units. Very outdated microwaves likely leak more, so they should be replaced for safety.

What should you do if your microwave runs with the door open?

Immediately unplug the microwave at the wall outlet. Do not stand directly in front of it. Have an appliance repair technician inspect it and fix any issues with switches, wiring, or the control board that lets it operate with the door open. Only try to use it yourself once it is repaired.

Conclusion

Operating a microwave oven with the door open is extremely dangerous and should be prevented. The door interlocks are designed to turn off the appliance when the door is available, but they can fail over time. If you observe your microwave continuing to run even when the door is ajar, unplug it immediately.

Do not attempt to use a malfunctioning unit yourself. Have a professional identify and resolve the underlying issue. Prompt service can get the safety interlocks functioning properly again so the microwave will automatically shut off when opened. With the door closed, microwave ovens only allow negligible leakage during regular operation.