Why My Frigidaire Microwave Keeps Tripping The Circuit Breaker? Explained

Frigidaire microwaves are known for their quality and endurance. However, like any home appliance, they can experience various issues. If the Frigidaire microwave keeps tripping the circuit breaker, there can be a circuit overload, a jammed oven tripper, moisture in the turntable, or a fault in the electrical wiring.

In this article, I will cover all the causes why your microwave breaker keeps tripping and the solutions you can use in each situation. In most cases, the reason behind this issue is an overloaded circuit or a faulty electrical wire.

Why My Frigidaire Microwave Keeps Tripping Breaker?

The most common causes for microwave keeps tripping circuit breaker are:

• Defective power outlet/cable.
• Overloaded circuit.
• Moisture in oven’s turntable.
• Faulty microwave door switch.
• The timer not working.
• Short circuit in high-voltage diode.
• Faulty magnetron.
• Defective capacitor.

Let’s explore the causes of this issue in detail, along with complete solutions.

Check the Power Outlet and Cables

If the Frigidaire microwave trips breaker on startup, you should check your power outlet and cables before anything else. You have to make sure that the power outlet and cable you are using with the microwave are not faulty.

I know it seems basic but in many cases, this problem occurs due to faulty cables or power outlets. To make sure they are not faulty, you can try using an alternate power source/cable with your microwave.

If it starts working normally, it means there was no issue with your Frigidaire microwave but the cable or the power outlet you were using. 

Frigidaire Microwave Circuit Overload

If you are not using a dedicated circuit for your microwave, it may result in a circuit overload. A microwave needs up to 20 amp circuit which means you should not use a shared circuit for your microwave. 

In simple words, your microwave is a large appliance that requires a lot of electricity. That’s why. it is best to use a separate power outlet for your microwave. A shared circuit can also lead to other similar problems i.e. Frigidaire microwave keeps blowing fuse etc.

However, if you are already using a dedicated circuit for your microwave, there might be other reasons why your microwave oven trips breaker.

Moisture in Frigidaire Microwave Turntable

The turntable is responsible for rotating the microwave, which is essential for evenly heating the food. If water gets into the turntable of your microwave, it can cause various kinds of problems, like short circuits.

If the turntable of your microwave is wet, it can cause the microwave to keep tripping the breaker. In this situation, you should first reset your circuit breaker.

How to Reset The Circuit Breaker?

• Switch off the circuit breaker.
• Wait for at least 120 seconds and switch it on.
• After that, turn on the microwave.

If that does not work, you should use a multimeter to check the continuity of your microwave. If there is no continuity, it means you have to get your turntable replaced.

Frigidaire Microwave Safety Door Trips Breaker

For safety purposes, microwave ovens are equipped with door switches to ensure that the door is properly closed. However, like any other component, they may become faulty due to wear and tear.

If your microwave trips breaker when door opens, it may be caused by a faulty door switch. A microwave oven has several door switches but if any of them fails, you can experience issues like the microwave keeps tripping the breaker, or the Frigidaire microwave not heating. 

It is strongly recommended that you should not replace door switches on your own. Microwaves can store large amounts of electricity, hence, it is recommended to only have them repaired by a qualified technician. However, if you want to check the safety door latch switches of your microwave, follow these steps:

• Switch off your microwave and unplug it from the wall socket.
• Open the microwave door and check if there are any damaged hooks.
• If you find any damaged hooks, you need to replace them.
• Then, unscrew the microwave using a screwdriver.
• After that, unscrew the microwave’s control assembly.
• Now, take it out and look for door switches.
• Disconnect the door switches and use a multimeter to check their continuity.
• If you find no continuity in any switches, you have to replace them.
• After completing it, reassemble all the components.

Frigidaire Microwave Timer Not Working

If the timer on your microwave is faulty, it may not stop at the time you set. As a result, your food will be overcooked and you can also face further microwave issues.

When a microwave is overheated, it can cause the fuse to blow, which can ultimately result in a tripped breaker. If you face this issue with your microwave timer, you will have to replace it by contacting the Frigidaire service center or a professional technician.

Short Circuit in High-Voltage Diode

If the high-voltage diode of your microwave is short-circuiting, the circuit breaker in your home will keep tripping. 

The diode and capacitor in a microwave oven work together to convert AC (alternating current) to DC (direct current). If the diode fails, it can create a short circuit that may trip the circuit breaker. In that case, you may also hear a loud noise.

In this case, you have to replace the high-voltage diode of your microwave. You can get it replaced by calling a professional repairman in your area or Frigidaire support.

Magnetron Not Working

Magnetron is the main component in a microwave that generates microwave frequency to heat food. If the magnetron fails, it can result in various common Frigidaire microwave problems.

When the magnetron in your microwave burns out, it will not heat food and may trip your circuit breaker if there is an electrical leak. However, it is the most dangerous component of a microwave and should only be replaced by a qualified technician.

Defective Capacitor 

The capacitor in your microwave stores additional electric charge to keep the appliance safe during usage. When the capacitor is defective, it will stop working and strike a fuse, causing the circuit breaker to trip.

If the capacitor fails, your microwave will turn off in the middle, and release a smell of burning. If your breaker trips after that, it means your capacitor is not working anymore and needs to be replaced.

Wrap Up

If your Frigidaire microwave keeps on tripping the circuit breaker, first check the power outlet and cable if they are not faulty. You should also use a dedicated circuit for your microwave to avoid circuit overload. It can also be a result of a wet turntable, faulty door switch, or defective timer.

Additionally, if the magnetron, capacitor, or diode of your microwave fails, it can also cause your breaker to trip. In case of faulty components, you have to get them replaced by a Frigidaire service center or any qualified technician in your area.

Frequently Asked Questions