Microwave ovens have become an integral part of our lives. This kitchen device has greatly simplified the process of preparing and heating food. Such a device is even often found in the kitchens of company offices. It happens that the device stops performing its functions fully due to some kind of breakdown. One of these reasons for failure may be burnout of the mica plate.
Microwave mica is one of the basic elements that is responsible for the normal operation of the device. But if it fails, do not rush to throw away the equipment. Since such a breakdown can be easily eliminated, and even at home. In this article we will look at what this part is, what its functions and tasks are. And we will additionally dwell on the features of troubleshooting.
What is mica and what is it for?
This is a mineral that looks like glass. This material can be split, as a result of which it is divided into small, flexible, but durable plates. It is in the microwave that such an element is installed. Mica for a microwave oven is most often fixed with a flexible base, in the form of a rectangular piece, which can be located on top or on the side of the device. The mica plate is gray colored and rough.
What is the mica plate used for in the microwave? This part has many purposes. The key task is to protect the vacuum tube from contamination. During operation, no matter how hard the owner tries, grease and food splashes still remain; these traces settle on the inner surface of the device. Such traces gradually heat up under the influence of the lamp and small coals remain, then the process of melting them begins. As a result, the mica plate burns in the microwave. What to replace it with? More on this later. Let's continue about the functions of mica. After this element fails or burns out, it does not provide adequate protection to the lamp. Even when you notice the first signs of a part melting, further use of the device can become a catalyst for worsening the situation.
Remember that a microwave oven needs mica to operate, otherwise the breakdown can be aggravated and more serious repairs to the device will be required.
Now you know why mica is for the microwave. Operating this kitchen device without this part may end badly. Is it possible to replace this material with another, if so, what? More on this later.
Features of material selection
Let's imagine you discover that a record in the microwave has burned out. There is no desire to immediately contact the service center. Accordingly, a logical question arises: what to replace and how to change a mica plate burned in the microwave? When choosing a material, remember that it must meet the following characteristics:
- Electricity should not accumulate.
- There must be excellent capacity for steam to escape.
- Resistance to elevated temperatures: does not melt and does not emit harmful elements.
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The substitute most often used is food-grade plastic with increased resistance to high temperatures and strength.
These are the characteristics that a mica plate has. If you neglect these rules and advice, there is a risk of being poisoned by harmful microelements and even experiencing a short circuit. In the second case, it is not necessary to carry out restoration repairs, but to replace components or buy new equipment. So the mica plate in the microwave is an important part, so it is best to buy this material.
Distinctive features of the material
Why was this particular material chosen for microwaves? Indeed, the choice is not random. Why do you need mica in the microwave? It’s worth noting right away that this material is completely suitable for microwaves. Since the plate in the microwave does not conduct electricity, it is resistant to elevated temperatures, and at the same time the price is affordable. But the key argument in favor of such material is safety and hygiene.
Remember that by operating a microwave without mica, you are putting your equipment and your own health at risk.
Due to the fact that this mineral crumbles to get rid of this defect, the material is transferred to a flexible substrate. The resulting plate is very flexible with a thickness of up to 0.5 mm. Previously, we looked at how to replace a burnt mica plate in a microwave. Food grade plastic is suitable, but its price will be higher.
How to replace mica in the microwave yourself?
With the help of a step-by-step explanation with attached photographs, you can independently change the mica plate in the microwave at home. Let's discover the gift of a master within ourselves and get to work.
Step 1. Find a new mica plate for the microwave.
We buy a new mica plate for the microwave in a store specializing in the sale of spare parts for household appliances.
Step 2. Remove the old plate.
There is nothing complicated in fastening mica: on one side you will see 2 plastic rivets or one self-tapping screw, and on the other side the corners of the plate will be inserted into special slots.
The screw is unscrewed, after which a knife is slipped under the mica plate and it is removed. The rivets are also removed using a knife. We think that you should not have any problems here.
Step 3. Cut out a new mica plate.
Don't be alarmed when you discover that your old mica is slightly smaller in size than the one you purchased at the store. Measure the data (width and height) of the damaged mica, or simply place the new and old mica next to each other. The old mica will serve you a little longer and will fulfill the unusual role of a stencil. Remember that you need to cut with a stationery knife. Scissors will not work in this case.
Step 4. Clean the walls of the microwave chamber.
Clean the grease from the inside wall of the microwave oven. If there are burnt or melted areas somewhere, then fine-grained sandpaper should be used. It's okay if you suddenly erase the enamel, the main thing is that there is no soot.
Why do you need a mica plate in a microwave?
American engineer Percy Spencer first noticed the ability of microwave radiation to heat food and patented a microwave oven. At the time of his invention, Spencer was working for Raytheon, a company that manufactures radar equipment. According to legend, when he was conducting experiments with another magnetron, Spencer noticed that a piece of chocolate in his pocket had melted. According to another version, he noticed that a sandwich placed on the switched-on magnetron became hot. This situation became the basis for the creation of such a device, which is now found in almost every apartment. It turns out that the invention of the microwave was an accident.
It was necessary for something to absorb the frequency, water could handle this, the mica plate acts as a window in this process. Therefore, this mineral was initially used to isolate the working compartment from the waveguide and electrical waves. Gradually, they began to use food-grade plastic in the microwave as a replacement for this part.
Buying mica for a microwave in Moscow or any other city, or in an online store will not be a big problem. It is more difficult to buy food-grade plastic.
What is a mica plate used for in a microwave oven?
The microwave chamber has a hole for microwaves to pass through. Microwave mica serves as a selective filter that covers the hole inside the chamber. This allows the microwaves to attack the food while preventing dirt from reaching the oven's electronic components.
A mica plate looks like a thin sheet of plastic or cardboard, often attached to the camera with screws. The shield, made from the mineral mica, prevents moisture and food contaminants from settling around sensitive electronic components.
How can you replace a mica plate in a microwave if it burns out?
Previously, we looked at the features of this mineral and why it was chosen for use in microwaves. But the question of whether it is possible to replace mica in a microwave and with what is still relevant for those who want to carry out this repair themselves.
Burning a mica plate in a microwave is a fairly common process. Therefore, it will not be superfluous if you know what kind of material can replace a classic part in a microwave oven.
On forums and various websites you can find tips and recommendations from users that you can use random materials for this replacement. Many people use disc packaging, which is considered a big mistake, since such plastic is overheated, which can result in the release of phenolic elements, formaldehyde and other harmful substances. So it’s better not to experiment, but to choose from proven and recommended options by experts and craftsmen.
If you are looking for a replacement for microwave mica, you must understand that the new material must have the same properties as the one it is replacing. This was discussed earlier; it makes no sense to stop again. When a part is selected incorrectly, the risk of encountering poisoning due to the release of hazardous substances increases. Moreover, low-quality components can cause a short circuit. And this, in turn, threatens the device’s complete failure, which will entail new financial waste.
What can replace mica in the microwave? In most cases, this is food grade plastic. A number of characteristics are quite similar, the plastic is also durable and strong. But there are two significant drawbacks - high cost and difficulty in purchasing. Can a mica plate be reused in the microwave? Yes, but for this you need to properly clean and care for the element in the future.
What can replace the mica plate?
If you are looking for something to replace mica in the microwave, you should know that the replacement must have several properties. It must be a non-toxic dielectric that does not burn or melt.
Using material that does not meet these requirements may cause poisoning or short circuit.
Still, we recommend just buying a mica plate for the microwave in our store. It will be much easier and more convenient than tempting fate and looking for a replacement!
Is it possible to use a microwave without a mica plate?
In this article, we examined that the use of this particular mineral is a justified solution. In favor of this material are its technical characteristics and properties. Burning a mica plate in a microwave is a fairly common occurrence. As a replacement for mica in the microwave, you can use only food-grade plastic, which will cost you an order of magnitude more than a regular mica plate.
Can I use a microwave without a mica plate? This question is quite common, since it is not always possible financially and physically to quickly repair the device. When mica has burned in the microwave, any movement can become a catalyst for complete failure of the kitchen device. Moreover, excessive irradiation of heated food with radio waves is carried out. This is known to have an adverse effect on the body of any person.
Studies have also been conducted that have proven that the operation of the device without this element contributes to the development of:
- asthma;
- vertigo;
- rarely, but even seizures.
Symptoms of harm from microwaves without the mineral are quite similar to nicotine poisoning. Therefore: is it possible to use a microwave without a mica plate? The clear answer is no.
What to do if mica burns in the microwave? It is better to immediately contact specialists rather than put your health and your loved ones at risk.
In what cases is mica replacement required?
How can an ordinary user understand that mica has burned out in a microwave oven? Most often, the microwave begins to spark and crackle - these are basic signs that something is happening to your kitchen device. In general, there are plenty of catalysts for burning a mica plate in a microwave. First of all, experts advise making sure that the microwave is functioning intermittently due to a failed part.
Key signs that you will need to replace the mica plate in your microwave with something:
- The element has darkened or become stained.
- There is deformation of the plate itself or an excessive amount of fat has accumulated on it.
- The component shows indentations and even cracks.
- The part itself begins to crumble.
Remember, if you notice the above symptoms, you should immediately stop using the device. If a mica plate burns out in the microwave, what can you replace it with? A new identical part or buy food-grade plastic that meets the required standards. Moreover, it is even possible to replace mica in the microwave with your own hands.
To extend its service life, it is recommended to remove this part from time to time and wash it. Proper and timely care helps to increase the service life of equipment as a whole.
Where can I get a mica plate for the microwave? Just use a search engine, and the search engine will give you possible options.
How to replace mica
If you are convinced that the cause of the crackling and sparks is a burnt gasket, replace it. It's very simple, you don't even need to call a specialist. If a plate burns out in a microwave, you can replace it yourself. Let's look at the gasket replacement sequence using the LG model as an example:
- Buy a new plate. Where can I get it? Look in stores or on the Internet.
Important! When buying a protective screen for a microwave, pay attention to the availability of certificates so that it does not cause harm to health.
- Remove the heated sheet. It can be attached in different ways: with self-tapping screws, plastic latches. Depends on the microwave model.
- Wash the damaged sheet from dirt - you will need it as a stencil. Cut out a new record with a sharp utility knife. The holes can be drilled with a suitable size drill or pierced with an awl.
- Rub the cut sheet with sandpaper to remove any irregularities.
- Dry it.
- Remove grease and dirt from where the mica sheet will be located. Clean the surface thoroughly.
- After removing the magnetron, inspect its protective cap. The overheated part will have to be replaced.
- Burnt areas need to be cleaned with sandpaper, and the peeling enamel should be painted over with a special dye.
- It's time to install a new protective screen. Mounting the plate is quite easy; it is usually attached in one of the following ways: - you need to install the sheet in a special pocket secured with a screw; — if the plate is held in place by metal tongues, it must be bent when installing.
- Now check if it works. But remember: you can only turn on the microwave if there is a moisture-containing product inside - you cannot turn on an empty one. For example, place water in a heat-resistant glass.
About the causes of burnout
We can come to the conclusion that failure of such an irreplaceable element is not uncommon. But the question arises, why, what are the reasons for mica burning in the microwave? Is it possible to repair a microwave if the plate is burnt out? Yes, this is real; we’ll look at how to replace mica for a microwave oven later. First, let's go through the key reasons for the failure of such a part:
- The main reason why a plate burns in a microwave is that splashes from heated food get on this element.
- Operating an oven with a small volume of food, less than 100 g. When the microwave operates without food inside, breakdowns occur due to the increased electric field strength on the surface of the mica screen. It is these breakdowns that increase in size during further operation, acting as a catalyst for plate burnout.
If this breakdown is not corrected in time, this may become the basis for local burnout of the magnetron antenna, up to the complete destruction of this element. This will be followed by destruction of the enamel inside the chamber and complete burning of the walls. In this situation, you will have to pay a tidy sum, since you will need to replace the magnetron, the waveguide cover and additional, professional cleaning of the microwave chamber inside.
- After the next cleaning, the record did not dry out, as a result it became wet and began to delaminate and crumble.
Now you know why mica burns out in the microwave. If necessary, each microwave owner can independently replace the part with an identical component or use food-grade plastic for the microwave.
Causes of burnout
The most common reason why mica burns and the microwave cracks is lack of oven care. The remaining fat caused the record to burn out, causing the device to malfunction. Mica burns out for several other reasons:
- using utensils containing metals or crystal. Even a small metal impurity in the composition of the dishes, for example, a pattern, provokes the formation of burnout. Moreover, the object may completely fly apart, damaging the screen itself;
- dishes of the wrong diameter. When heating large-diameter plates or dishes with a high side, friction occurs between the walls and the mica plate. Mechanical wear occurs, the coating gradually becomes thinner, and scratches appear on the inner surface;
- inaccurate cleaning. Sometimes, when you wash the working chamber again, it is easy to damage the plate from droplets of grease, especially if you rub it with some abrasive agent that leaves scratches;
- tilt angle. If the microwave is not installed on a flat surface, but at an angle, then friction of the dishes against the plate will be inevitable.
How to replace microwave mica yourself
You know what microwave mica is, but how to replace it? Let's look at the instructions:
- Remove burnt mica in the microwave. Please note that the fastening is different - from self-tapping screws to plastic latches. It all depends on the manufacturer and model of the microwave.
- We wash the damaged part or buy a new one. We remember what the microwave plate is made of and use only suitable materials. Also, a damaged sheet can be used as a stencil. A new plate is cut along its borders using a stationery knife.
- We wipe the resulting rectangle with sandpaper to get rid of irregularities.
- We carefully wipe and clean the place where this part will be mounted.
- After removing the magnetron, inspect the protective cap. If a part burns out, it needs to be replaced.
- It is best to clean the burnt areas, and even damaged enamel can be painted over with special paints.
- Install the plate. This is done quite easily and simply, just place the sheet in a special pocket, which is secured with screws. When the plate is held in place by rivets or so-called tabs, we bend them during installation.
- We fasten the element into place.
- We check the functionality of the device. Please note that it is prohibited to turn on the microwave empty; it is important that there is some kind of product inside. You can put the water in a heat-resistant mug.
What to do if a record burns in the microwave? Replace the element yourself or seek help from a workshop.
How to replace mica with your own hands
Replacing mica in the microwave is a simple process, but it requires attention and caution. You can do this yourself at home
You will need a minimum set of tools and confidence in your actions.
The mica plate on the right wall of the chamber, if there is no through burnout on it, can be reused after cleaning and simple modification.
How to make a plate with your own hands
Why you need mica for the microwave is clear. All that remains is to figure out how to make a plate with your own hands.
- Purchasing a new plate. You can buy the material in specialized stores or search on the Internet.
- Removing the burnt sheet. Each model may have a different mount. In some, the plate is secured with self-tapping screws, in others - with special plastic latches.
- Cleaning old sheets of dirt. The burnt plate will act as a stencil from which it is easy to cut a new one. Therefore, applying the old screen to the new mica should be done after complete cleaning of contaminants.
- Cutting a new plate. For this, it is best to use a sharp stationery knife. The necessary holes can be drilled or pierced with an awl. Afterwards, the cut sheet must be rubbed with sandpaper to remove any resulting irregularities.
- Clean the area where the mica screen will be attached from any dirt.
- Inspect the parts. To make sure there are no other faults, remove the magnetron and inspect the protective cap. If it burns out, it should be replaced. Clean all contaminated areas using sandpaper. Places with peeling enamel should be tinted with a special dye.
- Installing a new sheet. By placing it in a special pocket, the sheet is easily attached to the right place.
Upon completion of work, you should check for functionality.
Do not start the oven empty; put at least a cup of water in it.
How can I replace mica in the microwave?
If it becomes difficult to purchase new mica, you can resort to using another material.
Mica is vapor-permeable in both directions, so the steam accumulated during the cooking process freely leaves the waveguide outside when the oven cools down
Thanks to the development of online commerce, such material can easily be ordered online.
Required material properties:
- non-toxic;
- do not accumulate electricity;
- do not melt at high temperatures;
- good vapor transmission.
PTFE has these criteria. It is a heat-resistant dielectric that does not absorb moisture and fat.
Fluoroplastic is a white fluorine-containing synthetic polymer.
Another alternative is food grade plastic. It is much more durable and reliable. But it has a high price.
Recently, workshops began to use heat-resistant food-grade plastic instead of mica. This overlay is stronger and more durable.
Secrets of mica
If you have carefully read the key functions and tasks performed by mica for microwave ovens, most likely you have come to the conclusion that if a given element burns out, it is better to use an identical one. Rarely do experiments end in success. Why do you need mica in the microwave? Do you now know what the secrets of this material are?
The secret is that mica for microwave ovens can be reused, you just need to do the following:
- Carefully remove the plate.
- Then clean the element as thoroughly and carefully as possible from accumulated dirt, dust and grease.
- Unfold to the other, working side.
- Using special tools, make new mounting holes.
- Place the part in its place.
Summing up this article, you now know what mica is in a microwave oven, what its functions and tasks are. Remember that your equipment will work for a long time without interruption only if it is used correctly and is repaired in a timely manner. Experts advise monitoring the condition of the mica screen and, if there are signs of burning, promptly seek help from specialists.
