Various reasons can cause a microwave oven to leak radiation, which is hazardous for us. Experiencing high levels of microwave radiation can lead to burns and cataracts when the heat is too intense. In spite of the fact that the majority of microwave leaks are too small to pose serious health risks, it is still a good idea to test any microwave that looks damaged or that is older than nine years. The test is very easy and low-cost; however, you should keep in mind that it just gives you an estimate.
In this article, we will cover various methods that you can use to detect a microwave leakage.
Table of Contents
Microwave Radiation Leakage Can Be Detected with A Mobile Phone
Step 1. Cut the power to the microwave and unplug it from the outlet.
Step 2. Close the door of the microwave and place your smartphone inside.
Step 3. Connect to the phone inside the microwave using another mobile device.
You are likely to have a secure microwave if your phone indicates, ‘The number you are calling is unavailable, out of coverage, or off’.
You may find that microwave radiation leakage if your phone is illuminated as well as ringing.
Using a Microwave Leakage Detector
For this test to be successful, you will need:
- Microwave leakage detectors are commonly used
- Labels for microwave leaks
Leakage Detector for Microwave Radiation Leakage Checking
Step 1. Hold your finger down on the “Zero” switch until you hear a beep to clear the detector’s history.
Step 2. Make sure the microwave is at a safe distance.
Step 3. We will then need to click on the ‘MAX’ button to display the highest possible reading on our electronic screen, which we will need to add to the label.
Step 4. Press the “Start” button on the microwave oven and place a cup of water into it.
Step 5. Check for any leakage using the microwave leakage detector by running it around edges, seals, as well as home windows.
Step 6. On the display of the detector we will now see a value. If it is higher than 5mW/cm2, it will be ignored. Approximately 80% of the red LED light from the leakage detector would be emitted if this value was above the threshold.
Step 7. Place a microwave test label on top and indicate the date of the test. This test should be conducted annually.
Microwave Radiation Leaks Can Be Detected By Using A Light Bulb
Step 1. Learn how to control a light bulb with microwaves. The light bulb can be a straight fluorescent or neon “NE-2” bulb, both from electronics stores, powered and plugged into a voltage divider, so that they are just barely glowing.
Step 2. The area should be dark enough so that you’ll be able to see the glow from the light bulb.
Step 3. Fill a glass of water with water and place it inside the oven. The magnetron (the part of the microwave that produces the waves) is exposed to high levels of power when an empty microwave is run. It is possible to reduce this risk by filling a small glass of water with microwaves, while still having plenty of unabsorbed microwaves left to test for leaks.
Step 4. Set the microwave to high power. Run it for one minute.
Step 5. Slowly rotate the items in the microwave. It is recommended to hold the light bulb away from the microwave’s surface area, including the handle, by at least 5 cm (2 inches). Moving the items around the door seal and any other places that appear damaged must be done slowly (about 2.5 cm/1 inch per minute).
As the microwave’s range increases, its power decreases rapidly. If you stand far from the microwave, you can test its power at a far distance. You can use the edge of the counter as an example.
In the event that the microwave stops before you have finished, change the glass of water and continue cooking on the stove for another minute.
Step 6. Ensure you receive a response. Microwaves leak when you are using them, so a fluorescent tube will glow or a neon bulb will appear brighter.
There is no difference between these quick tests. While these results don’t imply that your microwave is dangerous, they do indicate you should take action to solve the problem.