Excessive exposure to radiation from the microwave can cause health problems due to extreme heat, such as cataracts and burns. While radiation leaks from microwave ovens are usually so small that they don't cause any significant harm, it's a good idea to be on the lookout and test any microwave that looks like it's damaged or is over 9 years old. However, keep in mind that while it is easy to perform and inexpensive, self-testing is only a rough estimate and is not necessarily accurate.
Step
Method 1 of 3: Detecting Leaks Live
Step 1. Look for a light bulb that reacts with a microwave
Certain objects react with microwave frequencies:
- Straight fluorescent lamps (not compact/tight ones).
- An "NE-2" fluorescent lamp from an electronics store that is powered and connected to a voltage divider so that the light only glows.
- Inexpensive, commercial microwave testers usually don't give accurate results, but they can be used for initial testing.
- Professional-grade microwave testers cost millions of rupiah. This tool is only needed by professionals.
Step 2. Darken the light of your room
If you use a lamp, dim the room so that you can see the light glow. Skip this step if you are using a microwave tester.
Step 3. Put a glass of water in the microwave
Running the microwave empty will expose the magnetron (power source) to high power levels and the magnetron may be damaged or destroyed. Reduce this risk by placing a glass of water (approximately 275 ml) before testing for leaks in the microwave.
This is especially important for older microwaves, where the protective qualities around the magnetron have weakened
Step 4. Turn on the microwave
Run the microwave for one minute.
Step 5. Move the object slowly around the microwave
Hold the lamp or tester about 5 cm from the surface of the microwave, including the handle. Move the object slowly (at a rate of about 2.5 cm per minute) around the door and other areas of the microwave that appear to be damaged.
- Microwave power decreases very quickly the further away. Try measuring from where you usually stand while waiting for the microwave, for example at the edge of the dining table.
- If the microwave stops before you're done, change the glass of water and run the oven again for another minute.
Step 6. See how your object reacts
If the microwave has a leak, the fluorescent lamp will glow and the fluorescent lamp will glow. Electronic testers react differently so you should read the user manual first. If the tester shows a figure of about 5 mW/cm2 at a distance of 5 cm, you should start to be alert. All of these methods are just a flash test. The results of this test do not mean that the microwave is dangerous, but that you should start looking for damage to the microwave.
Method 2 of 3: Using Laptop Wifi Connection
Step 1. Set up two devices that can connect to Wifi
Some Wi-Fi networks use a frequency that is roughly the same as that of a microwave oven (around 2.4 GHz). Therefore, the microwave shield should also be able to block the Wifi signal. To determine if this method works, the laptop must be microwaveable, and you'll need a second device capable of connecting to a Wifi network.
The guide below uses two computers, but you can also use your phone if you know how to connect the two
Step 2. Set your Wifi frequency to 2.4GHz
If you don't know how to change the WifI frequency, go to your router's settings and look for "802.11 mode" info (usually under advanced settings):
- 802.11b or 802.11g means you are already on a 2.4 GHz network. Proceed to the next step.
- 802.11a or 802.11ac means you are on a 5 GHz network. Some routers provide the option to switch to a different standard. If your router doesn't provide this option, this method won't work.
- 802.11n can operate on both frequencies. Look for the frequency setting and change it to 2.4 GHz. If the router generates two Wifi networks, one of which is 2.4 GHz.
Step 3. Unplug the microwave power cord from the electrical socket
You should completely disconnect the power, instead of simply turning off the power button. You will be placing the computer in the microwave so the microwave should not turn on under any circumstances.
Step 4. Prepare the computer
Turn on the laptop and connect to a Wifi connection. Check the energy saver or display settings so that the computer does not go into sleep mode while in the microwave.
Step 5. Set up the IP address of the computer
You need an IP address to send a signal to the laptop. Here are the steps:
- Windows: Open Control Panel. Go to Network and Sharing… → View network connections → select your Wifi connection → click the “V” symbol to open the menu (if needed) → View status of this connection → Details. Look at the number next to "IPv4."
- Mac: Open System Preferences and click Network. Select WiFi on the left and look for your IP address on the right.
Step 6. Put the laptop in the microwave
You SHOULD NOT turn on the microwave! You just want to test if the microwave shield can block the Wifi signal well.
Step 7. Send a ping from another device
Open Command Prompt (on Windows) or Terminal (on Mac). Type in ping, then a space, then type in your IP address. For example, type 192.168.86.150.
Step 8. Wait for a response
If your ping is missed, the computer has returned a signal through the microwave door indicating a leak in your microwave. If the signal fails to return, the microwave has blocked it. Please note, this is not a guarantee that your microwave will not leak as a running microwave produces much stronger waves. However, these signs can be strong clues.
Microwaves are allowed to leak a little at a safe amount. If your router is in the same room as the microwave or across the wall, a return ping may not necessarily indicate a severe leak. A rough estimate, a router with a high signal strength (-40dBm) should be at least 6 m from the microwave (according to US and Canadian rules)
Method 3 of 3: Repairing the Microwave
Step 1. Check the seals around the door
Leaks in the microwave usually occur due to a damaged component of the microwave door. If you detect a leak in your microwave, look for the following common causes:
- Cracks on hinges
- Worn or cracked areas on the microwave seal.
- Dent or broken door.
- Broken door hinge or microwave door not closing properly.
- Damage to the metal screen on the door (especially those with a hole that exceeds 12 cm).
- If the door lock is broken, the microwave will not turn off immediately when the door is opened.
Step 2. Use a professional to repair the microwave
Microwave repair shops have more complete tools and equipment to repair your microwave. A repair person will be able to determine if your microwave is safe to use or identify a problem that needs fixing.
Try asking a repair shop employee if you can hire a professional microwave testing kit. However, these devices require calibration and practice to be used. So, you should all use the services of a professional
Step 3. Report a leaky microwave
If your microwave is leaking, especially if it's new and undamaged, contact your microwave's manufacturer. In the US, all microwave manufacturers must submit a report to the FDA. They can also report directly to the FDA via this form.
For users outside the US, contact the Consumer Protection Agency or the Department of Health
Step 4. Understand the dangers
The type of radiation in a microwave is the same as that of a lamp and radio waves, and no ionizing radiation that causes cancer or radioactivity. The dangerous risk of a leaky microwave is only the high temperature heat it generates. This radiation is most harmful to the eyes (can cause cataracts) and testicles (can cause infertility). High levels of microwave radiation can cause sunburn. If you don't notice any symptoms and stop using the leaky microwave, there shouldn't be any lasting damage.
Tips
- It's a good idea to recycle a very old microwave. When recycling or donating a leaky microwave, post a clear warning label to let it know that this microwave has leaked. This way, the new owner can decide whether to repair or recycle the microwave.
- There are several sites on the internet that recommend using a cell phone to test for radiation leaks in a microwave by placing it in the microwave and calling it. However, the microwave shield will only block microwave frequencies (2.4 GHz) and will not block other frequencies. Cell phones have different frequencies, ranging from 800 to 1900 MHz. That way, the microwave won't get in the way.
Warning
- The methods above are not 100% guaranteed and should not replace the services of a competent technician and special equipment to test for leaks.
- Do not disassemble the microwave without adequate training. Microwaves have a very high voltage magnetron (about 2,000 volts and 6.5 amperes), which can result in serious injury or even death if touched.
- DO NOT turn on the microwave while the laptop is still in it.
