How to reset breaker for microwave?

Author: Prof. Matilde Koss I  |  Last update: Tuesday, September 16, 2025

Instructions
  1. Locate a Flashlight. ...
  2. Turn Off Devices on the Circuit. ...
  3. Find the Electric Service Panel. ...
  4. Open the Door to the Service Panel. ...
  5. Locate Tripped Breaker. ...
  6. Turn the Circuit Breaker Handle to OFF Position. ...
  7. Turn the Circuit Breaker Handle to ON Position. ...
  8. Test Circuit.

How do I reset the power on my microwave?

Reset the microwave.

To reset the microwave, unplug it or power cycle at the circuit breaker for 60 seconds.

What would cause a microwave to trip a breaker?

Reasons Why Your Microwave Is Tripping Your Breaker

In order for this type of reaction to occur, there must be one of two issues at hand: Too many items are plugged into the same circuit that the microwave oven is on, causing an overload. The microwave oven is defective and drawing an excessive amount of electricity.

How to fix a short circuit microwave?

Microwaves draw a significant amount of power when operating, and if the circuit is already handling a heavy load, it may not be able to handle the additional demand. To fix this issue, unplug any other high-powered appliances from the same circuit and try running the microwave again.

How do you reset a microwave breaker?

Instructions
  1. Locate a Flashlight. ...
  2. Turn Off Devices on the Circuit. ...
  3. Find the Electric Service Panel. ...
  4. Open the Door to the Service Panel. ...
  5. Locate Tripped Breaker. ...
  6. Turn the Circuit Breaker Handle to OFF Position. ...
  7. Turn the Circuit Breaker Handle to ON Position. ...
  8. Test Circuit.

Is your Microwave tripping the breaker?

Why would my microwave just stop working?

Reasons: Control panel issues: A malfunctioning control panel can prevent the microwave from responding to your inputs. Fuse problems: Blown fuses can interrupt the power supply to the microwave. Power cord damage: A damaged or disconnected power cord can prevent the microwave from receiving power.

How do you fix a microwave that keeps shutting off?

A door switch might be failing intermittently. Check each of the door switches for signs of overheating, arcing, or burning. If you don't see any obvious signs of failure, use a multimeter to test each switch for continuity. If any of the switches is visibly damaged or only has intermittent continuity, replace it.

Does a microwave have its own breaker?

The Microwaves require a 120 volt, individual, properly grounded branch circuit with a 3 prong grounding type receptacle protected by a 15 or 20 amp circuit breaker or time-delay fuse. Over-the-Range Microwave models should always be on a dedicated circuit.

What to do if an appliance keeps tripping the breaker?

Use appliances sequentially: Use only one high-wattage appliance at a time. For example, if the microwave keeps tripping the breaker, wait until you're finished with other appliances before using it. Install dedicated circuits: Consider hiring a professional to install dedicated circuits for high-power appliances.

How do you do a hard reset on a microwave?

Keep the microwave unplugged for 5-10 minutes. The waiting period allows the internal components of the microwave to reset, ensuring a clean slate when you plug the microwave back in and reprogram your desired settings. Check for any evidence of damage on the plug and outlet before plugging them back in.

Do I need to unplug everything to reset a breaker?

Before you head to reset your circuit breaker, turn off all light switches and unplug, turn off or disconnect important appliances and devices in the area of your home that has lost power. This will prevent damage when the power is reset.

How do you know if a breaker needs to be reset?

Here's how you test for this: Simply go up and down your panel trying to push each breaker in the “on” position. There should be little to no play because the breaker is already on. When you come across the tripped breaker there will be a lot of excess play.

How to fix a breaker that won't turn back on?

Reset the main breaker by turning the switch off and on two times. Leave the switch in the on position. Return to the breaker panel inside your home and turn each breaker back to the on position, one by one. In many cases, power is now restored.

What would cause a microwave to trip the breaker?

Overloaded circuits: This is the most common cause of tripped breakers we see. Microwaves pull a significant amount of current. When there are too many appliances plugged into the circuit, it can easily create an overload.

How do I know if my microwave is broken?

When to replace the microwave? Common signs that your microwave needs changing
  1. Making funny noises.
  2. Smells like electrical burning.
  3. Isn't cooking food in the usual time or cooking unevenly.
  4. Needs help to work properly – such as a spoon to hold the door closed.
  5. Keypad has stopped working.

Do microwaves have built in fuses?

If you're still having no luck, the problem could be with an internal fuse. Like many other devices, microwaves have a thermal fuse to keep the appliance from overheating. If this fuse is blown, the microwave won't power on. Microwaves also have a ceramic fuse.

How do I reset a microwave that won't turn on?

Is Your Microwave Not Turning On?
  1. Make Sure The Microwave Is Plugged In. Be sure that the microwave is plugged in all the way. ...
  2. Reset The Breaker. If the microwave is plugged in and isn't receiving power, try resetting the breaker or fuse. ...
  3. Check The Door Closes. Lastly, be sure that the door is closing all the way.

What is the most common cause of microwave failure?

Issues with the door switch, internal fuse, magnetron, diode, high-voltage capacitor, and electronic control board are common causes of microwave malfunctions, requiring repair or replacement by a technician.

Why did my microwave suddenly lose power?

If the Microwave shuts down during a cooking cycle and appears to have no power, check the circuit breaker or fuse in your home that supplies power to the Microwave and make sure it is on. Then, verify the outlet is getting power. You can try plugging something else into the outlet, like a night light, lamp, etcetera.

Is it worth fixing a microwave?

If the cost of repairing a microwave comes close to or exceeds the price of a new one, it might make more financial sense to replace it. However, if the costs of repairing are relatively low and the microwave isn't too old, it could be worth repairing the microwave.

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