microwave oven

[leigh47]

Bearing in mind the warning labels on the back of the oven. How dangerous, if at all, is it to remove the cover. to replace the bulb? If the oven is not switched on or connected to the supply. Are there any microwaves present when switched off?

[spacechimp]

The risk from opening it when it's off definitely isn't from microwaves (otherwise you'd have to wait after zapping your food).

Probably more likely to wreck the thing (or your nervous system) by grounding some static electricity in the oven or mess up the wiring.

[spacechimp]

messing*

[steveb]

i believe it is extremely dangerous due to the large capacitors inside them. i think they can electrocute you even when they are unplugged.

[john91]

What cover do you have to remove? On our Bosch microwave there's a small plate which gives access to the bulb and nothing else, as already said it can be dangerous removing covers to expose all the electrics.

[Conk]

The fuse on our microwave has gone out several times, and it's been replaced with out incident those several times, when the unit is turned off, and disconnected, it is very safe, the capacitors do not, to my knowledge, store energy while not in operation, as that would just sit around for hours between uses and eat up valuable energy for no reason (and make a fire hazard).

If your microwave is something like 20 years old, i would probably be concerned, if it's any thing newer it's going to be pretty dang safe if it's unplugged.

[wildwood]

Capacitors can store a charge for well over 24 hours, even after switching off. They can be discharged by creating a shortcircuiting between the capacitors and the oven frame.

Please do not do this yourself as it is extremely dangerous.

Are you sure you have to remove the back cover to replace the bulb?

[matt1e]

wildwood is correct It is essential - for your safety and to prevent damage - that the large high voltage capacitor
in the microwave generator be fully discharged before touching anything. even though these are supposed to include internal bleeder resistors, these can fail.
and I also agree you should be able to replace to bulb via a separate access panel

[leigh47]

Thank you all for your answers and suggestions.The local appliance centre wanted �25 + to supply and fit "SPECIAL micro wave BULB" It had to be fitted by qualified staff !!!
Microwave oven unpluged from mains. No microwaves.
Don't touch capacitor, clearly marked with warning sticker.
Yes the top & sidecover has to be removed for access to the bulb. (4 screws) .
Replacement std. 25W Oven bulb from Tesco �1.50. Fitting time aprox 5 min.
Now working fine.