How and how to replace a mica plate for a microwave oven, maintenance rules
The microwave oven is in great demand due to its reliability, durability, efficiency and versatility. Thanks to her, the hostess can use the time she spent in the kitchen much more efficiently. The failure of the dielectric placed on the waveguide stops the operation of the stove due to the possibility of burnout of the magnetron (heating element). What can I replace the microwave mica plate with? Let's watch it below.
Appointment of a mica plate in a microwave oven
The main part of the microwave is the magnetron. It generates high-frequency electromagnetic waves, under the influence of which food is heated. Microwave waves enter the chamber through a waveguide. A mica plate covers the opening of the waveguide.
Purpose of mica plate:
- protection of the magnetron against overheating, fumes, projections of food products;
- uniform distribution of waves in the room.
The use of mica is explained by the characteristics of the mineral:
- dielectric constant;
- sustainability;
- elasticity;
- the absence of harmful secretions for humans.
The mineral does not change its characteristics under the influence of high temperature.
The isolator may fail and not perform its functions if:
- the plate is burnt and allows the electromagnetic waves to pass freely;
- sail;
- contaminated with grease.
In the first case, sparks will occur in the microwave oven chamber during cooking. The deformation of the surface of the plate contributes to the concentration of fatty vapors in a certain place. Violation of the layered structure can cause the destruction of mica: the appearance of cracks, peeling.
Grease deposits on the mica are charred by high temperatures. An unpleasant smell appears in the microwave during heating. Over time, the coal sediments begin to burn, violating the integrity of the plate.
What can be replaced
A suitable material to replace a mica plate must have the same properties: transmitting electromagnetic waves, resisting high heat.
Food grade plastic
Of all types of food-grade plastic, the material under the marking PP is suitable as a replacement for mica - polypropylene. It has strength, heat resistance (does not melt when heated), relatively safe.
Mica coated plates
You can replace the mica plate with cardboard covered with mica on both sides.
Fluoroplastic sheet
Instead of mica, you can use a sheet of fluoroplastic. The material is 3 to 4 millimeters thick and has good dielectric properties. One type of polymer used in place of a mica plate is fluoroplastic-4.
In appearance, PTFE-4 resembles polyethylene.The material is resistant to high temperatures (up to +270 degrees), grease, moisture, harmless to humans.
How to change it yourself
Removal and replacement of the mica plate is available to any microwave oven owner.
Preparatory work
The microwave oven must be prepared for repair work. Unplug it from the power supply. The camera, including the swivel mechanism and the door, is washed with warm water and dish detergent or treated with a professional cleaner. The inner surface of the microwave must be well degreased and dry.
Removing the cover plate
The plate is usually fixed to the wall of the microwave oven with a self-tapping screw and 3 latches. The bolt is unscrewed with a screwdriver and removed from the latches. The place of contact with the wall of the chamber is washed with a degreaser and dried.
Clean the surface of carbon deposits
If the plate is not burnt, just clean the charred area. Then rinse well, dry the mica. In this case, you will not need to install a new plate: the worktop of the old one is modified by turning it over to the other side. The burned spot is located below the waveguide line. New holes must be made for fixing in the mica. Their location is transferred to a template from which markings are made on the plate.
How to cut a new plate
To cut out a new waveguide spacer, you will need:
- knife;
- rule;
- marker pen;
- the scissors;
- needles (round and square).
A failing mica plate is applied to a new one. A marker is used to mark the perimeter and the mounting holes.Using a ruler and knife, cut out a new outline and attach rectangular slots. A hole is made with a round needle file for a self-tapping screw. A square file is used to grind the outline and the cuts. Use scissors to round the corners of the plate.
Installation and check after replacement
The prepared mica is applied to the chamber wall, snapped on and a bolt is tightened. To check, place a glass of water on a turntable, close the door and turn on the microwave. If the assembly is carried out accurately and precisely, the mode of operation of the device will not change.
How to Clean Burnt Mica in the Microwave
If the mica is burnt, you cannot use the microwave. As a result, the magnetron and the waveguide may fail. But if you notice the appearance of a dark spot on the lining in time, you can try to clean it.
Mica is a natural mineral with a layered structure. For the sample, it is necessary to remove the plate from the waveguide and determine the cause of the carbon deposits. If grease leaks behind the pad, the metal edge where it collects will start to get very hot, burning the pad from the inside. When oily vapors settle outside, carbonization occurs on the projection of the magnetron antenna.
It is possible and reasonable to remove the burnt mica layer if it is on the surface of the plate, like a dirty spot. In the event that the structure of the mineral has collapsed, it makes no sense to clean: electromagnetic waves will be unevenly distributed throughout the microwave chamber. The mica plate is replaced with a new pad.
Carbon deposits formed on the surface of the mica are removed with a mixture of vinegar, dishwashing detergent and hot water.For 200 milliliters add 1 tablespoon of vinegar, 1 teaspoon of detergent. Place the plate in a container with the solution and leave for 5 minutes, then rinse under running water and dry. Then install in place.
Rules of maintenance and operation
To avoid the appearance of carbon deposits on the mica pad, it is necessary to wash the chamber and the door of the microwave oven in a timely manner, to avoid strong splashes of food and to monitor the operation of the microwave oven. magnetron.
It is suggested to remove dirt in the microwave:
- use lemon;
- the vinegar;
- dishwashing detergent;
- professional detergents for washing dishes, ovens, microwaves.
Acidic ingredients destroy the fat and sugar droplets stuck to the walls after several minutes of heating in a microwave oven. Professional products are applied to the cold walls of the chamber for a few minutes, after which they are removed with a microfiber cloth.
It is equally effective to use moist sanitary napkins. The mode of application is based on the property of impregnation of hygiene products. Place the towels on a tray, turn on the microwave for 5-8 minutes. Condensation forms on the walls of the bedroom due to the evaporation of moisture from the towels. With dried towels, wipe the walls, top, tray, dish, microwave door. All impurities are removed with the condensate.
So that during the heating process the product does not burst, spraying the entire chamber with splashes, the rules for loading the microwave oven must be observed. Overheating occurs if a dish weighing less than 100 grams is placed in the chamber, for example 1 sausage.To equalize the heating, an additional container with water should be placed.
Using a cap on the magnetron antenna will increase the wave propagation range and expand the coverage area of the mica plate. A highly focused, high energy beam will burn a hole on the patch faster than a more diffused beam. For each microwave oven model, they use their own cap options: triangular, hexagonal.