Why Does My GE Microwave Keep Tripping the Breaker?

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While the circuit breaker is designed to trip in case of an electrical abnormality, you should be concerned if this happens frequently. A GE microwave tripping the breaker could be a sign of an electrical problem either on your circuit or on the microwave. With the right guidance, you can pinpoint and rectify the problem’s source. In this guide, we are going to help you find the right answers as to why the microwave keeps tripping the breaker.

Table of Contents

Overview of GE Microwave

GE stands for General Electric. So, this is just a microwave that is manufactured by the General Electric company, a leading producer of consumer electronic goods in the global arena. Just like other microwaves, the GE one also operates using the microwave radiation that is generated when you turn on the power source.

GE microwaves come in different sizes, capacities, and specifications. They are also packed with unique additional features and many other add-ons. Such differences also mean that they come with an array of cooking options such as heating, grilling, and baking, among others. Thanks to technology, these microwaves are embedded with intelligent features such as voice control and remote control. All this is done to enhance the convenience of using microwaves.

We cannot ignore the reliability and durability of GE microwaves. The modern versions of these appliances are known for their efficient energy consumption. And this is where the issue of the tripping circuit breakers comes in.

Whether your GE microwave is new or old, it is always tripping the breaker. There are numerous causes of this problem. There are three possible causes of this problem. They include:

Overloaded circuit

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This is the most common cause of circuit breakers that keep tripping constantly. The problem is caused when your GE microwave is drawing excess power than what the circuit is designed to handle.

The overload could be due to the fact that the circuit to which the microwave is connected has numerous other electrical appliances.

A typical electrical circuit has a wire which is rated depending on the amount of current in amps that it can support. If the loads on that circuit draw more current than what the wire can support, the circuit breaker will definitely trip.

When this problem happens frequently, you should step back and analyze the circuit. First, know its capacity then look at the current requirement of the loads, including the GE microwave.

The capacity of most circuits is between 15 amps to 20 amps. The loads should not exceed this capacity. The easiest solution for the overload problem will be to redistribute the appliances to other circuits.

Does the problem persist even after the redistribution? Time to look for the next solution.

Faulty and old microwave

This is another probable reason why your circuit breaker keeps tripping. A physical or electrical device on the microwave could make it trip constantly. The most common problem with the microwave is the short circuit. A problem in the internal wiring of the GE microwave can make electric current take the undesignated path leading to more current being drawn from the circuit.

Microwaves have switches and once they blow off, they will affect the performance of this appliance making it use more power. Physical damage such as a damaged door switch and a malfunctioning control panel will also interfere with the normal operation of the microwave.

Inspect your GE microwave and do the necessary repairs and replacement of the damaged components.

Old and faulty circuit breaker

The constant tripping of the GE breaker could be because of the breaker itself. The components of the circuit breakers tend to wear out over the years and this can lead to their malfunction. One of these signs is the constant tripping of the breaker.

New circuit breakers can also get physically damaged especially if they are mishandled during the installation process and when in use. Let’s not forget the impact of rust and corrosion on the terminals of the breaker. The two can affect both the structural and electrical integrity of the circuit breaker.

Here, the best solution is to inspect your circuit breaker for both physical and electrical damage. If find any fault, then you should proceed to do the necessary replacement. Buying a new circuit breaker is the ideal solution to this problem.

Faulty wiring

The wiring system in the building is designed to facilitate the smooth flow of electric current in the circuit. For this microwave, the wiring transmits the current from the breaker to the load. Any wiring fault such as a loose connection will definitely interfere with the normal flow of electricity. One impact of this problem is the constant tripping of the circuit breaker.

How do I know that there are loose connections in my wiring? There are various ways of identifying this problem. Are the lights in the building flickering? This could be an indication that the flow of current has been interrupted. Sparks and burning smells are other signs of faulty wiring.

The wiring issue needs immediate attention as it can lead to some serious problems if ignored. For the damaged wires, ensure that you get the news, and while doing so, consider getting the right wire size for your GE microwave circuit.

Faulty electrical components

The constant tripping of the GE breaker could be due to damaged electrical components in the circuits. A typical circuit comprises various electronic components which include capacitors, diodes, transformers, and magnetrons among others.

Each of these components has a specific role that it plays in the circuit. If it gets damaged, the overall performance and behavior of the whole circuit will be affected. Before you reach any conclusion, inspect these passive and active components and replace them if they are damaged.

Conclusion

Is your GE microwave tripping the breaker constantly? Now you know the possible causes and how to solve them. Buying quality electronic components and wires in bulk will help you solve the problem. And ensure that you buy from reputable suppliers and distributors.