Microwave Problems

Microwave tripping reset button on electrical socket?

When we plug our microwave in, it pops the reset button on the electrical socket. It runs fine once it's plugged up--doesn't cause the lights to dim, doesn't pop the reset button again, no problems we can see. We didn't have this problem with our previous microwave. Both were/are pretty old, as in over 10 years old. Should we just ditch it? I don't want to burn the house down. We're leaving it unplugged when we're not at home, and keeping an eye on it when we are.

Public Comments

1. Try popping the reset button with other appliances. I have a socket that resets when almost anything is plugged into it. It should be fine.
2. It's possible that the GFCI receptacle is wearing out. They do have a lifespan. I would replace that first. Make sure that you get the correct one. If the slots are parallel, it's a 15 amp. If one of the slots is shaped like a "T", it's a 20 amp. If replacing the receptacle doesn't solve the problem, you probably have a short inside the microwave. You can have it repaired, but it may be cheaper to buy a new one. One more thing to look at before you do anything else. Check the ground pin on the microwave. If it's loose or missing, you will need a new cord. Hope this helps. EDIT: Code requires ANY receptacle located at countertop level in a kitchen to be GFCI protected, regardless of how far it is located from the sink. I got tagged on the outlets at my desk, which is located in the kitchen.
3. your plugging it into a GFI outlet, ground falt protector its the surge that trips it, change the out let as it wears down with age, if its farther than 6 ft from a sink put in a standard outlet.