So this happened, electrical short from power company fried out the microwave

[ALDOC_596]

So this happened, electrical short from power company fried out the microwave. Can I replace the microwave with a similar size microwave or do I need an RV Specific Microwave? Also, this is my primary residence during the work week. Thanks.

[Route 66 Traveler]

Micowaves are not RV specific, any microwave of the same size will work. It’s possible it wasn’t the only thing that got damaged.

A prime example why a good EMS is a necessity to prevent this from happening during power fluctuations and outages.

[Jagiven]

When my microwave bit the dust, I pulled it out, took some measurements and ordered a new one on Amazon.

Super easy!

[ALDOC_596]

Originally Posted by Route 66 Traveler

Micowaves are not RV specific, any microwave of the same size will work. It’s possible it wasn’t the only thing that got damaged.

A prime example why a good EMS is a necessity to prevent this from happening during power fluctuations and outages.

Thank you! I have one in mind for now. Also getting my meter to check anything else. and Yeas, a good EMS is going to the top of the list.

[Route 66 Traveler]

Consider the new Hughes Bulldog. I have the old design that only has Bluetooth. The newer design which just came out is WiFi enabled so you can check the power in your RV anywhere you have Internet.

[ALDOC_596]

Thank you for the Information.

[norty1]

When selecting a replacement mw, try and find one that has the air vent near the location of your oe unit. I replaced mine 4 or so years ago with one off the shelf at Lowes and it is still working fine. The vent fan that runs when it is on was in a different spot and I added a muffin fan in the space behind it with a switch to increase air movement when in use.

When cooking for longer periods the replacement shut itself off until it cooled down. The fan eliminated that problem.

Of course the outside dimensions have to be close also. I was able to attach the oe mounting bracket to the bottom of my new unit with a few short sheet metal screws.

[Kevin Cooper]

Originally Posted by ALDOC_596

So this happened, electrical short from power company fried out the microwave. Can I replace the microwave with a similar size microwave or do I need an RV Specific Microwave? Also, this is my primary residence during the work week. Thanks.

Many times, there is nothing wrong with a microwave and they get thrown away. If you take the back off of the microwave, there is a (usually) ceramic tube fuse. They are about an inch long and half a pencil diameter. Test it for continuity. They many times blow to protect the electronics. You must replace with the same exact fuse.

[norty1]

Mine got zapped during a lightning storm. The progressive EMS was smoked and the only thing damaged was the microwave. I never checked the unit for a fuse.

[craigav]

FYI, many times when a microwave fuse blows it is because of damage to the hi-voltage capacitor. The capacitor can certainly go bad on its own but a power surge would be more likely to damage it than it going out on its own.

Beware, the capacitor can maintain thousands of volts even with the microwave unplugged. If you are unaware with how to identify it and safely discharge it, then I would consider not going inside the microwave cabinet to attempt to even replace the fuse. They are not really all that hard to identify nor is it hard to safely discharge one however, I still wouldn't recommend anyone that is not already familiar with them to attempt to discharge the capacitor (which should be done one prior to working on a microwave) as any mistakes could be shockingly bad, perhaps lethal to some. ~CA

[TaftCoach]

^^x2

[saarf]

Most microwaves have a fuse in the input line. Take the cover off
and look near the power cord entrance inside the unit. My daughter had this problem but the microwave was wired incorrectly with the fuse in the neutral side so hers was toast.

[ifly1956]

My microwave was still good, but I replaced it with a Convection / Microwave even. Now I have to best of both worlds !

[JimLaJoie]

Originally Posted by ALDOC_596

So this happened, electrical short from power company fried out the microwave. Can I replace the microwave with a similar size microwave or do I need an RV Specific Microwave? Also, this is my primary residence during the work week. Thanks.

There are no RV specific microwaves. Just measure your burned out one and find one that fits.. EASY!

[Charlie Pusateri]

Originally Posted by ALDOC_596

So this happened, electrical short from power company fried out the microwave. Can I replace the microwave with a similar size microwave or do I need an RV Specific Microwave? Also, this is my primary residence during the work week. Thanks.

When purchasing a new microwave replace it with one of fairly the same size dimensions and also take note of the wattage rating which can be found right inside the microwave door. Less is ok but more than 10% higher could get into load issues on your camper. Also purchase a reputable surge protector for future use to save from electrical surge issues.

[JimLaJoie]

You are exactly right!
Especially about the wattage of the microwave.
Good Answer!