Russell Hobbs microwave sparking inside
Bought a Russell Hobbs microwave 6 months ago and there are sparks/flashes inside even with no metal in there. Any idea what's causing this?
Solution Summary
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Russell Hobbs RHM2079A microwave sparking inside cavity
- The problem
- A Russell Hobbs RHM2079A microwave, about 6 months old, was reported to spark or flash inside the cavity even when no metal was present.
- Likely cause
- The accepted reply says the most likely causes are arcing from a damaged or contaminated waveguide cover, burnt-on food or grease, chipped cavity coating, or debris under the turntable area. This was presented as a probable diagnosis only; no fault was confirmed by testing or repair.
- What fixed it
- Stop using the microwave immediately. Check and clean the cavity, including the waveguide cover area, cavity walls/roof, and under the glass tray and roller ring. If flashing continues after cleaning, the advice was to stop using it and contact the retailer or Russell Hobbs under guarantee for service or replacement. No completed repair was confirmed in the thread.
- Checks to try
- Inspect waveguide cover for burning, grease, warping or holes
- Inspect cavity walls and roof for burnt-on food, grease or chipped paint/enamel
- Remove glass tray and roller ring and clean underneath
- Check interior fittings or trim for overheating or burning
- Brief test with a mug of water only after cleaning, stopping immediately if flashing continues
- Parts or tools mentioned
- waveguide cover
- glass tray
- roller ring
- mug of water
Safety: Do not remove the cover. Isolate the appliance from the mains before inspection beyond normal removable parts. Further diagnosis should be carried out by a suitably qualified appliance engineer.
1 Answer
If a microwave is sparking or flashing inside with no metal present, stop using it until you’ve found the cause. The most common causes are usually inside the cooking cavity rather than anything electronic.
1. Check the waveguide cover This is the small card-like or mica cover on one side wall inside the microwave. If it’s burnt, greasy, warped or has a hole in it, it can arc and flash. This is a very common cause.
2. Inspect the cavity walls and roof Look for burnt-on food, grease build-up, or any chipped paint/enamel. Carbonised food deposits can cause arcing, and damaged cavity coating can do the same.
3. Check the turntable area Remove the glass tray and roller ring and clean thoroughly underneath. Food debris trapped there can sometimes burn and flash.
4. Look for damage to the rack support or interior fittings If any internal plastic trim, supports or paintwork have overheated or burnt, that can trigger sparking.
5. Do a simple test only after cleaning Put a mug of water in and run it briefly. If it still flashes, stop immediately. Don’t continue using it “to see if it clears”.
Because it’s only 6 months old, it should still be under guarantee, so I’d strongly suggest contacting the retailer or Russell Hobbs for service or replacement rather than attempting internal repairs yourself.
Important: isolate the appliance from the mains before inspecting anything beyond normal removable parts. Do not remove the cover, as microwaves contain high-voltage components. Any internal, mains or specialist repair should be left to a qualified engineer.
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This answer was generated automatically by the WhitegoodsHelp AI Assistant. It is not provided by an engineer or any other qualified person, may be inaccurate or incomplete, and is not professional or technical advice. Do not rely on it. Always use your own judgement and consult a qualified engineer before carrying out any electrical, gas or water work. Use is entirely at your own risk. See our full Terms of Use.
SAFETY FIRST: READ BEFORE ACTING ON THIS GUIDANCE
Never work on a live appliance
Always unplug it at the mains before going near it with any tools.
Never attempt gas work
By law, gas appliances must only be worked on by a Gas Safe registered engineer. If your fault involves gas, stop and call a professional. Do not attempt it yourself.
Watch for sharp edges
Outer panels are smooth, but internal parts have sharp machined edges. Wear protective gloves and arm sleeves.
Water appliances can leak
Turn off the water supply before disconnecting any hoses.
Know your limits
If you are not confident testing or working inside the appliance, stop and call a professional.
AI guidance, not guaranteed
This response is generated automatically by the WhitegoodsHelp AI Assistant. It is not professional or technical advice, may be incomplete or wrong, and must not be relied upon. Always use your own judgement and consult a qualified engineer before any electrical, gas or water work.
This is general information only and is not professional advice. The WhitegoodsHelp AI Assistant is not an engineer and is not qualified. See our full Terms of Use.
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