Toshiba microwave keeps blowing the fuse
Bought a Toshiba microwave (ML-EM23P(BS)) 6 months ago and it trips the plug fuse / RCD as soon as I start it. Is it worth repairing or should I just replace it?
1 Answer
If it trips as soon as you press Start, that usually points to a serious high-voltage or mains-side fault rather than something simple like the door not being shut properly. At only 6 months old, I would not suggest replacing it yet.
1. Check exactly what is tripping - If it blows the 13A plug fuse, that suggests a heavy short or major component failure. - If it trips the RCD/RCBO, that can indicate leakage to earth. - Try it in another known-good socket if possible, just to rule out a house wiring/socket issue.
2. Do not keep trying it - Repeated testing can worsen damage. If it fails immediately every time, stop using it.
3. Consider the most likely internal causes - Common suspects are the high-voltage capacitor, high-voltage diode, transformer, magnetron, door interlock switch assembly, or mains filter. - If it trips the instant cooking starts, the fault is often in the high-voltage circuit.
4. Is it worth repairing? - Financially, on a budget countertop microwave, out-of-warranty repair often isn’t worthwhile. - But at 6 months old, it should still be under the retailer/manufacturer guarantee, so this is really a warranty claim rather than a repair-vs-replace decision.
5. Best next step - Contact the seller first, then Toshiba support, and report that it trips the fuse/RCD when cooking starts. - Do not open it yourself.
Important safety note: isolate it from the mains before inspecting anything, and in this case I do not recommend internal DIY checks. Microwaves contain dangerous high-voltage components even when unplugged. Use a qualified engineer for any internal mains work.
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