Microwave - Arcing In Cavity

Arcing or sparking in a microwave oven can occur for several reasons. We are providing the most common causes for arcing below.

Diagnosing Arcing Occurring Inside a Microwave Oven

The below suggestions may be helpful in correcting a concern with arcing in your microwave.

A metal cooking pan or utensil can cause arcing between the metal and the microwave case. Gold or metal trimmed bakeware or dishes can cause arcing as well.
Poultry pins, twist-ties, and recycled paper towels which are often embedded with minute pieces of metal may also cause arcing.
Leaving the cooking probe (for models with this feature) in the microwave cavity not inserted into the food can cause arcing.
Make sure that the metal cooking rack is firmly in place and seated properly.
Make sure the rack is not installed upside down. On some Over-the-Range microwaves, the rack can be placed right side up or upside down.
The shelf should only be used in the microwave when cooking with 2 levels. For proper use, you need to have food on the shelf and below the shelf. If the shelf is left in without food on it, arcing can occur.
It has been found that some vegetables such as green beans and carrots may cause an arcing effect/sparking from the food product itself when cooked in the microwave. Reasons for vegetables arcing include the following factors:
- The vegetables are not covered.
- The types of seasoning used such as bacon grease or onions.
- Little (if any) water surrounding the vegetables.

Note: This is not a problem with the microwave. In order to eliminate the arcing, cover the food product and/or add water.

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