Microwave trips the breaker

Symptoms

• Breaker trips shortly after starting the microwave
• More likely to trip on higher power settings or longer cook times
• Other outlets on the same circuit also lose power

Likely causes

• CommonMicrowave sharing a circuit with other kitchen appliancesToasters, coffee makers, and microwaves often share countertop circuits that get overloaded together.
• CommonMicrowave drawing near the circuit's full rated capacityMany microwaves alone use 8–13 amps, leaving little room for anything else on a 15-amp circuit.
• PossibleA failing microwave drawing excess currentAn aging magnetron or internal fault can cause a microwave to draw more than normal.
• PossibleMicrowave not on its required dedicated circuitMany kitchens are built with a dedicated microwave circuit; if it's not on one, overloads are more likely.

What to do

1. Unplug other appliances from the same outlet and countertop circuit before running the microwave.
2. Check if the microwave has its own dedicated circuit as intended, or if it's sharing with the toaster or coffee maker.
3. Run the microwave alone on that circuit to see if it still trips.
4. If it trips even by itself, the microwave may be drawing excess current and could need replacing.
5. If it's fine alone but trips with other appliances, keep the microwave's circuit clear of other devices.
6. Have an electrician confirm whether a dedicated circuit exists or should be added for the microwave.
7. Unplug the microwave and avoid using it if it trips a breaker with nothing else on the circuit.

When to call a pro

Have an electrician add a dedicated circuit for the microwave if it doesn't have one, or check the appliance if it trips a breaker while running alone.

Safety