Cooking wherever you go while on a trip in an RV is a significant benefit. However, let us be honest: in an RV, the microwave is the most efficient cooking device. Additionally, the propane burner, as well as the oven, are fantastic options. As a result, the majority of campers are concerned that their RV microwave does not operate as quickly as it should.
You may be wondering what to do next if your RV’s microwave isn’t working. The fact of the matter is that you can solve this issue very fast on your own and will most probably be able to fix it without seeking professional assistance.
Without a doubt, you’ll need to determine a starting point! We are here to assist you. This article discusses common microwave problems and what you should do in each of these scenarios.
Table of Contents
The reasons why an RV microwave will not operate on a generator and how to fix
During a power outage, a gas-powered generator is used to power a range of electrical items, such as a microwave oven. Please confirm that the generator is the right size before connecting the microwave; otherwise, the microwave will not operate at full capacity. When used with an insufficiently sized generator, a microwave oven may cause harm to the appliance or generator.
Here is a quick table;
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Steps on how to fix an RV microwave not operating on a generator |
Function |
Essential products |
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To check the amp and volt requirement |
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To derive the working watts |
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To provide power |
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To power the microwave |
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To cut the power supply |
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1) Locate the UL certification label on your microwave oven. It is located behind the microwave oven door or on the back. Since the operating wattage is different from the cooking wattage, you must consult the oven’s UL label for the amperes and volt requirements in order to determine the generator size required.
2) By multiplying the RV microwave amperage by the voltage, the working watts are derived. The stove would require 1,608 watts total to effectively operate a 1,000-watt microwave oven that requires 13.4 amps and 120 volts.
3) Consider acquiring a generator with a higher wattage rating than your microwave oven. A grounded outlet with 120 volts and 20 amps should be provided by the generator.
4) It is recommended that you locate the generator on a flat surface at least ten feet from your structure. Canopies or awnings should be avoided as a means of covering. Allow the generator to reach operating temperature by operating it for 2 – 3 minutes.
5) Connect the male end of a 12- or 14-gauge heavy-duty power adapter to the electrical socket on the generator. Connect the electric cord’s female tip to the microwave’s power cord.
6) Try to use the microwave in the same manner as you would at home. Disconnect your microwave from the extension cord before shutting off the generator, and then unplug the extension cord from the generator once it has cooled.
Reasons why an RV microwave will not function
When it comes to a non-functioning RV microwave, one perplexing issue that some RVers have experienced is a microwave that shuts down while they are using it. It will immediately shut down after a few moments of operation if the stated time period has passed. This will continue to happen each time you try to restart it until you become frustrated and begin searching for solutions.
1. Check the ventilation
In certain circumstances, overheating may be a contributing factor to this condition. To ensure that the venting system in your RV is properly installed and that the microwave can vent properly, it is critical to inspect the venting throughout the vehicle. An RV microwave that is unable to maintain its internal temperature will not only fail to cook your food properly but may also constitute a safety risk to you and your family.
2. Exercise caution not to utilize excessive amounts of energy
If the venting system surrounding your RV is in good condition, the microwave that fails to operate in the middle of a session most likely requires more wattage than the power source can provide. This can happen if you replace the microwave with one that consumes more watts than the prior one. In this case, you will need to purchase a new microwave with the proper wattage for your equipment.
3. Inspect your power source for proper operation
Additionally, this problem may arise if the microwave is coupled to an outlet that is not operating properly or is not providing sufficient power. If the issue does not appear to be attributed to venting or wattage, disconnect the microwave and verify the outlet’s output with a multimeter. During certain times of the year, the voltage may be abnormally low. The issue is with you in this circumstance, and it must be fixed before the microwave can be used again.
Due to the fact that the microwave is powered by a generator, the generator may be small or in need of service, resulting in insufficient power. Due to the fact that these outlets do not always provide the power to operate a microwave properly, this could possibly be the root of the problem.
4. The microwave in the RV is not powered
Perhaps your microwave is simply out of power. If the screen is completely black and the inside light remains off, it is obvious that the RV microwave is not receiving power. Determine why the RV microwave isn’t functioning and how to repair it using these troubleshooting procedures.
- Conduct an external examination of the power source
To begin, step outside and verify that the mains electricity or generator is operating normally. Voltage can be verified with a multimeter or by plugging something into the outlet. Next, verify that the RV is connected securely.
Additionally, you could try disconnecting the RV from the socket and re-plugging it. While at it, examine the circuit breaker for the power supply or generator to ensure it’s operational.
- Check the operation of the outlet
After confirming that the external source of power is providing power, check the microwave outlet on the inside. Remove the microwave and check the voltage in the outlet using a multimeter to ensure it is working at the right voltage.
As an alternative, you can try putting the microwave into a different electrical outlet to determine whether it will run with a different power source and inserting something else into the microwave’s outlet to determine whether it will provide any power at all. If the microwave performs normally in other areas, you may be certain that the source of energy is the problem.
If the microwave does not operate in an outlet that you are positive is working properly, the microwave fuse or the microwave itself is likely the cause of the problem. The latter circumstance necessitates the buying of brand-new equipment.
- Circuit breakers
If the outlet does not get electricity, proceed to the breaker box and switch the appropriate breaker off and on again to address the issue. Additionally, you should check for blown fuses and tripped ground-fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) outlets, since they may be preventing power from getting to your microwave outlet.
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Unless the outlet is receiving insufficient power or is still not receiving power after inspecting all of the breakers and fuses, you will need to contact a professional to examine the issue.
5. The microwave does not heat the food
Consider the following situation: your microwave has power, it starts and runs normally, but it does not generate heat. Generally, in this circumstance, the RV microwave is the source of the problem. Regrettably, repairing RV microwaves is not always worth the effort. Rather than that, the majority of consumers choose a new microwave.
Replacing the RV microwave
If you find yourself in need of a replacement microwave for your RV, you can choose between an RV-specific device and a domestic microwave. Simply ensure that you select the suitable wattage to avoid the issue mentioned in this article.
Furthermore, imagine you plan to replace the existing microwave with a different microwave of the same. In that scenario, you must verify that the area in which it will be installed is carefully measured to ensure a perfect fit.
Is it possible to run a microwave with an inverter generator?
Yes. Depending on the size of your microwave, an inverter generator can operate it. In other words, if you have a microwave on board and use it with both inverter and shore/generator energy (rather than simply storing gadgets in it during storms), remember to adjust the clock on your computer.
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Conclusion
To conclude, we hope by now you are aware of what to do if the microwave in your RV does not work properly. You can keep hold of all RV maintenance and repairs with the help of an online tool such as RV LIFE’s Maintain My RV.
Not only will you be able to keep all of your records in one location, but you’ll also receive timely warnings when maintenance is necessary, allowing you to prevent costly repairs and perhaps fatal accidents.
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