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5 Reasons Your Frigidaire Microwave Keeps Tripping Breaker!

A breaker is a very delicate piece of machinery that goes off whenever there is a power surge. Sometimes, an appliance like a microwave can make the breaker trip.

There are numerous reasons why a Frigidaire microwave keeps tripping the circuit breaker. 

A Frigidaire microwave tripping the breaker doesn’t necessarily mean the microwave is faulty.

The proper knowledge of how to troubleshoot this situation can prove very useful.

A Frigidaire microwave often trips a breaker because it exceeds the standard 20 amps designated for circuits. If you use your microwave and other appliances on the same circuit, the chances of crossing the 20 amp mark are high. A Frigidaire microwave draws more than half of that. It draws 12 amps, leaving only 8 for other appliances. 

This article will take you across multiple reasons why a Frigidaire microwave keeps tripping off a circuit breaker.

You will also learn the possible ways you can counter such situations. 

Why Does My Frigidaire Microwave Keep Tripping the Breaker?

Frigidaire Microwave Keeps Tripping Breaker

There are a few reasons your Frigidaire microwave keeps tripping off the circuit breaker. However, most of these reasons revolve around the circuit breaker itself. 

Below are a few reasons why a Frigidaire microwave will trip off a breaker:

#1. Circuit Overload

If a circuit is overloaded, it will trip the breaker. Running multiple appliances on the circuit could cause an overload and breaker trip. 

#2. Faulty Circuit Outlet

If your Frigidaire microwave is on a GFCI outlet and it keeps tripping, the outlet might need replacement. 

Try resetting the GFCI outlet, but if it keeps tripping, it’s faulty, or something in the circuit is causing the problem. 

To confirm if the outlet is the problem, try other outlets to see if the problem goes away.

Suppose it doesn’t, then you need to replace the GFCI outlet. You can call an electrician to test the GFCI and the circuit to determine the issue. 

#3. Faulty Circuit Breaker

In some cases, the circuit breaker is the problem. Constant tripping may have damaged the breaker, and it’s no longer usable, or the breaker is substandard. 

If the breaker is the issue, the circuit will be open, and the current won’t pass through.

Try plugging the microwave into other circuits to confirm if the circuit breaker is the issue. 

However, to be certain, you should call an electrician to come to check it out for you. 

#4. Faulty Microwave

If you have tried all the other options and your microwave still isn’t working, the microwave may be faulty.

There are several ways to test if the microwave is the problem. Plug your Frigidaire microwave on a higher amp circuit.

You can plug it in your garage or workshop; they usually have higher amp outlets. 

If the Frigidaire microwave trips the breaker, it is faulty. However, if the breaker doesn’t trip, you should consider getting a dedicated circuit for the microwave. 

Unplugging every other appliance or taking a trip to the garage to use your microwave can be inconvenient.

If the microwave is faulty, it is usually due to faulty internal circuitry or a blown a fuse. 

Repairing the internal faults of a microwave is dangerous, and I wouldn’t advise that.

Instead, take it to a repair shop, or if you have enough money, you can always buy another one. If the Frigidaire microwave is old, the efficiency could be in question.

You may repair the damage, but it will only be a matter of time before something else breaks down again. 

#5. Faulty Door Switch

A faulty door switch could also be the possible cause for why it keeps tripping the breaker. Door switches ensure that the microwave is running safely. 

If the door isn’t properly locked, it will trip the breaker. Check all the door switches to ensure they are properly working. 

If there isn’t any other issue, fixing this should stop the breaker from tripping. 

How Do You Stop a Frigidaire from Tripping the Breaker?

To protect your appliance and for your safety, have a dedicated circuit that only serves the Frigidaire microwave.

Nothing else should draw current from that circuit. Implementing this protects the circuit, the breaker, other appliances, and your home.

Protecting the breaker is important because it will reduce wear and damage-hence, extending its lifespan.

Overloaded circuits overheat the wiring, which places your entire home at risk of an electrical fire.

If you are unsure if your microwave is on a dedicated circuit, you can open the breaker box. 

If there is a breaker labeled “Microwave,” your Frigidaire is on a dedicated circuit.

However, the microwave shares a circuit if you don’t see a dedicated breaker.

In most cases, the microwave shares the “Kitchen” circuit. Hence, there are more chances for the circuit breaker to trip off often. 

It would be best if the microwave didn’t share a circuit with other appliances like toasters, mixers, and coffee makers. You can opt to ration them but don’t run them simultaneously. 

Running these appliances can easily overload the breaker and exceed the 20 amps limit.

However, if it trips the breaker but is on a dedicated circuit, the breaker is probably faulty. 

Below are some useful tips that will help prevent your Frigidaire microwave from tripping the breaker: 

  • Replace the microwave if it has no magnetron between 2 and 3. You can use a multimeter to check for this. 
  • Ensure what you put in the microwave has moisture. 
  • Test the microwave to ensure it is working properly.
  • Wait a few minutes after shutting the microwave door. Replace the door switch if the light stays on after you shut the door. 
  • The Frigidaire microwave could have an electrical fault if the turntable isn’t turning. 
  • After turning on the microwave, listen for a small humming sound. The capacitor might be damaged. 

Does a Frigidaire Microwave Need a GFCI?

The position of a Frigidaire microwave determines if it needs a GFCI.

A Frigidaire microwave should be connected to a GFCI outlet if it’s close to a water source

It doesn’t necessarily need to be a big body of water. Wet counters, kitchen sinks, and showers all fall under this category. 

Once there is a source of moisture around, it would be best to plug your microwave into a GFCI outlet.

Electric shocks will be a normal experience if electrical appliances come in contact with any wet surface. 

Hence, plugging your Frigidaire microwave into a GFCI outlet will prevent such occurrences.

If the microwave is within six feet of laundry, garages, and utility sinks, it would be best to fix a GFCI outlet. 

However, some experts would recommend you use a GFCI outlet even if the microwave is far away from any water source. 

Accidents happen, and having this outlet will protect you, your house, and the circuitry from damage. 

GFCI could also prove very useful if there are power surges that would damage your microwave easily. 

Below is a table that summarizes all the advantages and disadvantages of a GFCI outlet:

ProsCons
Prevents electric shocksDifficult to connect with someone without the knowledge
Prevents fire outbreakDIY isn’t applicable
Protects appliance during power surgesNeed monthly tests and checks to ensure it’s working perfectly

Does a Frigidaire Microwave Need a Dedicated Circuit?

Yes, it does. Electrical experts advise that a Frigidaire microwave should have a dedicated 20A circuit. 

Microwaves require the same amount of amps as other heavy-duty appliances like refrigerators.

Experts suggest that placing the Frigidaire microwave on a dedicated circuit isn’t enough. 

Due to the large current it draws, it is better if the appliance is on a 120/125V circuit with a 12/2 NM wire.

Microwaves use close to 1500 watts, and taking these steps is crucial for your safety and your house. 

However, some versions of Frigidaire microwaves are smaller. Bigger Frigidaire microwaves draw in a lot of power.

And if you miss those requirements, it could overheat the circuit, even if it’s on a dedicated circuit. 

Can I Use My Frigidaire Microwave Without a Gfci Outlet?

Yes, you can. Using a GFCI outlet on your microwave isn’t necessary, especially if it is far away from any water source. 

However, there isn’t much difference between a GFCI outlet and any regular outlet. 

The only difference is it has mechanisms that trip off if there is a power surge or water contact with any part of the circuit. 

Final Thoughts

A Frigidaire microwave could trip a circuit breaker for many reasons.

However, these reasons often revolve around the circuitry. Below are some reasons why a breaker will trip:

  • The circuit is overloaded.
  •  Using other heavy-duty appliances on the same circuit will trip the breaker. 
  • Faulty Frigidaire microwave.

The most efficient way of preventing circuit breaks is to put the microwave on a dedicated circuit.

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