Cataracts and burns can be caused by exposure to high levels of microwave radiation.If a microwave is more than nine years old and appears damaged, be on the safe side and test it.Testing at home is easy and cheap, but remember that it only gives you a rough estimate.
Step 1: There is a light bulb that reacts to microwaves.
A neon "NE-2" bulb from an electronics store, powered and hooked up to a voltage divider, is barely glowing, because it is a straight fluorescent light bulb.In professional contexts, this is necessary.
Step 2: The room should be dark.
If you use a light bulb, dim the lights so you can see it.If you are using a microwave testing device, skip this step.
Step 3: The microwave has a glass of water in it.
The part that creates the microwaves can be damaged or destroyed by running an empty microwave.A small glass of water will reduce this risk, but still leave a lot of microwaves to test for leaks.Older microwaves may have lower quality shielding around the magnetron.
Step 4: The microwave needs to be turned on.
It should run for one minute.
Step 5: Slowly move the object around the microwave.
The light bulb or tester should be held at least 5 cm away from the microwave.Move the object slowly around the door seal and any damaged areas.The microwave's power decreases with distance.The edge of the kitchen counter is a good place to test it at the distance you normally stand from the microwave.Run the oven for another minute if the microwave stops before you finish.
Step 6: Look for a response.
The fluorescent tube will light up if the microwave leaks.Check the manual to see if electronic testers react in different ways.Anything over 5 mW/ cm at a distance of less than 2 inches is cause for concern.The methods are just quick tests.It's worth taking steps to address the problem if these results show that your microwave is dangerous.
Step 7: You can find two devices that are connected to the internet.
The shielding on the microwave ovens should block the wireless networks because they use the same frequencies.To test whether the oven can do this, you'll need a laptop that fits inside your microwave, and a second device that can connect to your home network.If you know how to use the phones to ping each other, you can use them instead of two computers.If you want to ping an iPad, you can use Find my device.If the device is connected to a 2.4 GHz connection, make sure the data is turned off.
Step 8: The internet should be set to 2.4 GHz.
If you're not sure if you are on a 2.4 GHz or 7.2 GHz network, look for the "802.11 mode" info under the advanced settings.Continue until you reach the next step.It means you are on a 5 GHz network.You have the option to switch to another standard.This test will not work if you don't have this option.It can operate on both frequencies.The setting should be set to 2.4 GHz.One of the two networks produced by the router is 2.4 GHz.
Step 9: The microwave is plugged into the power sockets.
Turn off the switch and remove the electric plug from the wall sockets.The last thing you want to do is turn the oven on when you put your computer inside the microwave.
Step 10: Prepare the computer.
Turn on your laptop and connect to the internet.The computer won't sleep while it's in the microwave if the energy saver or display settings are checked.
Step 11: Find your computer's internet protocol address.
It's necessary to send a signal to your laptop.There is a way to find it: Windows: Open Control Panel.Click the chevron to expand the network or view the status of the connection.Next to "ipv4", look for the number.You can open System Preferences on Mac.Click to join the network.You can find your internet address on the right by selecting the left side.
Step 12: The laptop should be in the microwave.
The microwave should be turned on.You're testing to see if the microwave's shielding can block the signal.
Step 13: There was a ping from the other device.
Command Prompt is open on Windows or Terminal on Mac.Then type in your computer's address.For example, type 192.168.86.150.
Step 14: Wait for a reply.
The computer returned the signal through the microwave door if the ping is answered.The microwave is leaking.The microwave blocks the signal from returning if the packets time out.It's not a guarantee that your microwave isn't leaking, but it is a good sign.Microwaves can leak a certain amount.If your microwave is on the other side of a wall or in the same room as your router, a working ping doesn't mean a dangerous leak.Based on US and Canada regulations, a router with a strong signal strength should be at least 20 feet from the microwave.
Step 15: The seals around the door need to be checked.
Microwave leaks can be caused by worn or broken elements on the microwave oven's door.If you have detected a leak, look for the following: Cracks on the hinges, Dents or breaks in the door itself, or a door that fails to close firmly.
Step 16: The microwave can be taken to a repair shop.
An electronics repair shop can use more accurate microwave testing equipment.Whether your microwave is safe can be confirmed by its staff.You may be able to get a repair shop to rent you the testing equipment.Calibration and training are required for these devices, so a professional may be able to give more accurate results.
Step 17: The microwave is leaking.
If your microwave is leaking, you should contact the manufacturer.In the United States, all manufacturers have to submit their reports to the FDA.This form can be used to report it to the FDA.Outside of the US, report the issue to consumer safety organizations.
Step 18: Understand the danger.
Ionizing radiation, which can cause cancer or radioactivity, is not the same as microwave radiation.The risk of a leaking microwave is very low.This is the most dangerous to the eye and the testes.Extreme levels of microwave radiation can cause burns.If you don't notice any symptoms and stop using the microwave, it's very unlikely that you'll get long-term damage.