Microwave High Voltage Hazards

[Dave.H]

We have an old non working microwave oven that I want to pull apart
and use the transformer for scrap metal. But I'm not sure whether I
should just reach in. The microwave has been out in the rain and
unplugged for a couple of weeks, but theres a large capacitor (didn't
check the value) in series with 1 or 2 black rectangular diodes.
Should I just reach in and grab what I want, or should I discharge
anything before I do? I don't want to kill myself just for a few
dollars for the metal.

Dave
Australia

 

[Rich Webb]

We have an old non working microwave oven that I want to pull apart
and use the transformer for scrap metal. But I'm not sure whether I
should just reach in. The microwave has been out in the rain and
unplugged for a couple of weeks, but theres a large capacitor (didn't
check the value) in series with 1 or 2 black rectangular diodes.
Should I just reach in and grab what I want, or should I discharge
anything before I do? I don't want to kill myself just for a few
dollars for the metal.

Here's a great place to start:
<http://www.repairfaq.org/sam/micfaq.htm>

 

[Dave.H]

It's cold and dead. No worries.

John

I went in and grabbed what I wanted. The transformer (it's HUGE!) is
to be scrapped, while I kept the magnetron, since I liked the look of
it, never having seen one before save for some pictures on the
internet. There were live and dead cockroaches in and out of the
untire oven, wouldn't be surprised if that's what killed it, smelt
strongly like cockroach pee.

Dave
Australia

 

[amdx]

I went in and grabbed what I wanted. The transformer (it's HUGE!) is
to be scrapped, while I kept the magnetron, since I liked the look of
it, never having seen one before save for some pictures on the
internet. There were live and dead cockroaches in and out of the
untire oven, wouldn't be surprised if that's what killed it, smelt
strongly like cockroach pee.

Dave
Australia

I'd save the transformer, sometime you might want a high voltage supply,
or you can remove the high voltage winding and install a low voltage
winding.
Some slight modification of the core may need to be performed.
Google is your friend.
Mike

 

[Dave.H]

Be careful with the magnetron. If you see any ceramic insulation, it
contains Beryllium Oxide. It is safe, as long as it is isn't damage. If
it is, wrap it in plastic and turn it in as toxic waste. Breathing dust
from cracked or crushed insulators can put you in the hospital, or kill
you.

--http://improve-usenet.org/index.html

aioe.org, Goggle Groups, and Web TV users must request to be white
listed, or I will not see your messages.

If you have broadband, your ISP may have a NNTP news server included in
your account:http://www.usenettools.net/ISP.htm

There are two kinds of people on this earth:
The crazy, and the insane.
The first sign of insanity is denying that you're crazy.

I read about that somewhere, probably the site that was linked to
before. I don't recall seeing anything like that, but I'll check once
more for safety.

Dave
Australia

 

[Dave.H]

   Be careful with the magnetron. If you see any ceramic insulation, it
contains Beryllium Oxide.  It is safe, as long as it is isn't damage. If
it is, wrap it in plastic and turn it in as toxic waste. Breathing dust
from cracked or crushed insulators can put you in the hospital, or kill
you.

--http://improve-usenet.org/index.html

aioe.org, Goggle Groups, and Web TV users must request to be white
listed, or I will not see your messages.

If you have broadband, your ISP may have a NNTP news server included in
your account:http://www.usenettools.net/ISP.htm

There are two kinds of people on this earth:
The crazy, and the insane.
The first sign of insanity is denying that you're crazy.

The magnetron is pretty much the same unit as shown in the linked
photo (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:Magnetron1.jpg)
I'm not sure if the pink stuff on the top is Beryllium Oxide, but it
doesn't appear to be damaged, and should be OK since this unit is
going on display on a shelf.

Dave
Australia