Having the ability to cook anywhere you go while traveling in an RV is a huge plus. However, let’s be honest: the microwave is the most convenient cooking gadget in an RV. The propane burner and oven are also excellent choices. As a result, most campers are aware that their RV microwave is not working quite fast when it does.
The next step to take if your recreational vehicle’s microwave isn’t working is something you may be wondering about. The good news is that you can troubleshoot this issue rather quickly on your own, and you will most likely be able to resolve the issue without any help.
The reason we’re here is to assist you. The topics covered in this article include frequent microwave difficulties and what you should do in each of these situations.
Reasons why an RV microwave won’t run on a generator and how to fix it
A gas-powered generator can be used to power a variety of electrical appliances, such as a microwave oven, during a power outage to keep things running. Before connecting your microwave to the generator, please ensure that the generator is the proper size; otherwise, the microwave will not perform at its maximum capacity. A microwave oven operated on an insufficiently sized generator may damage the appliance or generator.
1. On your microwave oven, look for the UL certification label. It can be found behind the door or on the rear of the microwave oven. Operating wattage differs from cooking wattage, so you must look at the oven’s UL label for the amps and volt requirements to decide what size generator you need.
2. The operating wattage is calculated by multiplying the microwave amp by the voltage. To securely operate a 1,000-watt microwave oven that needs 13.4 amps and 120 volts, the stove would require 1,608 watts total.
3. Consider purchasing a generator capable of producing more watts than your microwave oven requires. The generator should provide a grounded outlet with 120-volts and 20-amps.
4. Placing the generator on a level place at least 10 feet away from your structure is recommended. Awnings or canopies should not be used to cover it up. By operating it for 2 – 3 minutes, you can allow the generator to get up to temperature.
5. The male end of a connected 12- or 14-gauge heavy-duty power adapter should be plugged into the generator’s electrical socket. Connect the female tip of the electric cord to the power cord for the microwave.
6. Pretend like you’re using the microwave in the same way you’re using it in your home. Before turning off the generator, disconnect the microwave from the extension cord and unhook the extension cord from the generator after you have finished running it.
Reasons an RV microwave won’t work
In the case of a non-working RV microwave, one baffling issue some RVers have encountered is a microwave that turns itself off while they are using it. After a few seconds of operation, it will automatically shut down before the specified time has expired. Each time you attempt to restart it, this will continue to occur until you feel frustrated and begin looking for answers.
1) Ventilation should be checked
Overheating is one of the possible causes of this problem in particular situations. To guarantee that your RV’s venting is appropriately fitted and that the microwave can properly vent, it is vital to examine the venting throughout the vehicle. An RV microwave that is unable to maintain its internal temperature may not only fail to cook your food but might also pose a hazard to you and your family’s safety.
2) Be cautious not to use too much power
If the venting surrounding your RV is in good working order, the microwave that stops working in the middle of a session most likely needs more watts than the power source can provide. This can occur if you replace the microwave with one that demands more watts than the one you were using previously. A new microwave with the appropriate wattage for your equipment will be required in this instance.
3) Make sure your power source is functioning correctly.
Additionally, if the microwave is connected to an outlet that is not functioning correctly and is not supplying enough power, this problem may occur. If the problem does not appear to be related to venting or wattage, unplug the microwave and use a multimeter to check the outlet’s output. The voltage can be too low during specific periods of the year. In this scenario, the problem is with you, and it must be resolved before the microwave may be used again.
Because a generator powers the microwave, the generator may be either too small or in need of maintenance, which would result in insufficient power. Because these outlets don’t always provide enough ability to run a microwave effectively, this could also be the source of the problem.
4) There is no power in the RV microwave
Your microwave may just be out of electricity. If the screen is entirely black and the inside light does not illuminate, it is clear that the RV microwave is not receiving power. Use these troubleshooting methods to figure out why your RV microwave isn’t working and how to fix it.
- Examine the power source from outside
First, go outside and check the mains electricity or generator to confirm that it is producing power as expected. Use a multimeter to check the voltage or connect something into the outlet to verify the voltage.
After that, check to see if the RV has a strong connection. You might also consider unplugging the RV from the socket and plugging it back in. While you’re at it, check the circuit breaker for the power source or generator to make sure everything is in working order there.
- Check the outlet’s functionality
Following your confirmation that the outside power source provides electricity, check the microwave outlet inside. Disconnect the microwave and use a multimeter to check the voltage in the outlet to confirm it is operating at the proper voltage.
As an alternative, you can try plugging the microwave into a separate electrical outlet to see if it will operate with a different power source and plugging something else into the microwaves outlet to see if it will provide any power at all. If the microwave usually operates in other locations, you may be sure that the problem is with the source of energy.
The microwave fuse or the microwave itself is likely the source of the problem if it does not work in an outlet that you are confident is working correctly. The latter scenario necessitates the purchase of an entirely new appliance.
- Flip breakers
If the outlet is not receiving power, go to the breaker box and toggle the relevant breaker off and back on again to resolve the problem. You should also check for blown fuses and tripped ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) outlets, which could be preventing power from reaching your microwave outlet.
Unless the outlet is receiving sufficient power or still not receiving power after checking all of the breakers and fuses, you will have to call in an expert to inspect the situation.
5) The microwave does not heat the food
Consider the following scenario: your microwave has power, and it starts and operates, but it isn’t heating anything. The RV microwave is generally always the source of the problem in this situation. Unfortunately, RV microwaves repair is not always a worthwhile endeavor. Instead, most consumers choose to get a completely new microwave.
Replacing your RV microwave
If you find yourself in the position of having to replace the RV microwave, you have the option of purchasing either an RV-specific device or a domestic microwave. Just ensure you choose the appropriate wattage to prevent the difficulty highlighted at the outset of this piece. Additionally, suppose you intend to install the microwave in place of the current microwave. In that case, you will need to ensure that the space where it will be installed is accurately measured to ensure that it will fit properly.
Can an inverter generator run a microwave?
Yes. An inverter generator can be used to operate a microwave, depending on the size of your microwave. In other words, if you have a microwave on board and utilize it from both the inverter and from shore/generator energy (as opposed to simply storing devices in it during storms), remember to adjust the clock on your computer.
Conclusion
You should now know what to do if your RV microwave is not operating correctly.
Using an online tool such as RV LIFE’s Maintain My RV, you can stay on top of all of your RV maintenance and repairs. Not only will you be able to keep all of your records in one place, but you’ll also receive timely alerts when care is due, which will help you avoid major repairs and potentially serious accidents.
