how can i tell if my microwave is 'leaking'?

Question

microwave causing interference with cordless phone in house, want to know if it is leaking dangerous radiation.

Answer 1

Look for LARGE holes in the exterior surface. Microwaves cannot escape without large holes. Make sure the door closes completely and locks into the closed position.

Odds are that the interference is from the power supply box, or the insulated electrical cord. Anything which consumes large amounts of electricity will produce interference.

If you are still worried after inspecting an undamaged casing, there is a very inexpensive way to measure any EM (electromagnetic) leakage. Microwaves produce EM radiation at the exact wavelength which excites water thermally (the molecular rotational mode, if I remember correctly), so simply place containers of water around the microwave with accurate thermometers in each, and a thermometer in the ambient air (to account for external environmental changes in the thermal energy). The ambient air should remain the same temperature, except for the microwave's fan exhaust which dissipates the heat created by the process. If the temperature of the water in any container increases with time (in a linear manner) in a constant temperature (isothermal) environment, then you can conclude that there is microwave radiation in that region. Consider other possible sources, such as the sun (direct or indirect rays), flourescent lights, etc.

Warning: It is advisable that something be placed in the microwave to absorb the energy to prevent any kind of radiation overload, but be careful not to overheat anything. Extremely hot water from extensive microwaving (esp. inside a closed microwave on high power) can prove unstable, volitile, and thus dangerous; it can explode with sudden, large changes in humidity (water vapor pressure).

BTW, microwave radiation is not dangerous, except in its ability to heat water (even water in your skin) above safe temperatures. This is why your ear may feel warm after talking on the cell phone for long periods of time in an area with poor signal reception (requiring higher signal broadcast levels). The only effect is heat, and after the radiation ceases, the temperature will return to normal, revealing no evidence that there had ever been any microwave radiation (except for any effects of heating, such as food being cooked or bacteria being killed due to the temperature alone).

Answer 2

You can get a microwave leak detector, but it is more likely caused by electromagnetic interference from the house wiring and the motors in the microwave. See if your vacuum cleaner causes interference with the phone.

Answer 3

water molecule resonance is about 2.2giga hz, and most of that is effective within the conforms of the metal box called a microwave oven, but this box has variables, ...the door opening..., if the door doesn't shut properly, leakage can occur, i have measure minor leakage in CSA and UL approved units, but according to standards they are not dangerous, but damaged frames or cavities, will leak exponentially, and that can easily be detected by taking a 1 cm wide stripe of paper, wetting it with water, laying it next to a suspicious leak, and run the microwave for 10 minutes, (having 4 litres of water in the microwave oven as a load), and if you notice the strip is hot, you have a leakage,.... crude,.... but without instruments, can give you a cautious warning.

Answer 4

Everybody has a tool to check this, a $1.00 bill. Close the door on the bill all the way around the door, it should be snug when pulled out. If the bill is loose the door needs adgusting. So if the bill isn't snug you have a very small leak. I used to work on them for Hobart Food Equipment

Answer 5

move the cordless phone base unit away from the microwave

Answer 6

If your microwave looks like crap...buy a new one. If it is new and that is happening than there is instrumentation that pics up on ionizing radiation. They are expensive and just might be worth to buy a new one anyways.

Answer 7

You are safe to eat it. The only harm that can come from it if there was foil inside while your food was being cooked. Other wise your food is ok and edible☺

Answer 8

Until you know for sure, to be on the safe side, you should take a large piece of aluminum foil and wrap it around your head whenever you're using the telephone.

Answer 9

you can buy a microwave meter and check the outside field if not wait till your body cooks and you get cancer Buy a new one there cheep these days

Answer 10

if you are losing your hair and didn't get hard since a long time, then you got a leak