There are many benefits to testing microwave ovens, and this article will cover a few of them. In this article, we’ll look at how to measure wattage, power density, and leakage. Hopefully, the information will be helpful to you when purchasing a new microwave oven. And as always, we’ll also go over how to prevent microwave injuries. In this article, we’ll also go over some of the most common mistakes people make while Test and Tag service microwave ovens.
Test procedure
DOE has proposed to amend the existing test procedure for microwave ovens that have connected functions. The proposed test procedure would be a modification of the original proposal for testing microwave ovens in a factory default mode and as shipped condition. It has received several comments about this change, and has tentatively determined that the proposed change would not significantly increase the cost of producing microwave ovens. Manufacturers should be aware of this proposed change, and should plan accordingly.
The proposed rule would not alter the current requirements for testing microwave ovens with network functions. It would only require units with the required displays to be tested without the connectivity function. But the DOE also notes that it is not considering implementing other substantive changes to the testing procedure. It has reviewed the existing microwave oven certification database and has not found any basic models that would require retesting. The final rule will be effective upon its publication. This proposal is expected to help manufacturers meet the requirements of the Consumer Product Safety Administration.
Measurement of wattage
Microwave ovens typically generate a wattage level between 400 and 1500. However, the actual wattage output of microwave ovens may be less than the nominal power due to the deterioration of components. To obtain an accurate measurement, wattmeters are used to measure microwave power levels. A wattmeter includes a thermometer and a housing. Using a wattmeter, a user can obtain a reading of the wattage output of a microwave oven by comparing its initial reading with a subsequent one.
A prior art technique for measuring wattage output of microwave ovens employs a calorimeter to measure the magnetic field strengths in the cooking chamber. The calorimetric method, however, does not involve any interconnection with the microwave oven’s circuitry. The rotatable connection of the wattmeter’s housing eliminates the need for chilling the wattmeter 10 to obtain accurate measurement data.
Measurement of power density
The measurement of power density of microwave ovens is a useful tool for estimating the impact of electromagnetic radiation on the surrounding environment. The power density of microwave ovens varies from 750 W to 1800 W, depending on their capacity. Figure 4 shows results for four different power levels. To calculate the power density, microwave ovens were set up with a door facing the positive -axis. The electric field intensity is highest in the zone closest to the door and in front of the oven. Leakage is a significant source of electric field energy.
The theoretically calculated power density and input admittance of microwave ovens were validated using simulations, and experimental results are in good agreement with the simulations. The domestic microwave oven cavity has over ten propagating modes and an infinite number of non-propagating modes. The calculations take all of these into account. The power density of microwave ovens must be below 1 mW/cm2.
Measurement of leakage
There are various ways to measure the leakage of microwave ovens. Usually, a microwave oven is mounted on the ground floor of a research and development building of a public university. A wooden table with a height of 0.7 m is used to mount the microwave oven. The simulations are conducted indoors and involve a complex indoor scenario, including walls, columns, and metallic elements. The resulting measurement of leakage is then verified using an eddy current meter.
The microwave oven’s maximum power output ranges from 750 W to 1800 W. We measured an 800 W microwave oven. In Figure 4, the results of four different maximum power levels were obtained. The electric field values were highest in the zone nearest the door and at the front. This indicates that the microwave oven is leaking microwaves. This leakage is most visible in the front area of the microwave oven. However, the measurement also includes the front of the oven and other areas.
