Panasonic inverter microwave repair

[Trevor Wilson]

I have a very nice (read: expensive) Panasonic microwave oven in for
service. It will actually end up being mine, when it's completed. It uses a
SMPS and has some nice features. The display and control systems seem to
work just fine. Anyway, it throws the earth leakage detector switch when
attempting to cook. Once of the power transistors measures S/C, so my
intention is to replace both transistors (with OEM parts), along with the
bridge rectifier (which is suggested by the manufacturer). The question is
this:

If I replace the power supply parts, how likely is it that the magetron is
faulty and the power supply will, again, be destroyed on power up?

Should I replace the magetron on spec? I checked the terminals to earth and
there appears to be no leakage, but you can never tell with these critters.
I guess it's safe to Megger test the magnetron (500 Volts)?

I don't usually do microwave ovens, so this is new territory for me.

TIA

 

[Meat Plow]

I have a very nice (read: expensive) Panasonic microwave oven in for
service. It will actually end up being mine, when it's completed. It
uses a SMPS and has some nice features. The display and control systems
seem to work just fine. Anyway, it throws the earth leakage detector
switch when attempting to cook. Once of the power transistors measures
S/C, so my intention is to replace both transistors (with OEM parts),
along with the bridge rectifier (which is suggested by the
manufacturer). The question is this:

If I replace the power supply parts, how likely is it that the magetron
is faulty and the power supply will, again, be destroyed on power up?

Should I replace the magetron on spec? I checked the terminals to earth
and there appears to be no leakage, but you can never tell with these
critters. I guess it's safe to Megger test the magnetron (500 Volts)?

I don't usually do microwave ovens, so this is new territory for me.

TIA

My crystal ball is in for NIST certification so I can't conjure up an
answer for you.

 

[Franc Zabkar]

I have a very nice (read: expensive) Panasonic microwave oven in for
service. It will actually end up being mine, when it's completed. It uses a
SMPS and has some nice features. The display and control systems seem to
work just fine. Anyway, it throws the earth leakage detector switch when
attempting to cook. Once of the power transistors measures S/C, so my
intention is to replace both transistors (with OEM parts), along with the
bridge rectifier (which is suggested by the manufacturer). The question is
this:

If I replace the power supply parts, how likely is it that the magetron is
faulty and the power supply will, again, be destroyed on power up?

Should I replace the magetron on spec? I checked the terminals to earth and
there appears to be no leakage, but you can never tell with these critters.
I guess it's safe to Megger test the magnetron (500 Volts)?

I don't usually do microwave ovens, so this is new territory for me.

TIA

FWIW, I repaired a Panasonic inverter microwave oven a couple of years
ago. After replacing the power transistors the oven worked fine.
However, I don't recall that it tripped the ELCB beforehand. Moreover,
I gave the oven away, so I don't know if it is still working.

- Franc Zabkar

 

[Trevor Wilson]

FWIW, I repaired a Panasonic inverter microwave oven a couple of years
ago. After replacing the power transistors the oven worked fine.
However, I don't recall that it tripped the ELCB beforehand. Moreover,
I gave the oven away, so I don't know if it is still working.

**Thanks Frank. I believe I'll take the chance.