PAT Testing Microwaves Ovens

[Jobos]

While doing my annual PAT testing I’ve come across a microwave oven where the protective paint inside the oven has come off and is showing rust. I’m assuming this is a fail as it could start sparking and get hot?

 

Just wanted to run this by someone as never seen this before.

[ToyHeartsFan]

I'm not a PAT tester but my previous microwave was stainless steel so the missing paint is unlikely to cause it to spark / get hot.

 

I believe previously PAT testers were required to carry out radiation leak tests on Microwaves but this might of changed:

 

 

"The IET Code of Practice has removed microwave leakage testing from its Fourth Edition, citing that it’s not an electrical problem. However, microwave leakage hazards still exist, and PAT testing companies may supplement their equipment with microwave leakage detectors."

 

 

However that doesn't mean that microwaves in the workplace are exempt from leak tests, do you have the equipment to test them for radiation leaks?

 

 

Personally I would say it failed visual inspection and tell them to buy a new one they aren't expensive.

 

Reasoning:

 

1. Rusty surface will be hard to clean – food poisoning risk.

 

2. Rusty and deteriorating condition particularly near door increases risk of microwave radiation leak in the near future even if it currently passes.

 

3. Rusty surface could result in food being contaminated with metal particles.

[Chris_Cook]

I'd agree. I've seen one rusted through before, so its worth raising the issue now before it becomes a problem.

 

We got a leakage tester with our PAT test kit, but I wouldn't pass it unless it was just a little bit of rust. As above, I'd be much more concerned with hygiene rather than the sparking.

[Jobos]

Thanks both.

 

I've did the PAT course a few years ago and more recently read the code of practice, in-service inspection and testing of electrical equipment, 5th edition as testing changed a year or two back. I do not recall anything in the code of practice or the course for that matter about rust inside microwave ovens.

 

My microwave at home is stainless and I've seen first hand how microwaves can spark when the bottom heating element went faulty and started arcing from the microwaves. It looked like a welder. Anyway I've failed the microwave in the staffroom, that should make me popular!

[Norphy]

I've never seen a staff room microwave oven that didn't stink either of curry or of fish, so maybe that'll be the trigger to get the thing replaced, then you'll be a hero!

 

It could happen, right? Right?