ELECTRONICS IN THE HOME

MICROWAVE OVEN

CSAR E. COLORADO M.

WHAT IS A MICROWAVE OVEN?

A microwave oven is a kitchen appliance that heats food by bombarding it with electromagnetic radiation in the microwave spectrum causing polarized molecules in the food to rotate and build up thermal energy in a process known as dielectric heating.

WHEN WERE MICROWAVE OVENS INVENTED?

Percy Spencer invented the first microwave oven after World War II (1945) from radar technology developed during the war. Named the "Radarange", it was first sold in 1947.

HOW DO MICROWAVE OVENS WORK?

In a microwave oven, food is cooked by exposing it to microwave radiation. Microwaves are a form of radiofrequency (RF) electromagnetic energy. When this energy comes in contact with food, the absorbed energy causes the water molecules in the food to rotate. This movement causes friction between the molecules and produces a rapid rise in temperature.

"Microwaves should not be confused with X-rays or other intense forms of energy. The microwaves generated by a microwave oven do not cause food or the oven itself to become radioactive".

HOW DOES MICROWAVE OVEN WORK?

Microwave energy generated by the magnetron is transferred to the oven cavity through a waveguide section (2450 MHz (megahertz) for most conventional ovens). A mode stirrer spreads the microwave energy more or less evenly throughout the oven.

INTERNATIONAL STANDARDS
Several countries, as well as the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC), the International Committee on Electromagnetic Safety (ICES) of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) and the European Committee for Electrotechnical Standardization (CENELEC), have set a product emission limit of 50 watts per square metre (W/m2) at any point 5 cm away from the external surfaces of the oven. In practice, emissions from modern domestic microwave ovens are substantially below this international limit, and have interlocks that prevent people being exposed to microwaves while the oven is on.

MISCONCEPTIONS
To dispel some misconceptions, it is important to realize that food cooked in a microwave oven does not become "radioactive". Nor does any microwave energy remain in the cavity or the food after the microwave oven is switched off. In this respect, microwaves act just like light; when the light bulb is turned off, no light remains.

ARE MICROWAVE OVENS SAFE?

When used according to manufacturers' instructions, microwave ovens are safe and convenient for heating and cooking a variety of foods. However, several precautions need to be taken, specifically with regards to potential exposure to microwaves, thermal burns and food handling.

WHAT ARE SOME GENERAL SAFETY PRECAUTIONS FOR MICROWAVE OVENS?

Safety tips for the operation of microwave ovens: Follow the manufacturer's instructions for operating procedures and safety precautions. Any misuse of the oven may result in personal injury. Check to see that door seal and inside surfaces of door and oven cavity are clean after each use. Repair or replace any microwave that is not in good working condition, repairs should only be done by a qualified service person. Do not use the microwave if the door does not close (e.g., is bent, warped or damaged in any way). Do not disable or by-pass any safety locks. Do not insert an object through an opening or around the door seal.