Microwave safety concern
Anthony Giorgianni
I have a concern about a roughly 2-year-old Sharp microwave, and I was
wondering whether anyone else is having the same problem with this model or
any other model or brand microwave.
This microwave, model - R-419CK, manufactured July 2000 - has developed
rust-through at various points along the vinyl door seal. The problem
actually began developing months, if not more than a year, back. I initially
thought that a brown stain left on white door jamb was food that had been
caught between the door and jamb. Only recently did I realize that it
actually is rust coming through the black door seal.
My concern is that radiation may escape through the improper seal,
especially as the problem progresses.
I have contacted Sharp, which is having a local repair shop examine the
problem at Sharp's expense to determine whether a recall or some other
action is required. I am partial to Sharp microwaves and, other than this
problem, have been very satisfied. I should add that I do not do anything
unusual with this machine, and I use only non-abrasive cleaners. I suspect
that moisture is rusting the door behind the seal and the rust, being
gritty, is wearing through the seal as the door is opened and closed. My
earlier Sharp, which I had for many years, did not have this problem (I
still have it stored away in a box.)
Again, I am wondering if anyone else has had this problem. And it may be
worth a general warning, just in case. I will post an update if anyone cares
about this issue.
--
Regards,
Anthony Giorgianni
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do_not_spam_me
> This microwave, model - R-419CK, manufactured July 2000 - has
> developed rust-through at various points along the vinyl door
> seal. The problem actually began developing months, if not more
> than a year, back. I initially thought that a brown stain left
> on white door jamb was food that had been caught between the
> door and jamb. Only recently did I realize that it actually
> is rust coming through the black door seal.
>
> My concern is that radiation may escape through the improper seal,
> especially as the problem progresses.
>
> I have contacted Sharp, which is having a local repair shop examine
> the problem at Sharp's expense to determine whether a recall or
> some other action is required.
I wouldn't use the oven until this is resolved because a bad leak can
cook your flesh even before you realize it, and there's also the high
risk of cataracts from strong microwaves.
But very likely there's been no leakage because every modern microwave
oven (anything since the mid-late 1970s) has used a choke seal, which
doesn't depend on close mechanical fit, and it probably also has a
capacitive seal as a backup. Amana, one of the first companies to
switch to choke seals, used to run a commercial where they'd they'd
swing an axe into the door opening, creating a deep dent, and then
they'd show that the door still didn't leak.
I don't think the plastic is vinyl but rather polypropylene or
polycarbonate, which can stand much higher temperatures.
Anthony Giorgianni
--
Regards,
Anthony Giorgianni
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"do_not_spam_me" <do_not_...@my-deja.com> wrote in message
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larrymoencurly
> What is a choke seal?
It's a small channel (gap) between the door perimeter and the opening
that's tuned to the frequency of the microwaves and traps any that
enter and basically lets them die off in there. Choke seals are nice
because they don't require prefect contact between 2 pieces of metal
(they can leak large amounts of air but block microwaves much better
than an almost airtight metal-to-metal seal will) so aren't bothered
by warpage or the door being pulled. Another seal is the capacitive
type, which also shorts out the microwaves and also doesn't require
perfect contact, and it's possible for doors have both types of seals.
Anthony Giorgianni
--
Regards,
Anthony Giorgianni
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"larrymoencurly" <larrymo...@my-deja.com> wrote in message
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