Ge Microwave: tripping breaker

Professional Repair Guide

What is this symptom?

If your GE microwave is tripping the breaker, it's likely due to issues like a faulty door interlock switch or circuit overload. This can happen immediately upon starting or when opening the door. Ensure your microwave is on a dedicated circuit to prevent overloading. If the breaker continues to trip, it's crucial to unplug the unit and seek professional help to avoid potential hazards.

Urgency: High

Important Tips for Ge Models

  • GE states microwaves require a 120V individual properly grounded branch circuit protected by a 15 or 20A breaker (OTR models should always be on a dedicated circuit). If resetting the breaker results in another trip, GE advises unplugging the microwave and contacting service.
  • GE door switch part example WB24X829 is commonly used across many GE microwave models; community repair stories report successful restoration after replacing bad/intermittent switches.

Possible Causes

Failed/shorted door interlock switch (including monitor switch) or misaligned door latch system causing an internal short condition

How to Identify: Breaker trips when closing the door, opening the door during operation, or starting the microwave. Door may feel loose or require lifting to latch. Some cases trip only with door movement. Continuity tests on each door switch may show incorrect states (stuck closed/open or intermittent readings.

Part: Door interlock switches (primary/secondary/monitor) and latch bracket

Shorted high-voltage capacitor

How to Identify: Breaker typically trips shortly after pressing Start when the HV system energizes, rather than when simply opening/closing the door. Often no other symptoms before the trip. Requires a multimeter test for short and safe capacitor discharge procedures.

Part: High-voltage capacitor (HV section)

Shorted magnetron

How to Identify: Breaker trips during heating cycle (not just at plug-in. May be accompanied by abnormal humming or burning smell before tripping, but sometimes trips without warning. Testing requires electrical diagnostics; replacement often expensive.

Part: Magnetron

Microwave not on a dedicated circuit / circuit overload (shared loads causing overcurrent)

How to Identify: Breaker trips mainly when other high-watt appliances are running on the same circuit (toaster, kettle, air fryer. Moving the microwave to a known dedicated 15–20A outlet may prevent the trip. Microwave otherwise works normally.

Part: House circuit / branch circuit sizing and load

Faulty household breaker (weak/nuisance tripping) or wiring/outlet issue

How to Identify: Breaker trips even with the microwave unplugged when reset, or trips immediately upon plugging in; outlet shows heat discoloration, loose receptacle, or buzzing; other devices also cause the same breaker to trip. Requires electrician evaluation.

Part: Circuit breaker, receptacle, wiring

DIY Solutions

Verify the microwave is on a dedicated 120V 15–20A circuit (remove other loads)

Easy 10-15 minutes
  1. Unplug the microwave and reset the tripped breaker once.
  2. Ensure the microwave is the only major appliance on that circuit (unplug kettles/toasters/air fryers on the same circuit).
  3. Plug the microwave directly into the wall outlet (no extension cord or power strip).
  4. Test by heating a cup of water for 1 minute.
⚠️ Safety First: Do not keep resetting a breaker repeatedly; repeated trips indicate a fault that can overheat wiring.

Identify if the trip is door-related (interlock switch pattern check)

Easy 5-10 minutes
  1. With the microwave idle (not cooking), open and close the door several times, then try starting a short cook cycle.
  2. If it trips specifically when opening the door during operation, note that this pattern strongly points to a door interlock/monitor switch issue.
  3. Stop using the microwave and plan for switch replacement/repair (professional recommended due to safety and HV risk).
⚠️ Safety First: Do not continue operating the microwave if the breaker trips when the door is moved; this suggests an internal safety interlock fault.

Professional Repairs

Replace door interlock switch set (primary/secondary/monitor) and inspect/repair latch bracket alignment

Estimated Cost: $120 - $300

Replace shorted high-voltage capacitor

Estimated Cost: $150 - $350

Replace magnetron (and inspect HV diode/transformer circuit for shorts)

Estimated Cost: $200 - $600

Electrical service: Replace weak breaker / repair outlet or branch circuit wiring

Estimated Cost: $150 - $500+

When to Call a Professional

Breaker trips again immediately after one reset attempt (GE recommends unplugging and contacting service).
Breaker trips specifically when opening/closing the door or when starting a cook cycle (strong indicator of interlock/HV fault).
You notice burning smell, smoke, sparking, or visible heat damage at the outlet/plug.
Microwave is an over-the-range unit on a dedicated circuit and still trips (internal fault likely).
Any situation requiring removal of the outer cover (high-voltage shock hazard).

Preventive Maintenance

  • Keep the microwave on a dedicated 15–20A circuit and avoid running other high-watt appliances on the same circuit simultaneously: Overcurrent trips from circuit overload
    Frequency: always
  • Close the door gently and ensure it latches cleanly (avoid slamming): Premature wear/misalignment of door interlock switches and latch mechanism
    Frequency: always
  • Periodically inspect the plug and outlet for heat discoloration or looseness; replace worn receptacles: Electrical arcing, overheating, and nuisance breaker trips
    Frequency: every 6-12 months

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my GE Microwave tripping breaker?
Common causes include a failed door interlock switch, shorted capacitor, or circuit overload.
How do I fix GE Microwave tripping breaker myself?
Ensure the microwave is on a dedicated 120V 15–20A circuit and check the door interlock switches.
How much does it cost to fix tripping breaker?
Professional repairs range from $120 for switch replacements to $600 for magnetron issues.
When should I call a technician for tripping breaker?
Call a technician if the breaker keeps tripping after DIY checks, as it indicates a potential fault.

References & Sources

Community Analytical Insights

Analysis based on real user discussions from appliance repair communities

Can I Fix This Myself?

100%
DIY Success Rate Difficulty: DIY

Common Issues Reported by Users

  • Faulty door switch (2 mentions)

User Suggested Solutions

  1. Replace the door switch

    Success rate: 50.0%
Analysis based on 2 community discussions
View Sources

Data compiled from real discussions on r/appliancerepair and r/Appliances:

  1. GE Profile Microwave (Model PVM9005SJSS) tripping breaker
  2. GE Microwave door switch

Community Discussions

When I open the door, it pops the breaker.

The door switch can be replaced for a low cost, and safety precautions must be taken.

DIY View on Reddit →

Source: Reddit r/appliancerepair

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