R-953/963M - 31
MICROWAVE MEASUREMENT
After any repair, the microwave oven must be checked for
microwave leakage to ensure continued safe operation.
BS EN 60335-2-25 specifies that the maximum permitted
leakage with a load of 275 ml is 50 W/m
2
(equivalent to 5
mW/cm
2
)
at a distance of 5 cm from the oven.
PREPARATION
The following items are required to carry out this test:-
1. A low form of 600 ml beaker made from an electrically
non-conductive material, such as glass or plastic, with
an inside diameter of approximately 8.5 cm. This must
contain 275
±
15 ml of water, at an initial temperature
of 20
±
2˚C.
2. A leakage detector which has been calibrated within
the preceding 12 months to a stand whose accuracy
can be traced to National Physical Laboratory Stand-
ards.
Recommended instruments are:
Apollo "XI"
Celtec "A100"
Before commencing the test, check that the leakage
detector is functioning and adjusted according to the
manufacturer's instructions, and any spacers are fitted to
ensure that measurement is taken 5cm from the surface of
the oven.
PROCEDURE
1. Place the beaker containing the water load in the oven
cavity at the centre of the turntable. The placing of this
standard load in the oven is important, not only to
protect the oven, but also to ensure that any leakage
it is not disguised by too large a load absorbing energy.
2. Close the oven door, and with the power level set to
FULL, turn the oven ON with the timer set for a few
minutes operation. Should the water begin to boil
before the test has been completed, it should be
replaced.
3. As shown in the diagram below, move the probe slowly
(not faster than 2.5 cm/sec.);-
a) around the edge of the door following the gap
b) across the face of the door
c) across any vents in the oven's sides, rear or top
Whilst the maximum leakage permitted in BS EN 60335-2-25 is 50 W/m
2
(equivalent to 5 mW/cm
2
), it is not normal
to detect any significant leakage, and therefore any detected leakage should be investigated.
Dotted line indicates the path taken by the leakage detec-
tor.
