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Topic: yet another microwave thread

shocker

03/7/2011 at 1:28pm
Location: kernow
Outfit: roma&cotswold discovery&tunnel awning

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I had a search around and got some useful info on using microwaves in caravans ,thanks to all who have posted and put up links. I was wondering,if one was to use a standard cheap microwave rated at say 700w,pulling 6-ish amps....would that only apply to the peak power ? What I am getting at is,would you be able to use the oven at the lower power settings and thus draw less current? I have taken many microwaves apart for the parts inside but am unsure as to how they work in relation to the above.Do they pull all the current all the time ? Or less when on lower settings ?
If the latter was so.....then would not it allow one to use your oven safely at a lower amperage supply site ?And allow you to keep your other electrics on without worries ?

LegsDownKettleOn

03/7/2011 at 3:01pm
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Using a microwave at low power actually causes it to pulse off and on rather than reduce the actual amount of power. For example, a 700 watt microwave would use 700 watts on high power, but on low power would use 700 watts half the time and none half the time. This is simplifying it a bit of course as the light and turntable use some power too, even when the microwave bit is in it's off cycle. A microwave also peaks at start-up when it could draw twice the rated current for a moment. Therefore, a 700watt microwave would be drawing about 3 amps (I=P/V where I = current in amps, P=power in watts and V = volts-typically 220 - 240) when running but when the magnetron energizes could briefly peak at 6 amps. If it is on low power, the magnetron is pulsing on and off so would be peaking at 6 amps more often.

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saxo1

03/7/2011 at 3:39pm
Location: None Entered
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The wattage of the M/Wave is the output power, you need to check on the specification plate usually on the back to check the input wattage it is usually considerably higher than the output wattage,

.Saxo1

shocker

03/7/2011 at 9:54pm
Location: kernow
Outfit: roma&cotswold discovery&tunnel awning

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Thanks for the replies,all. So........using it at a lower setting would cause higher current peaks more often than a lower power machine running steady. I am familiar with start up peaks on motors and fitting c curve trips and contactors but never thought that this would feature in caravanning ! I may just get some new seals for the pressure cooker,instead !

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