"Pete C." > wrote in message
ster.com...
>
> Omelet wrote:
>>
>> In article
>> >,
>> " > wrote:
>>
>> > Is it safe to open a microwave without pressing the stop button
>> > first? In my office there is a microwave 15 feet away from me, and 2
>> > of my co-workers are always using the microwave, and they always open
>> > it without hitting the stop button.
>>
>> It shuts off as soon as you open the door so it does not matter.
>
> Actually, it does matter, but not as a function of safety.
>
> When you open the microwave door without pressing the stop button, the
> power to the magnetron is interrupted by the door switch, stopping the
> microwave output.
>
> When you press the stop button, the power to the magnetron is
> interrupted by the timer's control relay, so when you open the door the
> door switch isn't interrupting any current.
>
> The timer's control relay is typically a decent unit and rated to handle
> interrupting this current on a regular basis, while the door switch is
> typically a cheap part and if used to interrupt the current regularly
> will often fail open, rendering the microwave inoperative.

Don't do it! I've developed many multiple brain tumors from opening the
microwave early.

Don't you have anything else to worry about?

TFM®