How To Remove A Overhead Microwave

Microwave ovens are a common kitchen appliance that can be used to cook, reheat, and defrost food. They are relatively easy to use, but removing them from the wall can be a bit more challenging. If you are planning to move or remodel your kitchen, you may need to remove your overhead microwave. Here are a few tips on how to do it safely and easily.

Before you begin, make sure that you have all of the necessary tools and materials. You will need a screwdriver, a wrench, and a pair of pliers. You may also need a ladder if your microwave is mounted high on the wall. Once you have gathered your tools, you can begin the removal process. First, unplug the microwave from the electrical outlet. Then, remove the mounting screws that are holding the microwave to the wall. Once the screws are removed, you can carefully lift the microwave off of the wall and set it aside.

Once the microwave is removed, you can disconnect the electrical wires that are connected to it. Be careful not to damage the wires, as this could create a fire hazard. Once the wires are disconnected, you can remove the microwave completely. If you are planning to move the microwave to a new location, be sure to pack it carefully to avoid damage. You may also want to consider hiring a professional to help you move the microwave, especially if it is a heavy model.

Disconnecting the Power Supply

### 1. Shut off the electricity to the microwave.

Before you begin any work, it is crucial to ensure your safety by disconnecting the power supply to the microwave. Locate the electrical panel for your home and flip the circuit breaker that corresponds to the microwave circuit to the “OFF” position. You can also unplug the microwave from the electrical outlet if it is connected to one.

### 2. Wait for the microwave to cool down.

Once the power supply is disconnected, allow the microwave to cool down for at least 30 minutes before attempting to remove it. This is to prevent any burns from residual heat in the appliance.

### 3. Remove the mounting screws.

After the microwave has cooled, locate the mounting screws that secure it to the wall or cabinet above it. These screws can usually be found on the top or bottom of the microwave, depending on the model. Use a screwdriver to remove these screws, but do not remove the microwave from the wall or cabinet yet.

### 4. Support the microwave while removing it.

With the mounting screws removed, you are ready to remove the microwave from its position. Get someone to help you lift and support the microwave while you carefully slide it out of the wall or cabinet. Be mindful not to drop or damage the appliance during this process.

Removing the Mounting Screws

Once the power has been disconnected, you can begin removing the mounting screws. These screws are typically located at the top of the microwave, on either side of the unit. They may be covered by plastic caps or covers, which you can gently pry off with a flathead screwdriver.

Using a Phillips head screwdriver, carefully loosen the mounting screws by turning them counterclockwise. Do not remove the screws completely at this point, as the microwave is still attached to the wall by the electrical cord and bracket.

Once the mounting screws are loose, you can gently pull the microwave forward and away from the wall. Be careful not to pull too hard, as you may damage the electrical cord or bracket.

Tool Required	Steps
Flathead screwdriver	Pry off plastic caps or covers
Phillips head screwdriver	Loosen mounting screws
Gently pull microwave forward	Detach from wall

Unplugging the Wiring Harness

Unplugging the wiring harness is a crucial step in removing an overhead microwave. It requires careful attention to detail to ensure safety and prevent damage to the appliance. Here are the steps involved:

1. Turn Off Power and Unplug the Microwave

Before touching any electrical components, ensure the microwave is disconnected from the power supply. Locate the electrical outlet and unplug the microwave from the wall. Do not yank or pull on the cord, as this may damage the wiring.

2. Locate and Access the Junction Box

The junction box is a metal enclosure that contains the electrical connections for the microwave. It is typically located inside the cabinet or behind the microwave itself. Access the junction box by unscrewing the cover or removing any bolts or screws holding it in place.

3. Unplug the Wiring Harness

Once you have access to the junction box, you will see a bundle of wires connected to the microwave’s wiring harness. Each wire is typically identified by a different color. To unplug the wiring harness, follow these steps carefully:

Identify Terminals: Locate the terminals on the junction box where the wires from the wiring harness are connected. Terminals are typically labeled or color-coded.
Loosen Screws: Using a screwdriver, loosen the screws on the terminals to release the wires from the wiring harness.
Pull Wires: Gently pull each wire straight out of the terminal. Do not pull on the wire itself, as this may damage the wire or the terminal.
Disconnect Harness: Once all the wires are disconnected, carefully lift the wiring harness away from the junction box.

Refer to this table for a more detailed visual guide to unplugging the wiring harness:

Step	Description
1	Identify terminals and loosen screws.
2	Pull wires straight out of terminals.
3	Disconnect wiring harness from junction box.

Removing the Trim Plate

The trim plate is the decorative panel that covers the edges of the microwave oven and conceals its mounting screws. To remove the trim plate, follow these steps:

1. Unplug the microwave oven from the electrical outlet.

2. Locate the screws that hold the trim plate in place. They are typically located on the top and bottom of the trim plate.

3. Remove the screws using a screwdriver. Be careful not to drop the screws.

4. Gently pull the trim plate away from the microwave oven. It should come off easily.

5. If the trim plate is stuck, you may need to use a putty knife or a thin, flat object to gently pry it loose. Insert the putty knife or flat object between the trim plate and the microwave oven and carefully pry the trim plate away from the oven. Be careful not to damage the trim plate or the microwave oven.

Once the trim plate is removed, you will have access to the mounting screws that hold the microwave oven in place. You can now proceed to the next step of the removal process.

Disassembling the Microwave

PREPARATIONS

Before disassembling the microwave, ensure power supply is cut off, plug is removed from socket, and the device is cold.

REMOVING THE CABINET

Identify the mounting screws or bolts securing the microwave to the cabinet. Unscrew or unbolt them carefully. Grip the microwave firmly, lift it straight up off the cabinet, and set it aside.

DISCONNECTING THE WIRING

Locate the wiring harness connecting the microwave to the power supply and cabinet. Disconnect the harness by unplugging the connectors or unscrewing the terminals. Label wires if necessary for easier reassembly.

REMOVING THE MOUNTING BRACKETS

Unfasten the mounting brackets attaching the microwave to the wall or ceiling. These may be secured with screws or bolts; use appropriate tools to remove them.

DETACHING THE DOOR

Open the microwave door fully. Locate the hinges connecting the door to the microwave body. Unscrew or unbolt the hinges and carefully lift the door off the microwave.

ACCESSING THE INTERNAL COMPONENTS

Once the door is removed, you can access the internal components of the microwave. These may include the magnetron, waveguide, fan motor, and turntable motor. Handle components gently to avoid damage.

ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS

MAGNETRON

The magnetron is a vacuum tube that generates microwaves. It is located in the base of the microwave oven and is responsible for heating the food. The magnetron is a critical component and should only be replaced by a qualified technician.

WAVEGUIDE

The waveguide is a metal tube that carries microwaves from the magnetron to the cooking chamber. It is important to keep the waveguide clean and free of obstructions.

FAN MOTOR

The fan motor circulates air inside the microwave oven to cool the components and prevent overheating. The fan motor is usually located in the back of the microwave oven.

TURNTABLE MOTOR

The turntable motor rotates the turntable inside the microwave oven, ensuring that food is cooked evenly. The turntable motor is usually located in the bottom of the microwave oven.

Cleaning the Microwave

1. Unplug the microwave.

Before you begin cleaning, be sure to unplug the microwave from the electrical outlet. This will prevent the microwave from accidentally turning on while you are cleaning it.

2. Remove the turntable and turntable ring.

The turntable and turntable ring can be removed by simply lifting them out of the microwave. Be sure to wash these items in hot, soapy water and dry them thoroughly before replacing them.

3. Clean the interior of the microwave.

The interior of the microwave can be cleaned with a mild detergent and water. Use a sponge or cloth to wipe down the interior surfaces, including the door, the ceiling, and the sides. Be sure to rinse the interior thoroughly with clean water and dry it with a clean cloth.

4. Clean the exterior of the microwave.

The exterior of the microwave can be cleaned with a mild detergent and water. Use a sponge or cloth to wipe down the exterior surfaces, including the door, the sides, and the top. Be sure to rinse the exterior thoroughly with clean water and dry it with a clean cloth.

5. Clean the door gasket.

The door gasket is a rubber seal that helps to keep the microwave door closed. Over time, the door gasket can become dirty and greasy. Use a sponge or cloth to wipe down the door gasket with a mild detergent and water. Be sure to rinse the door gasket thoroughly with clean water and dry it with a clean cloth.

6. Clean the vent.

The vent is located on the top or side of the microwave. It is used to exhaust air from the microwave. Over time, the vent can become clogged with dust and debris. Use a vacuum cleaner to clean the vent. Be sure to remove any dust or debris from the vent.

7. Clean the microwave filter.

The microwave filter is located behind the vent. It is used to trap grease and smoke from the microwave. Over time, the microwave filter can become clogged with grease and smoke. It is important to clean the microwave filter regularly to ensure that the microwave is working properly. To clean the microwave filter, remove it from the microwave and wash it in hot, soapy water. Be sure to rinse the microwave filter thoroughly with clean water and dry it thoroughly before replacing it.

Cleaning Task	Frequency
Clean the interior of the microwave	Monthly
Clean the exterior of the microwave	Monthly
Clean the door gasket	Monthly
Clean the vent	Every 3 months
Clean the microwave filter	Every 6 months

Reinstalling the Microwave

1. Turn off the power to the microwave at the circuit breaker.
2. Remove the mounting screws that hold the microwave to the cabinet.
3. Carefully lift the microwave off the mounting bracket.

4. Remove the power cord from the outlet.
5. Remove the exhaust duct from the microwave.

6. If the microwave is vented outside, remove the vent cap from the exterior wall.

7. Clean the mounting surface and the back of the microwave.
8. Apply a bead of caulk around the perimeter of the mounting surface. This will help to seal the microwave and prevent drafts.

| Step | Action |
|—|—|
| 1 | Turn off the power to the microwave at the circuit breaker. |
| 2 | Remove the mounting screws that hold the microwave to the cabinet. |
| 3 | Carefully lift the microwave off the mounting bracket. |
| 4 | Remove the power cord from the outlet. |
| 5 | Remove the exhaust duct from the microwave. |
| 6 | If the microwave is vented outside, remove the vent cap from the exterior wall. |
| 7 | Clean the mounting surface and the back of the microwave. |
| 8 | Apply a bead of caulk around the perimeter of the mounting surface. This will help to seal the microwave and prevent drafts. |

9. Place the microwave on the mounting bracket and align the screw holes.
10. Insert the mounting screws and tighten them securely.

11. Connect the power cord to the outlet.
12. Install the exhaust duct to the microwave.

13. If the microwave is vented outside, install the vent cap on the exterior wall.

14. Turn on the power to the microwave at the circuit breaker.
15. Test the microwave to make sure it is working properly.

Reconnecting the Power Supply

Step 1: Unplug the Microwave.
Before touching any wires, ensure that the microwave is completely disconnected from the power source. Locate the power cord and pull the plug from the wall outlet.

Step 2: Identify the Wires.
Inside the electrical box, you will find several wires connected to the microwave. These wires will typically be black, white, and green (or bare copper) and are held together with wire nuts.

Step 3: Remove the Wire Nuts.
Carefully remove the wire nuts by twisting them counterclockwise. Be cautious not to damage the wires.

Step 4: Separate the Wires.
Once the wire nuts are removed, gently separate the black and white wires from each other. The green (or bare copper) wire is the ground wire and should remain connected.

Step 5: Connect the New Microwave.
Align the wires from the new microwave with the corresponding wires from the electrical box. Twist the black wire from the new microwave with the black wire from the box, and do the same for the white wires.

Step 6: Secure the Wire Nuts.
Place a new wire nut over each set of twisted wires and tighten it clockwise until snug. Ensure that the wires are securely connected.

Step 7: Test the Wiring.
Before reconnecting the power, double-check your connections using a multimeter to ensure proper continuity and no short circuits.

Step 8: Reconnect the Power.
Plug the microwave power cord back into the wall outlet and turn on the breaker or fuse to restore power to the appliance.

Step 9: Test the Microwave.
Press the power button on the microwave to ensure that it is functioning correctly. If the microwave does not turn on or operates abnormally, repeat the above steps to check for any loose connections or wiring errors.

Testing the Microwave

Before attempting to remove the microwave, it’s crucial to ensure it’s turned off and unplugged from the power source. Follow these steps to verify the microwave’s status:

1. Check the Power Switch

Locate the power switch on the microwave’s front or side panel. Make sure it’s turned to the “Off” position.

2. Unplug the Microwave

Locate the electrical outlet where the microwave is plugged in. Firmly grasp the plug and pull it straight out of the outlet.

3. Wait for Capacitor to Discharge

After unplugging the microwave, allow a few minutes for the capacitor to discharge. This will prevent any electrical shock hazard.

4. Open the Microwave Door

Once the capacitor has discharged, open the microwave door to release any remaining energy.

5. Check for Residual Heat

Feel the inside and outside of the microwave to ensure it’s completely cool. If it’s still warm, wait longer before proceeding.

6. Visually Inspect the Microwave

Examine the microwave for any damage or loose parts. If you notice anything unusual, do not attempt to remove it yourself and contact a qualified appliance repair technician.

7. Gather Necessary Tools

You will likely need a Phillips head screwdriver and a flathead screwdriver to remove the microwave.

8. Wear Protective Gear

Put on safety glasses and gloves to protect yourself from sharp edges or electrical components.

9. Disconnect Electrical Wires

Once the microwave is removed from the wall, carefully disconnect the electrical wires from the terminal block. Note the position of each wire for reconnection later.

10. Remove the Mounting Bracket

Locate the mounting bracket that secures the microwave to the wall. Using the appropriate screwdriver, remove the screws or bolts that hold the bracket in place. Be careful not to drop the microwave when removing it from the bracket.