Microwave Leakage Testing and PAT Testing

 

Durham Electrics undertakes microwave leakage testing on microwave ovens at the same time as the pat testing.

 

How do microwave ovens work?

Microwaves are one of the most frequently used items of equipment in the kitchen after the kettle.  Microwaves heat food using heat radiation the same way the sun heats your skin.  ‘Microwaves’ are invisible electromagnetic waves transit the air in the same way you receive tv and radio. However, microwaves are shorter than radio waves and have shorter frequencies which allows them to cook food in a metal box (the microwave oven).  Due to the large amount of energy microwaves are extremely dangerous and can damage living cells and tissue.  You should never interfere with the protective components on a microwave oven.  You should also discard faulty appliances.

Interesting fact: microwaves are used in your mobile phone to carry sound through the air.  That is why calls made on mobile phones are not always secure.    

 

Why is microwave leakage testing required?

Microwave ovens can be extremely dangerous so it is vital that your microwave oven is in good working order.

 

What does it involve?

A competent person will use a microwave leakage detector to check your microwave ovens’ safety.  The maximum permissible leakage level of 5 milliwatts per square centimetre.  A visual inspection will also been completed to determine whether your microwave oven is safe to use.

 

British Standard Vs Microwave Oven Manufacturers

Microwave ovens in the UK should carry the British Electrotechnical Approvals Board Label (BEAB) and other ‘EC’ approval. The operating instructions should also contain reference to the British Standard BSEN 60 335-2-25 2002.

 

Fact: There is no proven evidence anywhere in the world of any user of a microwave cooker being harmed. (Source: Microwave Technologies Association)