Can a Microwave Work Without a Light?

All microwaves have lights, but they’re all prone to burning out at some point. Whether the filament was damaged or the light surpassed how long it was supposed to last, you’ll eventually have to replace it. But if you don’t have the right kind of light on hand, can you use your microwave before the replacement?

A microwave can work without a light, but you won’t be able to see what you’re heating up. Furthermore, these lights enhance the microwave’s ability to evenly distribute radiation waves and heat. Without it, your food might be cold or require more time in the microwave.

If your microwave doesn’t have a light bulb, it’s time to find out which replacement you need and how you can swap it out. Using the wrong light bulb wattage for your microwave is worse than not having a light at all.

Can You Use a Microwave Without a Light Bulb?

Using a microwave light without a bulb can prevent you from seeing anything in the microwave, but it also stops you from knowing if the door is slightly ajar. Microwave bulbs serve multiple purposes, including maintaining radiation and heat, letting you see its contents clearer, and alerting you if the door is open.

American Home Shieldhttps://www.ahs.com/home-matters/repair-maintenance/avoid-microwave-meltdowns-easy-troubleshooting-tips/ claims a lack of voltage at the light socket could mean one of two things:

1. There’s not enough voltage coming from the circuit breaker.
2. The control board needs to be replaced.

If the microwave’s control board is faulty or damaged, the digital display will look faded. It can also prevent the light from illuminating your microwave.

Other than that, you can safely use your microwave without the light. In my opinion, you should replace the microwave’s light as quickly as possible for the aforementioned benefits. It’s also nice to know if something is potentially wrong with the control board.

If you need a new microwave light, try the BlueStars Lifetime Exchange Microwave Bulb. These bulbs come in a 3-pack, and they’re compatible with most major microwave brands. They’re 40 watts and 125 volts, so you don’t have to worry about overloading the light socket.

Before you replace your microwave light, I’d figure out what caused it to stop working. If your microwave light keeps going out every few months, there’s something wrong with one of the following parts:

• Control board
• Light socket
• Wall outlet
• Hardwired parts
• Circuit breaker

Microwave lights usually last over 1,000 hours of usage. You’ll get several years out of your microwave’s light bulb if all of those components are in good condition.

If you’re uncertain about why your microwave light isn’t lasting long enough, check out the list of reasons I’ve provided below.

Why Isn’t Your Microwave Light Working?

Your microwave light isn’t working because the filament was damaged, the light socket is malfunctioning, or the microwave doesn’t have enough voltage. Additional causes include the possibility of the light being the wrong size for your microwave or mishandling the microwaving while moving it.

Here’s what I’ve found that can prevent your microwave light from functioning properly:

• Damaged filaments will stop the light from illuminating the microwave. Check the filament on each microwave light bulb. If they look black, brown, or bent in different directions, they’re likely damaged beyond repair. There’s no use in fixing broken microwave light filaments.
• Your microwave light won’t work if the socket has bent or burnt prongs. The socket under the light bulb can break just as easily as the bulb’s filament or glass. The prongs should have a threaded socket and two or three copper nodes.
• Extension cords often prevent microwaves from getting enough power for the light bulb. If you use an extension cord with a heating pad, microwave, space heater, or any other hot appliance, you’ll likely experience all sorts of power shortage issues (especially if it’s a low-quality cord). It can also dim the microwave display, making it difficult to see.
• Choosing the wrong light bulb wattage will stop your microwave light from working. For instance, most microwaves need 40-watt bulbs, so you shouldn’t use a 100-watt bulb for the same socket. You’ll end up frying the microwave light socket or preventing it from powering the bulb.
• Dropping the bulb or bumping the microwave can damage the light. Direct damage is one of the most common ways to break a microwave light. Unfortunately, this issue can happen during shipping and handling, so I suggest contacting the company for a warranty.

I also want to note that using a microwave outside can expose it to rain and sunlight. This process will damage the microwave’s parts, including the light bulb. It’s the same situation that happens when using a tower fan outside.

What to Do if Your Microwave Light Isn’t Working

If your microwave light isn’t working, follow these instructions:

1. Test the microwave’s voltage at the light socket. Money Pit advises that you use a voltmeter to check the socket’s voltage to make sure it’s between 120v to 220v. If there’s not enough voltage, something’s wrong with the circuit breaker or the wall outlet, not the microwave light.
2. Unplug your microwave. If you’re removing the motor, the magnetron, or the high-voltage capacitor, make sure you discharge the capacitor first. Discharging the capacitor is also the initial step you should take when your microwave is whistling.
3. Untwist the light bulb from the microwave. If the bulb has a cover plate, remove the screws from the plate, then place the cover on a soft cloth or a towel to prevent it from cracking. Microwave waveguides crack very easily, too. Check the bulb’s wattage listed at the base of the threaded portion.
4. Get a microwave light bulb with the same wattage (or whatever the company recommends). Using a bulb that doesn’t have enough wattage will prevent it from lighting the microwave. On the other hand, a bulb that’s too big can fry the light socket.
5. Plug your microwave into the closest wall outlet. Avoid stretching the cable or relying on extra cords to reach nearby outlets. Also, make sure your microwave doesn’t exceed the breaker’s amperage.

While your microwave can often function without a light, you should never use a microwave without a fan. It can cause overheating issues within the first use after the fan goes out. If multiple parts stop working at the same time, check the microwave’s control board for proper voltage (120v to 220v).