GE microwave randomly loses power

Model # HVM1750SP1SS How do you discharge the capacitor?

Hi @jsas ,

If the model compliance plate on your microwave mentions "internal resistor" just disconnecting the microwave from the power for about 10 minutes should be sufficient to discharge the capacitor as it has an inbuilt resistor discharge circuit around the hi voltage capacitor. It would still be advisable to make sure by using a suitably sized screwdriver as outlined below.

If it doesn't mention anything about an internal resistor it may be safer to make a discharge lead as I explain below.

Because I've done this a few times I have made up a discharge lead consisting of 10 x 10KOhm 5W resistors - example only wired in series connection, connected to a lead with an alligator clip at each end, i.e. alligator clip - resistor bundle - lead - alligator clip

This creates a 100K Ohm 50W discharge lead

I then connect one end of the lead to the microwave chassis (earth) and the other end of the lead to the exposed +ve terminal of the hi voltage capacitor and allow it to discharge for about 5-10 minutes.

After that I place a big bladed screwdriver with a thick shank and a plastic handle directly across the +ve and -ve terminals of the capacitor, shorting them out to make doubly sure that it has fully discharged.

Some people just place the big screwdriver straight across the capacitor terminals to short them out. I don't like this as you can get a big spark and I believe perhaps wrongly but maybe not, that doing it this way can damage the capacitor as there is a huge albeit brief current flow through the capacitor. With a discharge lead like I use, there is a controlled flow of current that is slowly dissipating until the capacitor has fully discharged

Also I've seen the result when people don't use a big enough screwdriver and it has literally melted across the capacitor terminals arc welded if you like.

Here's a link to the parts for your model. The door switches are parts #25 & 26