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I don't have an insulated screwdriver. Would wearing rubber gloves protect me from electrical shock? What is the most common size of security Torx screw on microwave ovens?
I'm sorry, but no way would I give such information out on security screws. If you plan on disassembling the unit to do a simple lamp replace, you are on your own. Anyone even thinking of working around high voltage needs at least three in-person lectures from an experienced hand, and real-life guidance the first few times. Rubber gloves might or might not work, depending on a few factors. If you don't know, and don't know WHY they would work or not, then you have no business even thinking about such a project. If the job isn't simple and straightforward - don't do it. My father was a chief engineer of radio stations, had a first class FCC license and training, and years of experience. He related to me how he almost made a short cut by not discharging a capacitor in a mountaintop transmitter that SHOULD have been discharged by the circuit, and would have been killed if he had not rethought and melted a screwdriver across the terminals. A cousin of mine died of electrical burns from working on a powerline. I've been literally tossed across the room by a fairly small capacitor. Electricity is NOT forgiving at high voltages or strong currents. If the lamp is not easily accessible, go no further.
We live in interesting times. People in the wealthiest nation on Earth, with access to more knowledge than ever via the Internet, are now unable to change a lightbulb.
OP, I think you are overthinking this. I've changed the bulbs on a few microwaves the the manufacturer usually makes this easy. A couple screws and the lens comes out and just unscrew and screw the bulb in.
If it's more complete, give us some photos or a model of the microwave.
Wait a dang on minute here....I have never even considered there was danger in changing a lightbulb. Pretty sure they make that part fool proofffff
Precisely!!! Access to a bulb that it is possible to change requires no special tool or bits. The OP apparently wants to pull a tooth using a colonoscopy.
I am not familiar with the CSA, UL, EN or equivalent safety certification codes for microwaves specifically, but I can tell you that the safety certifications for other electrical equipment that I do know about, requires that access to dangerous areas require use of a tool. I would be surprised if the manufacturer would use security Torx fasteners on the access to the interior light bulb, unless they had been required to by the certification body. Note that in appliances like electric ovens, lamps, and refrigerators the interior light bulb is accessible without the use of tools.
Precisely!!! Access to a bulb that it is possible to change requires no special tool or bits. The OP apparently wants to pull a tooth using a colonoscopy.
+1
That colonoscopy dentist would be mighty unpopular
FWIW, I recently had warranty work done on my microwave, to replace the magnetron and a diode. The outer case alone had 20 screws, some hidden and security screws to prevent a consumer from opening it. The magnetron itself was in another metal case with more special screws. Wanna know what the tech did prior to removing the old magnetron? Yep, he grounded out the capacitor.
I repaired my microwave not long ago. It is a fairly new model. There were no special screws and no special tools required to get the case off and access the magnetron. (Yes, I am qualified to do this kind of work, having previously been trained to repair military radar systems.)
The OP should be able to change the bulb through an access panel reached from the inside the cooking cavity of the unit. The case should not need to be removed just to change a bulb.
Do NOT remove any fastener that requires a special end on a screwdriver other than flathead or phillips.
Is that true with all appliances or just a microwave?
I recently fixed a coffee maker and a vacuum cleaner and had to remove Torx screws on both occasions. They were both unplugged of course, but I have to admit I didn't otherwise think about a shock hazard.
Is that true with all appliances or just a microwave?
I recently fixed a coffee maker and a vacuum cleaner and had to remove Torx screws on both occasions. They were both unplugged of course, but I have to admit I didn't otherwise think about a shock hazard.
Neither of those would give me pause. If you understand basic electronics and electricity, those are self-explanatory and relatively safe. Torx screws keep casual opening by kids at a minimum, and torx have their own other advantages. The real dangers are in the high voltage appliances and ones that use large capacitors. I might think hard before fiddling with electrostatic air cleaners and fans, but most other stuff is far less dangerous.
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