Can a Microwave run continously?

[Chetlaham]

Cycling Magnetron

I'll let John answer however IMO a power level less than 100% does not count as continuous operation. Same for alternating between microwaves and convection. The fan still runs but the tube and transformer are not generating heat during the off cycle.

My Sharp R21LCFS does not have power level however so it would be a straight run.

 

[combo52]

What major appliances can’t run continuously

When I made my quiz question, I should’ve said what major Appliance, I’m sure there are lots of small, portable electrical things that are not supposed to run continuously, although surprisingly not that many.

But I was thinking of major appliances, and things sold by a major appliance manufacturers, a refrigerator or freezer certainly could run continuously and often do with no harm to the compressor, fan motors, etc. yes it would get too cold and they normally don’t run continuously but there are thousands of refrigerators out there right now running continuously because of bad temperature controls, etc.

But there is a major Appliance in the majority of American kitchens that cannot run continuously no one’s mentioned it yet.

John

 

[gizmo]

In the majority of American kitchens...?

Garbage disposal?

(they are almost unheard of here, in fact I believe no longer sold new, but common in USA?)

 

[DADoES]

 
Cannot run continously, as that isn't possible by design of onboard safety components?

Or shouldn't run continuously, as the user is strongly advised not to do so for reason of avoiding damage?

 

[combo52]

Cannot run continously, but will not be damaged by trying.

John

 

[estesguy]

Electric oven

The heating element in the oven will not stay on continuously even though the oven is on is my only guess

 

[Chetlaham]

Trash compactor?

IF not that I'm also putting in my vote for Garbage disposal. I'm guessing (assuming) that it will run until the red button on the bottom pops out from the motor getting too hot.

 

[petek]

I would say a kitchen hood/exhaust fan could run continuously. Do I win the luggage?

 

[circlew]

Well, I don't think it's a trash compactor, as he said "in the majority of American kitchens", and that appliance doesn't fall into that category. I'm thinking a dishwasher.

 

[combo52]

I was thinking of a garbage disposal

There’s no cooling system in a residential garbage disposal and they’ll only run for 1520 minutes at best before the thermal overload just cuts the thing off and it Has to cool for quite a while.

A trash compactor actually can run continuously I’ve seen it happen when the start switch sticks customers have come home and the thing is compacting over and over again possibly for hours on end doesn’t seem to hurt them.

An electric oven bake element can run continuously again I’ve seen it done many times Used to have a friend that was always running out of heating oil and they would open the door on their Roper, built Kenmore electric oven and turn it on and let it run all night to try to keep the house warm. Yes, modern ovens with electronic controls. Generally only run 12 hours, but you can override it by using the sabbath mode..

The pump motors in modern dishwashers are not continuous duty but as they designed into the cycle, you can run cycle after cycle with your dishwasher Because there’s enough periods of soaking, etc. built into the cycle that it won’t damage the motors.

This is the wonderful thing about modern electrical machines. They never need a rest basically.

John

 

[paulg]

Electric can opener

I believe that an electric can opener is one appliance that cannot run continuously.

 

[daveamkrayoguy]

I wonder how long I can run my stereo rig...



-- Dave

 

[william8]

I've also had paper shredders that would overheat if ran constantly.

The other appliance in my home is the drip coffee makers. The last two I've had would automatically shut off after 1 to 1.5 hours.

 

[daveamkrayoguy]

Yes, I have paper shredders that need a break, too...

Naturally auto-drip coffee makers have to have an auto-shutoff, they can easily become fire hazards, torching property...

As for my stereo, I do a lot of listening, so I depend on it and all the components (though my cassette tape deck is so finicky, I should abandon that format) that the time needs to be regulated and not sit idle... Keeping the light bulbs working is a plus as well...



-- Dave

 

[phillymatt53]

I've got a Sharp Carousel microwave, 800 watt model since 2003.
Never any issues with it, and I've set it many times to run for perhaps 12 minutes on "high" for a large baked potato.

 

[phillymatt53]

I wonder how long I can run my stereo rig...



-- Dave

If it's in good operating condition, and not cranked up loud.... it'll be fine for days and days.

Besides, home stereos are not made to be cranked to the max.
Just because it can go to max, a moron will find out that fact.

 

[daveamkrayoguy]

If it's in good operating condition, and not cranked up loud.... it'll be fine for days and days.

Besides, home stereos are not made to be cranked to the max.
Just because it can go to max, a moron will find out that fact.

I'm very easy with the volume... (though it's cool to for the neighbors to hear me listening to Steely Dan, though on "Everything You Did" they said to "turn up The Eagles, the neighbors are listening")

It has two speakers and I know I'm better off running it through the speakers than deafening myself with headphones...

Of which the wires never stretched out far enough for me and got worn and frayed and tangled up against themselves...



-- Dave