Swan Cavity Arcing / Waveguide Contamination

Visible sparks or arcing inside the microwave cavity during cooking.

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Possible Causes

Damaged or burnt waveguide cover, Exposed metal on cavity wall, Food or grease buildup near waveguide, Use of metal containers or foil

How to Fix / Troubleshooting

Safety: Stop the microwave immediately if you see sparks. Unplug before cleaning or inspection.

  • Step 1 – Remove metal items: Ensure no metal cookware, foil, or utensils are inside. Use only microwave-safe containers.
  • Step 2 – Clean the cavity: Wipe the interior thoroughly with a mild detergent solution, focusing on the area around the waveguide cover. Remove all grease and food splatters.
  • Step 3 – Inspect waveguide cover: Check the mica waveguide cover (usually a small rectangular panel on the side wall). If it is burnt, cracked, or has holes, replace it with a Swan-compatible waveguide cover.
  • Step 4 – Check for exposed metal: Look for chipped paint or rust exposing bare metal. Touch-up with microwave-safe cavity paint if minor; if severe, consult a technician.

Do not operate the microwave with a damaged or missing waveguide cover.

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Repair Difficulty

Easy 2/5

Required Part

Waveguide Cover (Mica Plate)
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