Convert microwave to springwound timer operation?

[rlyoung]

I have a 1500w Amana commercial microwave oven in which the $120 control board has died. 120vac applied to the transformer, fan and stirrer heats water normally. As a theoretical question, couldn't  I run the oven's essential components on a spring-wound timer? it would be on 'full power' until the timer shut off.  All the regular door switched and heat sensors would still be in place and functioning. Thanks.

[Budget Appliance Repair]

Yes, totally do-able.  Just need to make sure contact switches in timer are rated at a high enough amperage to handle the transformer/hi-voltage/magetron load, (probably 15 Amp minimum and preferably 20 Amp if you could find).

[Terry Carmen]

If this is in a business someone is going to get injured or even just claim to be injured and sue you and you'll be on your own. The manufacturer won't do anything and there's a good chance your insurance company won't either.

There's a significant chance that this will be the most expensive $120 you ever save.

 

 

[rlyoung]

It's in my home, which doesn't eliminate the need to think twice about the wisdom of altering the design.

[Terry Carmen]

43 minutes ago, rlyoung said:

It's in my home, which doesn't eliminate the need to think twice about the wisdom of altering the design.

Technically, if you wire everything right, it should be fine; however I wouldn't do it even on my own oven.

A new microwave is about $100. A nice one might be $200. It's not worth the effort, especially when you can replace the OEM part for $120.

Edited August 5, 2021 by Terry Carmen

[LearningTech]

On 8/5/2021 at 3:34 PM, Terry Carmen said:

A new microwave is about $100.

Tell me where you can buy one for $100.  They are like 200 basic, and up. 

Oh, unless your talking countertop, then yeah just saw onewith amazon alexa for $75

[Terry Carmen]

29 minutes ago, LearningTech said:

Oh, unless your talking countertop, then yeah just saw onewith amazon alexa for $75

AFAIK, Amana only made the commercial units as "countertop". Also they had a line that just said "commercial" but really weren't. They did make commercial units, but were big and ugly with programmable buttons.

Even of it was OTR, there's no way I'd be hacking up an old unit just to put a timer in it when a new one is ~$200.

$65 @ Walmart.

https://www.walmart.com/ip/Hamilton-Beach-0-9-Cu-Ft-Stainless-Steel-Countertop-Microwave-Oven/55124372

Edited December 17, 2021 by Terry Carmen