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Unread 30-08-2006, 18:29
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DonRotolo DonRotolo is offline
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Re: Microwave leaking?

Quote:
Originally Posted by sanddrag
Is the microwave leaking potentially dangerous amounts of microwaves?
Probably not. Remember that your radio receiver (you call it a phone) is designed to detect and demodulate radio signals in the nanowatt range, and you have a kilowatt transmitter that's pretty well shielded - but nothing is perfect. Allowing a nanowatt or ten to leak is nothing to be alarmed about.
Quote:
Originally Posted by sanddrag
Who would I even call to get such a thing checked out?
Just about any amateur radio operator (see my sig) would be able to figure out how to check a microwave oven for leakage. That detector is a good start, don't be fooled by the $12 price tag, it's probably pretty sensitive (although probably not well calibrated).

A real simple check is to move your hand nearby - if you feel heating* you are in danger. If not, probably OK.

Don

*From the microwaves, not just heat from the hot food or whatever. Unlike thermal radiation, which starts burning the surface and works its way in, Radio Frequency heating also starts heating well beneath the surface. This principle is what make these ovens so effective, but a so-called "RF Burn" can be quite nasty and dangerous. Respect radio energy, especially antennas.
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