Microwave leaking?

[sanddrag]

When the microwave in my kitchen is turned on, it becomes very difficult to hold a conversation on the 2.4GHz portable phone because there is lots of static. Should this be? Is the microwave leaking potentially dangerous amounts of microwaves? Who would I even call to get such a thing checked out?

[Dave Flowerday]

Originally Posted by sanddrag

Should this be?

Yes, this is normal. The 2.4GHz spectrum in use by Wi-Fi and portable phones matches the frequencies used by microwave ovens. So you have the equivalent of a 1kW transmitter in your house using the same frequency as your phone. Most people also notice that Wi-Fi can be difficult with the microwave on.

It's not a coincidence that the 2.4GHz spectrum was made available for ISM use - it's not particularly attractive to anyone else (like cell phone carriers) who would pay for spectrum.

[Alan Anderson]

Almost all microwave ovens use a magnetron transmitting at 2450 MHz. If your 2.4 GHz cordless phone (or its base station) is nearby, the signal will be interfered with.

Moving the base station to a location well away from the microwave oven usually helps, but you'll still have interference if you want to use the handset in the kitchen whlie the oven is on.

[Daniel_LaFleur]

Originally Posted by sanddrag

Is the microwave leaking potentially dangerous amounts of microwaves? Who would I even call to get such a thing checked out?

Probably not. Wireless phones and networks are sensitive to and disruption.

If you are concerned, a microwave Radiation detector can be found here for ~ $12

[divergentdave]

I would also recommend staying away from Titus's newest vex bot while using your phone, or all the time, for that matter.

[Tytus Gerrish]

Originally Posted by divergentdave

I would also recommend staying away from Titus's newest vex bot while using your phone, or all the time, for that matter.

Tytus

Originally Posted by Daniel_LaFleur

Probably not. Wireless phones and networks are sensitive to and disruption.

If you are concerned, a microwave Radiation detector can be found here for ~ $12

i just bought one

[Timmyd]

Originally Posted by sanddrag

When the microwave in my kitchen is turned on, it becomes very difficult to hold a conversation on the 2.4GHz portable phone because there is lots of static. Should this be? Is the microwave leaking potentially dangerous amounts of microwaves? Who would I even call to get such a thing checked out?

the only thing you could do to be "safe" from the interference is to place a box of brass mesh over the Microwave

[DonRotolo]

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.

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.

[KenWittlief]

I was thinking about this driving home - its all a matter of ratios

your phone is very sensitive, it can pick up a fairly weak signal from the wall-mount antenna

and your microwave is putting out about 1kW.

Right? ok, if you turned on the microwave and it totally wiped out your phone reception, then the amount of power leaking from the microwave oven would be much greater than the power from the phone system itself.

But you said it only causes some static, which means any power coming from the oven is way less than the power from the phone system itself.

I dont think you have anything to worry about. You are getting more microwave energy off the phone system antenna than you are from stray energy from the microwave oven (which is normal).