Microwave's vent close to refrigerator

In summary, the conversation revolves around the safe distance that should be maintained between the air vents on the side of a microwave and the side of a refrigerator to prevent overheating. The speaker suggests that a distance of 10 cm should be adequate and asks if placing aluminum foil on the side of the fridge would help. The discussion also includes concerns about radiation waves and their potential to cause overheating, but it is clarified that the vents are only for air circulation and do not emit waves. The speaker recommends consulting the owner's manual for specific recommendations on clearance distance and contacting the manufacturer for any further concerns.
  • #1
vizakenjack
57
4
< Mentor Note -- Post edited >

1. Homework Statement
So do you know how a microwave has air vents on the side?

How much of a distance must be allowed between the vent and the side of refrigerator in order for the Microwave not to overheat?
qlVf9Yp.png


Is 10 cm enough? Would putting an aluminum foil on the side of the fridge help? Like it'd absorb whatever radiation(?) waves from the vent, and not let the side of the fridge overheat... or not let the microwave get its waves waved back... so it'd overheat... or like waves must not be obstructed, because then they superimpose on each other and it'll block other waves coming out from the vent and then the mw would overheat rapidly...?

It's just right now the MW seems to get hot on the right side (opposite side of the vent), when I touch it at the bottom, and on top.

Homework Equations


I have no idea. Like, does only the air come out from the vents? How about electric/magnetic fields?

The Attempt at a Solution


Suppose it's a 800W microwave. Uhm... Dunno what to say next.
 
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  • #2
10cm seems like it should be adequate. You might check the Owner's Manual for a typical microwave oven to see if it specifies a distance. Do you have a specific model of microwave oven in mind?
 
  • #3
There should be no "waves" from the vents of a microwave. All the microwave radiation is contained in the "guts" of the oven. The vents are for air circulation to cool the electronics, so it's just conventional cooling requirements like any other piece of electronic equipment.

The manufacturer will have made recommendations regarding minimum clearances to allow an adequate amount of airflow according to whatever stated or unstated assumptions they've made about the rest of the operating environment. As @berkeman states, your owners manual should lay out those generic recommendations. If you have a particular situation that you're unsure about, contact the manufacturer and describe your setup.
 
  • Like
Likes vizakenjack and berkeman
  • #4
I've measured my distance. 3 cm. And I haven't had any problems, yet.
 

1. How far should the microwave's vent be from the refrigerator?

The recommended distance between the microwave's vent and the refrigerator is at least 6 inches. This will prevent any potential interference or damage to the refrigerator's cooling system.

2. Can the refrigerator be damaged by the heat from the microwave's vent?

It is unlikely that the heat from the microwave's vent will damage the refrigerator. However, it is important to maintain a safe distance between the two appliances to avoid any potential issues.

3. Is it safe to use the microwave's vent while the refrigerator is running?

Yes, it is safe to use the microwave's vent while the refrigerator is running. However, it is recommended to keep a safe distance between the two appliances to avoid any potential interference or damage to the refrigerator.

4. Will having the microwave's vent close to the refrigerator affect the refrigerator's performance?

In most cases, having the microwave's vent close to the refrigerator will not affect its performance. However, if the vent is too close and causes interference, it may impact the refrigerator's cooling capabilities. It is best to maintain a safe distance between the two appliances.

5. Can the location of the microwave's vent affect the temperature inside the refrigerator?

The location of the microwave's vent may have a minor impact on the temperature inside the refrigerator if it is too close or causing interference. To ensure optimal performance, it is recommended to keep a safe distance between the two appliances.

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