How to Read Microwave Signal Levels

A microwave oven emits radiation that is supposed to be contained with the chassis of the appliance. To assess whether any microwaves are leaking from the oven, employ a microwave signal meter. The meter will provide a visual indication of the level of microwaves in the area. You can purchase a microwave signal meter from an electronics shop, and using it doesn't require any special expertise.

Microwave oven
Phillips jeweler's screwdriver
Battery
Coffee cup

Instructions

- 1
  Turn the microwave signal meter over. Remove the battery compartment lid from the back. If a screw is in the lid, remove it with a Phillips jeweler's screwdriver.
- 2
  Insert the appropriate-sized battery into the battery compartment. Close the lid and reattach the screw, if there is one. Turn the meter right-side up.
- 3
  Fill a coffee cup with tap water. Place it inside the microwave, and set the timer to 30 seconds. Check that the door is securely closed. Stand to the side of the microwave. Hold the meter in front of the door's hinge -- about 5 inches out.
- 4
  Press the "Start" button on the meter. If the power button is color-coded, typically the green button is for "Start."
- 5
  Press the "Axis" button repeatedly until "XYX/MEM" appears at the left of the meter's LCD screen.
- 6
  Press the "UNIT/ENTER" button on the meter until "mV/m" appears on the LCD screen, then press the "ENTER" button. Press the "UNIT/ENTER" button repeatedly until "600" appears on the LCD screen, then press the "ENTER" button.
- 7
  Press the oven's "Start" button. The meter will now display any microwave readings as numbers on the LCD screen.

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