Something that I’ve noticed across most of the microwave ovens that I’ve used is that when they hum while cooking food, I can pick out 2 distinct tones. One of them is pretty clearly 60 120 hz, the 2nd harmonic of the AC power frequency. The other is consistently a minor 7th above that (which would be somewhere around 106-108 212-214 hz depending on the exact ratio). What causes this 2nd frequency to be produced?

Edit: after checking against a tone generator, the low frequency is actually 120 hz, double the grid frequency. The question is still the same, just an octave higher.

  • Clay_pidgin
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    11 year ago

    Interesting. I saw mostly 38Hz, 117, and 240. 100W LG microwave on US 60Hz with an audible fan.

    • @[email protected]
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      21 year ago

      Mine is also LG, not sure what its power output is, but i think its either 1000W or 1200W, yours must take forever to heat anything 😉.