Troubleshooting a receptacle

[Kuzu]

I have (had!) an above the stove microwave which plugged in to a receptacle above it in a cabinet. It's been there for over 3 years and operated without any problems. A few weeks ago the microwave stopped working. I replaced the fuse in the microwave and the electronics functioned properly but when it was actually ran, it completely stopped working. I purchased a new microwave, mounted it and the second I plugged it in, there was a large popping sound and a large spark traveling down the backside of the microwave. Needless to say it spooked me a bit.

So I no longer think it is a microwave, but the receptacle. What could be going wrong to cause this. What are some things I can do to determine what the problem might be?

Thanks!

 

[roger]

Don't take this wrong but You could call an EC. It could be anywhere and any conductor from the OCPD to the receptacle.

Roger

 

[charlie b]

If Roger will permit me to clarify his statement, Forum rules prohibit us from helping a person who is not an electrician, or an electrical contractor (EC), in the performance of electrical installation, troubleshooting, or repair work at their own homes.

An engineer can learn a great deal from this site; I know that I have. An engineer can also give a great deal of assistance to other members of this site; I hope that I have. But an engineer is not an electrician; I know I am not. There are web sites at which anyone can learn things about electrical installation, troubleshooting, and repair; this is just not one of them.

 

[petersonra]

I purchased a new microwave, mounted it and the second I plugged it in, there was a large popping sound and a large spark traveling down the backside of the microwave. Needless to say it spooked me a bit.

I would be spooked too!

I suspect there is something wrong, as it is not supposed to do this.

Realistically, you can't expect anyone to be able to debug something like this from a brief post on the Internet. Call an electrican.

 

[peter]

In a sense, Mr. Kuzu is calling an electrician. I don't know whether Mr. Kuzu is an apprentice or not, but in any case this is an interesting question being exposed to a presumably large number of preumably very experience electrians. Of which I am sure some one of which has seen or heard of such a situation.
Personally, I have never experienced nor heard of a loud bang and zooming flash but the description should be clear enough for someone out here to recognize and explain the problem.
~Peter

 

[George Stolz]

I think the best advice is to call an electrician. This is something that should be checked over by experienced eyes with the proper tools.