Microwave heating sources can, on occasion, leak without detection. Leakage above the 5mW/cm.sq. BS EN60335-2-25 microwave oven standard may risk potential eye injury and damage to heat sensitive tissues. Tests for this potential risk should be made using accurate, calibrated instruments
No British Standard exists for microwave leakage detectors. Conseqently, it is in the interest of all customers, who have paid to have ovens tested for leakage, to ask if the test instrument used has a calibration certificate traceable to UK National Standard. This certificate is their guarantee that the test result is accurate.
Calibration – The view of the UK National Physical Laboratory (NPL)
Set out on page 2 of their publication “A guide to power flux density and field strength measurement” published in 2004. ISBN 0 904457 39 7.
“Neither an exacting specification nor an accurate instrument is a substitute for a regular calibration routine, as without calibration at suitable intervals the instrument is unlikely to remain accurate or perform to its intended specification. Furthermore, where measurements are intended for RF hazard purposes, the integrity of the measurement is paramount to ensure the safety of public and personnel.”
Microwave Leakage Monitors
Most modern microwaves ovens, if properly maintained, pose no leakage threat. However, to ensure any issues of compromised safety are avoided, a regular and reliable testing process may be implemented and conducted by a trusted and qualified company using an approved Microwave Leakage Detector.
Health and Safety Executive
The need to use the correct instrument type for the purpose of microwave leakage testing is set out in a quote from the HSE.
“If measurement is necessary after a repair and reassembly by an engineer , they should use a calibrated orthogonally mounted multisensory instrument for the purpose.”
Unlike many low-cost microwave leakage detectors claiming but failing to meet the UK standard, the instruments offered by Celtek are calibrated prior to dispatch and a calibration certificate is issued showing traceability to UK National Standards. It is this traceable certificate that is your guarantee that the reading indicated on our microwave leakage monitor and the test that the customer has paid for, are a true reflection of the oven leakage status.
These Calibrated leakage detectors are used to confirm that any leakage from the heating source is within the safe tolerance required by UK law. Any microwave leakage exceeding the safe level will be identified and the customer may then be advised how the problem may be overcome.
The Microwave Safety section of this site contains more detailed information on the levels of radiation leakage typically considered problematic and how this is measured.
Please browse through our site and feel free to contact us with any enquiries relating to microwave safety.