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Probably not the right forum, but what the hell you guys always have the right answers. Here’s the set up: I have installed 2 x 20watt under cabinet 12v puck lights, wired to the transformer, wired to a 3 setting “touch” switch (connected to the hinge – each touch of the hinge each setting of the lights) This all works great, until the microwave is on. This is what happens. If lights are set on “high-100%” and the microwave is on, lights dim to almost nothing a flash/cycle brighter when the popcorn is done, lights back to where they should be. Other information: microwave is on different e-run. another set of lights on different cabinets is set up the same way is uneffected. is it the transfomer? is it the touch swith? is my shen fui off?
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Jeff,
Sounds like everything is on the same circuit and the use of the microwave on high overloads it enough to effect the lights. If I recall correctly, most recommendations now are for a microwave to be on a dedicated circuit - same with a computer - to avoid brown out problems such as you are experiencing.
Cliff.
*This sounds like it could be an RFI problem. Your microwave radiates (by design) Radio Frequency energy and although most of it is contained within the cabinet, some of it leaks out. It's a rather strong field near the unit. Touch lights are notorious for being turned on/off by RFI.-Mike
*As I read the problem statement: the lights are on a separate circuit; and, the lights dim while the MW is running, but go back to bright when it shuts down.RFI, EMF, or just plain voltage drop ? So, how close is the transformer to the microwave ? Did you try draping a piece of HD aluminum foil over the MW between it and the transformer, switch, and lights and see if that changed the effect (hold on to the foil to ground it) ?
*Plug (or tempoary wire) in a light with a 25-40 watt blub into the EXACT same connections that the transformer is connected to. If the this light has the same problem then it is in the house wiring.If not it is RFI/EMF problem.
*Check the micro wave for excessive leakage. Use a small 15w florescent light bulb(like from a desk lamp). With the MW on high, pass the bulb around the cabinet and door. If the bulb starts to emitt even faintly, you have excessive leakage. It should not light up at all!Dave
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Probably not the right forum, but what the hell you guys always have the right answers. Here's the set up: I have installed 2 x 20watt under cabinet 12v puck lights, wired to the transformer, wired to a 3 setting "touch" switch (connected to the hinge - each touch of the hinge each setting of the lights) This all works great, until the microwave is on. This is what happens. If lights are set on "high-100%" and the microwave is on, lights dim to almost nothing a flash/cycle brighter when the popcorn is done, lights back to where they should be. Other information: microwave is on different e-run. another set of lights on different cabinets is set up the same way is uneffected. is it the transfomer? is it the touch swith? is my shen fui off?