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On 23 Dec 2004 01:57:36 GMT, (Gammara2) wrote:

74 amps/hr? or 74 amps to start it?

Oh dear, I hope this is not yet another pseudonym from the resident
lunatic fringe. It mentions one of his favorite units - the amp per
hour or amp/hr - a unit which is unknown to engineers and
electricians.

But let me give a straight answer to the question - if there is an
ensuing argument, my fears will be confirmed.

Typical kitchen microwaves apply the magnetron heater to pre-warm it ,
then activate the cathode to generate electrical heating in the
cavity: that's the moment when the fan may run a little slower, and
the oven light may dim a little. They do it this way to avoid
stripping the cathode - i.e. reducing its life.
In these types, the initial current draw is low, perhaps 8 or 10 amps
at 12 volts, then 74 amps or so when the magnetron is activated.

Brian W