I have an over-the-range microwave with a dedicated outlet. Using it today, heard loud buzz and pop. On investigating, found microwave with no power, and unused plug of outlet had one hole with apparent burn mark. Circuit breaker did not trip. Turned off breaker, unplugged microwave, and unscrewed outlet from wall. No evidence of fire in wall or behind outlet. Is problem with the outlet, the microwave or it's plug, or something else? With everything off and unplugged, should I be worried about other hazards?

Good afternoon.

I would like to make sure that I am on the same page as you.

A "Dedicated Circuit" means (to me) that the only device (microwave) is being served by the circuit breaker. There is the breaker in the panelboard, the cable and the receptacle. If you turn the breaker off, you should be fine.

My concern is that the receptale blew because of a short circuit. I strongly suggest that you get a licensed electrican to determine what caused the failure. It could have been the microwave pulling too much amperage, the receptacle with a phtysical short or even a break down within the cable.

If your breaker is off and the unit unplugged there should be no fire issue. I'd suggest keeping the microwave unplugged for now and test the receptacle for power by touching the brass screw and the aluminium screw with a test probe. I'd also check to see if the white and black wires are back stabbed or attached to the screws. Your arc could be a bad connection with one of the screws or stabs. If its good then try plugging something else in the receptacle like a vac which draws quite a bit of amps. See if the vac works well and not arcing in the plug. If it turns out the receptacle is good then the microwave becomes the suspected problem.

Thanks to both of u for your quick responses. Yes, the outlet is the only item served by that breaker. My hope was that everything would be okay as long as I keep the circuit breaker off and nothing plugged into the outlet. I can't afford an electrician right now... damn economy... so guess I'll be microwaveless for a while. Thanks again for the help!

Do you have a test probes to test for power?

Yes, I have a tester that belonged to my dad but no idea how to use it lol

We can help further but do not want to expose you to danger.

Put the outlet back together and turn the breaker on. Plug something else into it and see if it works... If it works, it's the microwave... if not, it's the circuit. Know your limitiations... A loud buzz and pop sounds like an overload. And microwaves have a fuse.