Panasonic NE21523 NE12521 User Guide - Page 7

Power Source Voltage Adjustment Models No. NE-17521/NE-17523/NE-17723/NE-21521/NE-21523 The microwave automatically detects 208 V and 230 V-240 V. Insert the plug, and if the Digital Display Window goes blank 10 seconds after use, unplug and insert the plug again. How Does The Microwave Work? Microwaves are a form of high frequency radio waves similar to those used by a radio including AM, FM, and CB. They are, however, much shorter than radio waves; approximately five inches long. Electricity is converted into microwave energy by the magnetron tube. From the magnetron tube, microwave energy is transmitted to the oven cavity where it is: reflected, transmitted and absorbed. Reflection Microwave are reflected by metal just as a ball is bounced off a wall. A combination of stationary (interior walls) and rotating antenna, located underneath the bottom shelf and above the ceiling cover assure that the microwaves are well distributed within the oven cavity to produce even heating or cooking of foods. Transmission Microwave pass through some materials such as paper, glass and plastic much like sunlight shining through a window. Because these substances do not absorb or reflect the microwave energy, they are ideal materials for microwave oven heating containers when covered. Absorption During heating, microwaves will be absorbed by food. They penetrate to a depth of about 3⁄4 to 11⁄2 inches. Microwave energy excites the molecules in the food (especially water, fat and sugar molecules), and causes them to vibrate at a rate of 2,450,000,000 times per second. This vibration causes friction, and heat is produced just as you will feel heat produced if you vigorously rub your hands together. The internal heating of larger foods is done by conduction. The heat which is produced by friction is conducted to the center of the food. Foods also continue to heat by conduction during standing time. ("carry-over" cooking) Because microwave dissipate, much like sunlight as it reaches the Earth's surface, they are not stored in food. Radio Inference 1. Operation of the microwave oven may cause interference to your radio, TV or similar equipment. 2. When there is interference, it may be reduced or eliminated by taking the following measures: a. Clean door and sealing surfaces of the oven. (See Care of Your Microwave Oven found on page 22.) b. Place the radio, TV, etc. away from the microwave oven as far as possible. c. Use a properly installed antenna, to obtain stronger signal reception. - 7 -