The feature of turning on the light in a microwave oven when the door is opened serves several engineering purposes:
Safety: The primary reason for the light turning on when the microwave door is opened is to ensure user safety. Opening the microwave door while it is operating poses potential risks, such as exposure to hot steam or the potential for burns from heated food or containers. The light allows users to see the contents inside the microwave and assess the situation before reaching inside or removing the food.
Visibility and Convenience: The interior light provides visibility and convenience when using the microwave. It allows users to monitor the cooking progress, check for any spills or splatters, and assess the food's condition without interrupting the cooking process. It enhances the user experience by making it easier to see and handle the food.
User-Friendly Interface: Microwave ovens are designed with user convenience in mind. The light turning on when the door is opened is part of the user interface design, providing visual feedback that the oven is in a safe state for interaction. It indicates that the microwave is not actively cooking or generating microwaves when the door is open.
Compliance with Regulations: Safety regulations and standards often require microwave ovens to have an interior light that turns on when the door is opened. This is to ensure that users are aware of the oven's status and potential hazards when accessing the interior.
From an engineering perspective, the inclusion of the interior light in a microwave oven enhances safety, user experience, and compliance with safety regulations. It provides users with necessary visibility, feedback, and convenience when using the appliance, even if no one is watching inside the microwave at a given moment.