ETS-Lindgren HI-1801 Microwave Oven Survey Meter - Manual (Page 20)

20 | Operation
5. Hold the probe in place over this spot for at least five seconds and
watch for the highest needle indication. The reading you obtain is the
maximum leakage of your oven.
What the Measurement Means
The FDA/CDRH (Food and Drug Administration/Center for Devices and
Radiological Health) has established the following requirements concerning
microwave oven leakage:
 The power density (leakage) emitted by a microwave oven shall not
exceed 1 mW/cm 2 measured prior to acquisition by a purchaser, and
thereafter 5 mW/cm 2 .
 The 5 mW/cm 2 measurement is mid-scale on the 10 mW range.
However, many ovens leak so little that you may notice only a small
indication. This actual value is sometimes as low as 0.1 or 0.2
mW/cm 2 .
 If the oven leakage exceeds 5 mW/cm 2 , you should contact a service
agency recommended by the oven manufacturer, or contact the
manufacturer directly. This oven must be repaired to comply with the
CDRH safety guidelines.
You may wish to write down for future reference the leakage level, and the model
number and serial number of the meter used to make the measurement. Be sure
to note the calibration due date of the instrument; for assurance of accurate
readings, the microwave survey meter should have been calibrated within the
last 12 months.