Dacor Microwave PF Error: Power failure alert
This dacor microwave pf error code guide explains what this fault means for your Dacor appliance and how to respond safely. What PF Means on a Dacor Microwave The PF code on Dacor microwave models means power failure. It appears after any interruption to electrical supply, including a household power outage, a tripped breaker, or […]
~20%
DIY Fixable
From $200
Typical Repair Cost
30-60 min
Pro Repair Time
Quick Assessment
Answer to continue safely
Is it safe to keep using?
Maybe. Power failure code clears automatically. The microwave is safe after time is reset.
Can I reset the code?
Yes. PF clears by simply pressing any button or resetting the clock. No repair needed.
When to stop immediately?
Stop if you notice: PF appears repeatedly without any known power outages, suggesting an internal power supply issue, Circuit breaker trips every time the microwave runs.
Symptoms You May Notice
Clock display resets to blinking 12:00
After a power interruption, the microwave clock resets and blinks, indicating the unit lost power during operation and needs the time re-entered.
Cooking cycle interrupted and food left partially heated
A meal that was mid-cycle when the power dropped is left partially cooked. The microwave does not resume the cycle after power returns.
PF flashes on the display after power returns
The letters PF appear on the DMW2420 or DCM24 display, indicating the control board detected a power loss and is alerting the user that the previous cooking session was interrupted.
Programmed presets and saved settings are lost
Any saved quick-start times, power level preferences, or clock settings are cleared because the control board volatile memory lost power.
Possible Causes
Momentary power outage or voltage dip
A brief electrical supply interruption — even a fraction of a second — drops power to the microwave control board, which resets and displays PF when power returns.
DIY PossibleLoose or corroded power cord connection
The power plug is not fully seated in the outlet, or the outlet contacts are worn, causing intermittent disconnections that the board interprets as power failures.
DIY PossibleOverloaded kitchen circuit tripping intermittently
The microwave shares a circuit with other high-draw appliances and the cumulative load causes brief breaker trips or voltage dips.
DIY PossibleSafe Checks You Can Do
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1
Clear the PF alert and reset the clock
Press the Stop/Clear button to dismiss the PF message. Set the clock to the correct time. If the microwave operates normally afterward, the alert was caused by a simple power interruption.
PF is an informational alert, not a fault code. The microwave is safe to use once the display is cleared.
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2
Check the power connection
Verify the microwave power cord is fully plugged into the outlet. For built-in DCM24 models, check the junction box connection behind the unit.
If PF appears repeatedly without a known outage, try plugging another appliance into the same outlet to see if it also loses power intermittently.
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3
Verify dedicated circuit
Check the electrical panel to confirm the microwave is on its own dedicated 20-amp circuit. Look for any double-tapped breakers that share the circuit with other loads.
Dacor specifies a dedicated 20-amp circuit for all their microwave models. Sharing the circuit with a toaster or coffee maker can cause repeated PF alerts.
When to Call a Professional
Contact a qualified technician if:
- PF recurs multiple times per week without household power events
- Outlet voltage is inconsistent or below specification
- Internal power relay or fuse may need testing by a technician
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