Abstract: A control circuit for a microwave oven with a mechanical switch locking assembly, wherein a cooking start switch is available to turn on after closing a door and is turned off when the door is opened. The control circuit includes a relay for connecting a power source to energize a magnetron, and control means for controlling the relay. The control means enables the relay to connect the power source with the magnetron when the cooking start switch is turned on after connecting the control means with the power source. If the cooking start switch is already turned on prior to connecting the microwave oven to the power source, the operator must first open the microwave oven door, thus opening the start switch, and subsequently closing the door and closing the start switch. This safety procedure encourages the operator to insure that food products are placed in the oven, thus reducing the danger of operating the oven without a load.