| The oven element in your electric range can | | | | a replacement. Make certain you have your |
| burn out at any time. Unfortunately it always | | | | make, model, and serial number. Manufacturers |
| seems to happen at the most inopportune | | | | use a vast variety of elements. Each model, |
| times, such as the week before Christmas or | | | | type, configuration, and wattage requirements |
| Thanksgiving. | | | | will determine which element was installed in |
| | | | your range. |
| Most elements do give warnings before burning | | | | |
| out. They will often have a bright spot that | | | | 7… Install the new element and secure |
| will be noticed by the homeowner, just prior | | | | it with the screws. If the holes in the |
| to burning out. If your element has a bright | | | | mounting plate don't align you will have to |
| spot replace it as soon as possible. Waiting | | | | drill holes in the cabinet interior. |
| for the element to burn out is inadvisable | | | | Carefully drill holes in the cabinet using a |
| because the oven thermostat or other electric | | | | high-speed drill. Use caution not to let |
| components can be affected. | | | | drill slip to avoid damaging or chipping the |
| | | | interior liner. |
| In all aspects of this job safety must come | | | | |
| first. Use only the manufacturers original | | | | 8… From the rear of the range |
| parts, not a cheaper substitute. Only attempt | | | | reconnect the element wiring. Don't bent the |
| this repair when you have enough time, and | | | | electrical connections or allow the screws to |
| patience, to do it properly. Remember, you | | | | strip the threads. If the wiring is burnt the |
| will be dealing with 240 volts - that's twice | | | | insulation must be cut back to expose |
| as much power as flows through your regular | | | | undamaged wire. Cut the insulation back using |
| household circuits. Only attempt this repair | | | | a knife or wire-stripping tool. |
| with another adult present. | | | | |
| | | | 9… With the new element installed plug |
| If you feel confident in your ability to | | | | the range back into the electricity. Start |
| safely replace an oven element then try the | | | | the oven and allow to run for five minutes. |
| following method: | | | | Disconnect the electricity and quickly feel |
| | | | the wiring insulation at the element |
| 1… Disconnect range from electrical | | | | connections. They should feel slightly warm, |
| power, either by unplugging or turning off | | | | but not hot. A hot connection indicates a |
| breakers. Pull range away from wall so all | | | | poor connection, or the possible failure of |
| sides can be accessed. | | | | other components associated with the oven. If |
| | | | hot, it will be necessary to remove it and |
| 2… Remove rear panel of range to | | | | redo. Once satisfied with connections replace |
| expose the element wiring. Identify which | | | | the rear panel and reinstall into counter. |
| element you suspect being burnt out. | | | | |
| | | | 10… Test the oven operation. All |
| 3… Carefully remove the element | | | | elements should go off and on as per normal. |
| wiring. They are usually screwed on | | | | |
| connections. Avoid breaking the connections | | | | 11… Final step is to do a test run of |
| or stripping the screw head with your | | | | the oven temperature. If you have an oven |
| screwdriver. | | | | thermometer allow the oven to cycle off three |
| | | | or four times at a regular baking |
| 4… Go to the front of the range. | | | | temperature. The thermometer should indicate |
| Locate the screws securing the element within | | | | same temperature at which the oven dial is |
| the oven cavity. This may require a | | | | set. As a confirmation bake something such as |
| flashlight because they are usually covered | | | | muffins or cookies as your test substance. |
| in debris. Again use caution not to harm the | | | | |
| screw heads. The screws may be very tight and | | | | As the preceding has shown, replacing a burnt |
| will require patience to remove without | | | | element is not a difficult repair. But, it is |
| harming. If the screws will not turn they | | | | certainly one that should only be attempted |
| will have to be drilled out using a | | | | by someone who is confident around |
| high-speed drill. If this becomes necessary | | | | electricity. If you are uncertain about your |
| use caution not to chip the oven interior. | | | | ability around high voltage, telephone an |
| | | | appliance repairperson for help. |
| 5… Remove the oven element. If it's | | | | |
| broken avoid touching the pieces with your | | | | An appliance repairperson can have your |
| bare hands. The pieces can be very sharp. | | | | element replaced, tested, and operating in |
| Plus, the white powdered insulation contains | | | | less than an hour. Less time than it will |
| harmful chemicals. | | | | take you to find the part. Also, they will |
| | | | have all the tools and testers required to do |
| 6… Proceed to a parts store to obtain | | | | the job quickly and safely. |