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