Umair Gaines
Electric stove burners are designed to heat up quickly. When they don't, it may be time to replace the heating element. This is a task that can be completed in as little as 15 minutes and may not require the help of a professional. However, it is important to exercise caution when attempting to replace the heating element of an electric cooktop to prevent electrical shock, damage to the appliance, and potential fire hazards.
Characteristics and Values of Electric Cooktop Element Replacement:
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| When to Replace | When the cooktop element no longer works or produces heat. |
| Safety | Ensure the power is off before starting. Remove the stove from the wall outlet or turn off the circuit breaker. |
| Tools | Set of four burners, wire brush, sandpaper, pliers, mounting bracket screws, and other standard tools. |
| Process | Unplug the stove, remove temperature control knobs, disconnect wires, remove the old element, clean the terminals, insert the new element, secure with screws, restore power, and test. |
| Time | Can be replaced in 15 minutes or less. |
| Professional Help | If the stove is very old or has complex wiring, it is recommended to seek professional assistance. |
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What You'll Learn
Check if the cooktop needs replacing
Electric cooktops are bound to experience wear and tear over time. While some issues are easy to fix, others may require replacing the entire cooktop.
Constant Repairs
If your cooktop constantly needs repairs, it may be more cost-effective to replace the entire appliance. This is especially true if your cooktop is relatively inexpensive and the repair costs are high. Constant repairs can also be a sign of a more serious underlying issue.
Ineffective Heating
If your burners are not heating up properly, it could be a sign of a faulty heating element. Electric burners should heat up quickly and glow red. If they take longer than usual to heat up or heat unevenly, it may be time to replace the cooktop.
Strange Odours
If your cooktop is clean and you notice strange smells coming from it when it is turned on, there may be an issue with the wiring or heating elements. In such cases, it is recommended to turn off the cooktop and call a professional to assess the problem.
Corrosion
Spills are common when cooking, but if not cleaned up quickly, they can cause burners to corrode. If you notice rust or other forms of corrosion on your burners, it may be necessary to replace the cooktop, as cleaning may not stop the deterioration.
Age
The average lifespan of an electric cooktop is around 10 to 15 years. If your cooktop is older and experiencing multiple issues, it may be more practical to replace it with a newer model.
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Turn off the power
Before you begin to replace an electric cooktop element, it is imperative that you turn off the power to your stove. Electric shocks can be hazardous and even deadly, so it is crucial to take this step seriously. Here are some detailed instructions to ensure your safety:
Firstly, identify the power source of your stove. Most electric stoves have two house fuses or a double breaker, with each fuse or breaker supplying 120 volts of power to the stove's total 240 volts. Locate your fuse box or breaker box, which is usually found near your electric meter.
Once you have located the fuse or breaker box, turn off both fuses or both breakers. If a clip connects the double breakers, turning off one should shut off the power from both. However, it is good practice to ensure that both are turned off. This step is essential for your safety and will prevent any accidental activation of the stove during the replacement process.
If your stove is plugged into a wall outlet, unplugging it is another way to ensure the power is off. This method is especially important if you are unsure about the breaker or fuse configuration in your home.
After turning off the power, it is advisable to test the burners to ensure they are no longer receiving electricity. You can do this by attempting to turn on the burners for a few minutes. If they do not heat up, you can be confident that the power is indeed off, and it is safe to proceed with the replacement.
It is worth noting that some older stoves may have additional wiring or insulation, and in such cases, it is recommended to seek professional assistance. Safety should always be the top priority when working with electrical appliances.
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Remove the broken element
Before you start, make sure the power is off to prevent electrical shock. Unplug the stove from the wall outlet or turn off the circuit breaker that operates the appliance's electricity. You can check your stove's model number by pulling out the bottom broiler drawer—you should see a sticker on the frame with the model number.
Now, remove all the temperature control knobs on the burner. If you have a ceramic cooktop, you will also need to remove the screws securing the ceramic top to the stove. Lift the top of the burner and rest it against a wall to keep it out of the way while replacing the element.
Next, grab the end of the burner that didn't heat up and carefully pull and wiggle the element out, lifting it slightly as you pull. You should see two metal rods going through the spill plate into your stove. Use pliers (preferably needle-nose tip) to disconnect the terminal wires attached to the back of the unit. Clean the ends (terminals) of the element using a wire brush or sandpaper.
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Install the new element
To install the new element, start by sliding the replacement cooktop element into place. Secure it with the screws you removed from the old element. If you have a ceramic cooktop, replace the burner top and secure it in place.
Then, carefully connect the wires to the new element, using the digital image or marked tape as a guide. Angle the replacement coil the same way, gently pushing to snug its terminal contacts into place. Once the new element is level, position the glass top on the burner box and secure it with the mounting screws.
Lower the cooktop into the counter and reinstall the mounting bracket screws. Finally, restore power to the stove and turn it on to test the new element. It should glow bright red. It is good to run the fan or open a window while testing the new element, as it will smoke until the manufacturing oils are burned off.
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Test the new element
Once you have installed the new burner element, it is important to test it to ensure it is functioning properly. Here is a step-by-step guide to testing your new electric cooktop element:
Restoring Power and Testing
- First, ensure that your new burner element is securely connected and pushed into the socket.
- Restore power to the stove by plugging it back in or turning on the breakers.
- It is important to note that your stove requires a power supply of 220 volts or 240 volts, so make sure both breakers are in the full "on" position to ensure proper functionality.
- Turn on the burner to high heat.
- The new element should now glow bright red, indicating that it is heating up.
Safety Precautions
- During the testing process, it is recommended to have the fan on or a window open to ventilate the area.
- The new burner element will likely produce smoke as some of the manufacturing oils burn off, so ventilation is important.
- Always exercise caution when working with electrical appliances. Ensure that you understand the steps involved and follow safety guidelines and instructions provided by the manufacturer.
Troubleshooting
- If your new burner element does not heat up, there may be an issue with the electrical connection or the burner socket.
- Check the wiring connections and ensure they are secure.
- If the problem persists, consider consulting a professional appliance repair technician to diagnose and resolve the issue.
By following these steps, you can safely test your new electric cooktop element and ensure it is functioning properly.
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Frequently asked questions
If your electric stove burners aren't working or producing heat, it's likely that the element needs replacing.
Before attempting to replace the element, ensure that you have purchased the correct replacement part by checking the model number of your stove. You should also unplug the stove or turn off its breakers to prevent electrocution.
First, remove the broken element and discard it. Then, push the new element into the socket, gently wiggling the ends into place and pushing down from the top until it sits flat.
Restore power to the stove and turn the burner knob to high heat. The element should now glow bright red. It is recommended to run the fan or open a window during this process as the new element will smoke until the manufacturing oils are burned off.
Consult the installation manual for your cooktop to guide you in connecting the wires. If you are still unsure, seek advice from a qualified technician.
