Beatrice Lang
Oven heating elements are simple parts that are easy to replace in most electric ovens. They are responsible for creating the heat necessary for baking and broiling. When they stop heating, the solution is usually to replace the heating element. This can be done by buying a replacement oven element through the oven manufacturer or online appliance parts retailers. Before beginning the replacement, ensure that the power to the oven is turned off at the breaker box and that the oven is unplugged. Then, remove the screws that secure the element to the oven and pull the element away from the back wall of the oven. Disconnect the wires and remove the old heating element. Install the new oven element by attaching the wires and securing the element to the back wall of the oven with screws. Finally, plug the oven back in and turn on the power to restore functionality.
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What You'll Learn
Identify the oven's manufacturer and model number
Knowing your oven's model number is crucial when replacing an electric oven element. It ensures that you get the right spare part, as many parts look similar but vary in size and shape. Manufacturers also sometimes recall appliances due to safety concerns, and having the model number allows you to check if your oven has been affected.
The model number will typically be a combination of letters and numbers and may contain special characters such as a dash or a slash. It will most likely appear on either a paper sticker or a metal plate, often called a rating plate.
The model number can usually be found inside one of the oven doors, around the frame or rim of the door. If it's not there, check inside the oven on one of the side panels, or on the back or sides of the appliance. Some ovens may also have the rating plate in a warming drawer underneath the oven.
If your oven is made by AEG, Electrolux, Zanussi, Tricity Bendix, John Lewis, or Frigidaire, you will need to take note of the model number and the specific product number. This is usually an 11-digit number that starts with a '9' and has a space or a slash before the last two digits.
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Disconnect the power supply
Disconnecting the power supply is the first step in replacing an electric oven element. This is a crucial safety precaution to prevent electric shocks and accidents.
Firstly, ensure that all oven controls are in the OFF position. This is important as it ensures that no power is being supplied to the oven during the replacement process.
Next, locate the power source. For ovens that are plugged into a wall outlet, simply unplug the appliance from the socket. If your oven is hardwired, you will need to turn off the appliance's circuit breaker in your home's circuit breaker box. Typically, it will be a double-pole breaker labelled for 30, 40, or 50 amps.
After disconnecting the power, it is always good practice to confirm that the circuit power is indeed off. You can do this by using a non-contact voltage tester. Touch the probe of the tester to each wire end connected to the oven element. If the tester detects any voltage, you have not successfully shut off the power, and you should return to the electrical service panel to turn off the correct breaker.
Once you have confirmed that the power is off, you can safely proceed with the rest of the replacement process, knowing that the risk of electric shock has been mitigated.
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Remove the old heating element
Before you begin, make sure you have identified your electric range's manufacturer and model number. If possible, take note of the element's part number, which can be found in the manual or on a digital parts list. Double-check that the replacement oven element's packaging lists the same manufacturer, model number, and part number.
Now, turn off the power to the oven at the breaker box and unplug the oven. Confirm that the circuit power is off by touching the probe of a non-contact voltage tester to each of the wire ends. There should be no voltage present.
The next step is to remove the old heating element. First, gently pull the heating element and mounting bracket away from the back wall of the oven. Slide the element towards you a couple of inches, so you can see the wires connected to the element. The wires may be surrounded by insulation, which may pull out—this is normal.
Carefully disconnect each spade wire connector from the heating element. You may be able to pull them off with your fingers, or you can use needle-nose pliers. Make sure to only pull on the metal connector, never on the wire itself, to avoid damaging it or separating it from its connector. Before releasing your hold on each wire, ensure that it cannot slip back into the oven housing. If necessary, temporarily tape the wires to the oven wall with electrical tape.
Now, remove the screws that secure the element to the oven with a screwdriver. Pull the element out of the oven and put the screws in a safe place, as you will need them to install the new element.
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Install the new heating element
Now that you have purchased a new heating element and removed the old one, it's time to install the replacement. First, attach the wires to the new heating element as they were connected to the old one. You can use pliers to force the wire connectors onto the probes, ensuring they are fully inserted.
Next, slide the new heating element into place, ensuring that the mounting bracket is against the oven wall. Align the screw holes, and secure the element's mounting plate to the back wall of the oven using the mounting screws. Make sure the screws are firmly anchored.
Once the new heating element is securely in place, plug the oven back into the wall outlet or turn on the circuit breaker to restore power. Set the oven to ""Bake"" to test the new heating element. It should glow with a consistent bright orange colour as it heats up. Don't be concerned if you see a little smoke, as this is likely just the temporary factory coating burning off.
If you are unsure about any of these steps, refer to your manufacturer's instructions for specific guidance on replacing the heating element for your particular oven model.
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Test the new element
Once you've installed the new oven element, it's important to test it to ensure it's functioning properly. Here's a step-by-step guide to testing your new electric oven element:
Reconnect the Oven: After installing the new element, reconnect the oven to the power source. This may involve plugging the oven back into the wall outlet or turning on the circuit breaker. Ensure that the oven is securely connected and ready for testing.
Set the Oven to Bake: Turn on your oven and set it to the "Bake" setting. This will activate the new element and allow you to observe its performance. It's important to note that the oven should be empty during this test to avoid any potential hazards or issues with food items.
Observe the Element's Glow: As the oven heats up, pay close attention to the new element. It should glow with a consistent bright orange color. This indicates that the element is heating up properly and evenly. Make sure to give it sufficient time to reach the desired temperature and observe the glow across the entire element.
Check for Smoke: During the initial heating process, you may notice a small amount of smoke. This is normal and usually indicates that the temporary factory coating is burning off. Don't be alarmed, as this is common with new oven elements.
Monitor the Oven's Temperature: Keep an eye on the oven's temperature gauge to ensure it reaches and maintains the desired temperature. A properly functioning element will heat the oven evenly and consistently. If the temperature fluctuates or fails to reach the set level, it may indicate an issue with the new element or another component of the oven.
By following these steps, you can thoroughly test the new electric oven element to ensure it's operating as expected. If you notice any unusual behavior, such as uneven heating or excessive smoke, further investigation or professional assistance may be required.
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Frequently asked questions
If your oven is not heating up, the likely cause is a faulty bake element, which will need to be replaced.
You can buy a replacement from the oven manufacturer or online retailers. You will need the appliance's model number, which can be found on a metal plate on the oven door jamb, frame, or under a burner.
First, ensure the oven is unplugged and the power is off at the breaker box. Then, remove the screws securing the element to the oven and gently pull the element and mounting bracket away from the back wall. Disconnect the wires and remove the element.
Attach the wires to the new element as they were connected to the old one. Secure the element to the back wall of the oven with the mounting screws. Plug the oven back in and turn on the power.
You may need to remove the oven from its housing to access the wire. If the oven is glued or caulked in place, you might need to remove the back panel to reach the wire.
