With the right part, fixing an electric oven is easy.
An electric heating element in a standard oven typically is inexpensive and easy to replace. The two most important aspects of the job are finding the exact replacement part from a reputable parts dealer and turning off the power to the appliance before doing any work on it. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
1. If you know the model of your oven, it's best to order a new element from the original manufacturer or an aftermarket parts dealer before you start the repair. That way, your entire range won't be out of commission while you track down a new part. You may need the appliance's serial number, too, which should be displayed on a metal plate somewhere behind the door of the oven. If you don't know the model or serial number, proceed to the next step.
2. Turn off the breaker to the oven at your home's service panel (breaker box). It should be a 220/240-volt breaker. Then, disconnect the oven's power cord where it plugs into the wall outlet. This is behind the oven; to access it, pull out and remove the drawer at the bottom of the oven, or slide the oven away from the wall, as appropriate. An oven is a high-voltage appliance; always take the double precaution of turning off the breaker and pulling the plug.
3. Be sure the heating element is room temperature (not hot) before touching it. Remove the fasteners that secure the heating element to the back wall of the oven. Slowly pull the heating element out until you can see the electrical connection to the heating element. The standard design for this connection is a male-to-female plug. Some older appliances have wires connected to the element with screw terminals. Disconnect the element from the oven wiring and remove the element from the oven.
4. If you don't have a replacement part, take the oven owner's manual (if you have it), the old element, and the oven's serial number and/or model number to an electrical parts supply or appliance parts store. You can also shop for parts online. Purchase or order the exact replacement part for the element.
5. Install the new element precisely as the old one was installed. Make sure the plug is fully inserted or the screw terminals are secure. Carefully fit the element back into place, repositioning any insulation behind the oven wall. Secure the element to the oven wall, as before.
6. Plug the oven's power cord back into the outlet, then switch on the breaker at the breaker box. If the breaker trips immediately, there's probably something wrong with the element connection or wiring; switch the breaker all the way off and call a service professional. If all is normal, turn on the oven to make sure the new element works properly.
Tags: element from, heating element, replacement part, serial number, back into, behind oven, breaker breaker
