Timothy Thiele holds an associate degree in electronics and is a member of IBEW Local #176. He brings more than three decades of expertise in wiring for residential, commercial, and industrial projects.
Project Summary
- Duration of Work: 15 minutes
- Overall Duration: 15 minutes
- Proficiency Level: Novice
- Projected Expense: $25-40
A heating element in an oven is a crucial and straightforward component that can typically be replaced without difficulty in most electric ovens and ranges. These elements generate the heat required for baking and broiling by warming up as electric current flows through them. When they cease to produce heat, the most common remedy is to swap out the heating element.
Ovens generally feature two heating elements: a top element for broiling and a bottom element for baking. The baking element is typically supported by metal feet and is positioned directly on the oven floor. It is attached to the back wall of the oven using a plate or bracket secured by a few screws. Behind this plate, two metal prongs link to two internal wires. These wires usually come with female spade connectors that fit onto the prongs of the element. This straightforward design allows homeowners to easily replace the element if needed.
You can purchase a new oven element either directly from the oven manufacturer or from various online retailers specializing in appliance parts. To do this, you’ll need the model number of your appliance, which can typically be found on a metal plate situated in one of several locations.
- On the frame of the oven door, whether at the top, sides, or bottom, when the door is in the open position.
- On the frame beneath the door, when the lower drawer is extended.
- Beneath a heating element on an electric stove, provided that the burners can be taken off.
- Beneath the cooktop cover, provided it is capable of being raised.
- Within the vent duct of models equipped with down-draft ventilation.
Prior to Starting
Ensure that all controls on the oven or range are turned OFF. Disconnect the appliance from the wall socket. For freestanding ranges, the power cord is typically reachable by fully removing the bottom drawer and accessing the drawer cavity from the front.
For ranges and ovens that are hardwired (or if the cord is inaccessible), switch off the circuit breaker for the appliance in your home’s breaker panel. This breaker is usually a double-pole type and is commonly marked for 30, 40, or 50 amps. Always verify that the wires are de-energized before handling them.
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Requirements You’ll Need
Devices / Instruments
- Voltage tester without direct contact
- Screwdriver
- Long-nose pliers
- Nut driver
- Electrical tape or masking tape (if necessary)
Materials
- Replacement heating element (designed for a specific oven model)
Instructions
Take off the mounting plate for the heating element.
Begin by identifying the baking heating element and the bracket that secures it at the bottom rear of the oven. Open the oven door and take out all the oven racks. Find the mounting plate or bracket at the back of the defective baking element. Use a screwdriver or nut driver to take out the screws that hold the plate to the oven wall.
Tip
Certain components are linked to the oven at two points. In this scenario, each end of the component will feature its own mounting bracket, and each end will be connected to a wire located within the oven.
Electrical Current Examination
Carefully detach the heating element and its mounting bracket from the rear wall of the oven. Move the element a few inches towards you to expose the wires connected to it. You might notice some insulation around the wires, which could come loose slightly—this is completely normal. Ensure the circuit is powered down by using a non-contact voltage tester to check each wire end. There should be no voltage detected. If the tester indicates voltage, you may have turned off the wrong breaker. Go back to the electrical service panel to switch off the appropriate breaker, and then check the oven wires once more.
Remove the heating component.
Gently detach each spade wire connector from the heating element. You can either use your fingers to pull them off or utilize needle-nose pliers. Ensure that you only pull on the metal connector and avoid tugging on the wire to prevent any damage or disconnection. Before letting go, confirm that each wire is secured and won’t slip back into the oven housing. If needed, you can use electrical or masking tape to temporarily secure the wires to the oven wall. Next, take out the old heating element from the oven.
Replace the Old Heating Element with a New One
To install the new oven element, begin by attaching each wire connector to the corresponding element probes. If needed, use pliers to securely push the wire connectors onto the probes, ensuring they are completely seated. Next, position the element so that the mounting bracket is pressed against the oven wall, aligning the screw holes properly.
Reinstall the mounting plate and check the oven’s functionality.
Attach the mounting plate of the element to the rear wall of the oven using the provided screws, ensuring they are tightly secured. Connect the oven to the wall socket or switch the circuit breaker back on to supply power to the oven. Set the oven to the BAKE function to verify the new element is functioning correctlyit should emit a steady, bright orange glow as it heats up. If the bottom drawer was taken out, reposition it back into the oven. Place the oven racks back inside as well.
