You can tell if your electric stove element is bad by checking for signs of damage, testing the resistance with a multimeter, or swapping it with a working element. If your electric stove element is not heating up properly, it could be due to a number of reasons, such as a faulty switch, a loose connection, or a blown fuse. However, sometimes the problem lies with the element itself, and you need to replace it. In this article, we will show you how to diagnose a bad electric stove element and how to fix it.
One of the easiest ways to identify a bad electric stove element is to look for visible signs of damage, such as:
Cracks, blisters, or bubbles on the surface of the element
Burn marks or discoloration on the element or the surrounding area
Warping or bending of the element shape
Loose or broken terminals or wires
Any of these signs indicate that the element is worn out, overheated, or short-circuited, and needs to be replaced.
Testing the resistance of the electric stove element
Another way to check if your electric stove element is bad is to measure its resistance with a multimeter. Resistance is a measure of how much an electrical component opposes the flow of current. A good electric stove element should have a resistance value between 20 and 50 ohms, depending on its wattage and voltage. A higher or lower resistance value means that the element is defective or damaged.
To test the resistance of the electric stove element, you need to follow these steps:
Unplug the stove from the power source and wait for the element to cool down completely
Remove the element from the stove by lifting it up and pulling it out of the socket
Set your multimeter to the lowest ohms setting and touch the probes to the two terminals of the element
Read the resistance value on the multimeter display and compare it to the expected range for your element
If the resistance value is within the range, the element is good; if the resistance value is too high or too low, the element is bad and needs to be replaced
Swapping the electric stove element with a working one
A third way to determine if your electric stove element is bad is to swap it with another element that you know is working. This is a simple way to isolate the problem and rule out other possible causes, such as a faulty switch or a bad connection. To swap the electric stove element with a working one, you need to follow these steps:
Unplug the stove from the power source and wait for the elements to cool down completely
Remove the bad element from the stove by lifting it up and pulling it out of the socket
Remove a working element from another burner of the same size and shape
Insert the working element into the socket of the bad element and push it down firmly
Plug the stove back into the power source and turn on the burner
If the element heats up normally, the problem is with the bad element; if the element does not heat up or heats up unevenly, the problem is with the socket, the switch, or the wiring
If you have confirmed that your electric stove element is bad, you need to replace it with a new one. You can buy a replacement element from a hardware store or an online retailer, but make sure that it matches the specifications of your stove model. To replace a bad electric stove element, you need to follow these steps:
Unplug the stove from the power source and wait for the element to cool down completely
Remove the bad element from the stove by lifting it up and pulling it out of the socket
Dispose of the bad element safely and responsibly
Take the new element out of the packaging and align it with the socket
Insert the new element into the socket and push it down firmly
Plug the stove back into the power source and test the burner
If the element works properly, you have successfully replaced it; if the element does not work or causes sparks or smoke, turn off the stove immediately and contact a professional electrician
Conclusion
A bad electric stove element can affect the performance and safety of your stove. You can tell if your electric stove element is bad by checking for signs of damage, testing the resistance with a multimeter, or swapping it with a working element. If you find out that your electric stove element is bad, you can replace it yourself or hire a professional to do it for you. By following these tips, you can keep your electric stove in good condition and enjoy cooking your favorite dishes.
