Replacing your Oven Element
Recently I had to replace an oven baking element and one of our rental properties and it dawned on me that most people might not know what is involved. Below is a quick step by step DIY on how to replace your oven’s element if it ever burns out. Hopefully it will save you time and money.
Step 1:
First identify the problem. It might not be a burned out element after all. It could be a tripped breaker or fuse. If you have identified the problem as the element, record the manufacturer, model number, and if possible the part number required. Most replacements are semi-universal and they will list the compatible models.
Step 2:
Kill the power and make sure it’s dead! Turn the breaker at the main panel for the oven, and unplug the unit from the wall. If you haven’t done this before you may be surprised at the size and type of plug. Try to turn on any working elements to test that there is no power. Safety first.
Step 3:
There should be two or more screws in a mounting plate that holds the element to the back of the oven. You’ll want to remove these. Then pull the element a few inches from the back wall of the oven.
Step 4:
Next you’ll need to disconnect the wires that supply power to the broken unit. This is why we kill the power. Otherwise you’d be handling live wires, which would be a bad day for you. The two wires will either be screwed on or they will be a friction fit prong style. Remove them from the faulty part. Note their position so you can reattach them the same way.
Step 5:
Now out with the old and in with the new. Time to install the new oven element. Make sure you reconnect the wires the same way they were disconnected, and make sure that everything lines up just like before. There’s always the off chance that the aftermarket part doesn’t quite fit with your model of oven. If it all looks good, screw the mounting plate to the back wall (do not over tighten).
Step 6:
If everything is clean and secure, plug the oven back into the wall then flip the breaker. Give it a minute.
Step 7:
Your last step is to test your work. Don’t be alarmed to see some smoke coming off of the element when it heats up. That’s just a little bit of the factory coating burning off. It won’t last long.
Now that you’re back in baking action you can make some cookies and bring them to our office in Midland.