How to test an oven bake or broil element

Bake and broil elements are 240 V resistance heaters. A good one reads somewhere in the teens to about 40 Ω depending on wattage, and never shows continuity to its metal sheath.

Cross-checked ~20 min easyBrands: All

Before you start

  • Unplug the appliance or turn off the breaker before opening panels or disconnecting parts
  • Take a photo of the wiring before removing any wire
  • Resistance and continuity tests are done with power OFF and the part isolated
  • Live-voltage checks are a caution step: insulated probes, one hand, clips attached before power is restored, stay clear of terminals

Diagnostic steps

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OnCall Tech is a reference tool for trained technicians and can make mistakes. Always disconnect power and confirm with the manufacturer's documentation before you work.

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How to test an oven bake or broil element · OnCall Tech