How Does the Thermostat of an Electric Oven Work?

If you own an electric oven, you might be curious about how the thermostat works. This article explains.

What Does the Thermostat Do?

As with all thermostats, it deals with adjusting temperatures. It is connected to an outside knob, which you turn when you want to change the temperature in the electric oven or turn it on. Some newer models use touch screens instead of knobs.

How Does It Run?

The thermostat in the electric oven is connected to a circuit board that sends and receives signals. When it is turned on, the circuit board sends a single to the burner to heat up. The burner heats up, and once it reaches the desired temperature, it will send a signal back to the circuit board which then turns off the heating element.

How Is It Connected?

Most electric ovens use copper wiring to connect the knob to the thermostat and the thermostat to the element. However, the connection can vary among brands, makes and models.

Can You Replace an Oven Thermostat?

You can replace an oven thermostat that isn't working correctly, but the job should be done by someone who either is trained or has experience.