How to Replace an Oven Heating Element

Replacing your oven heating element is something that you don't often have to do. The heating element is a tough old thing, and rarely needs to be replaced before the rest of the oven. If you have an oven heating element which does need replacing, for example if it has developed a fault, then this is not that difficult to do. You can have someone come into your home and replace the oven heating element for you, but if you are reasonably competent with a screwdriver, you should have absolutely no problem in changing the heating element yourself.

Step 1 – Turn Off the Oven

The first step is to make sure that the electrical supply to your oven is turned off. You can quickly do this by removing the circuit breaker in the breaker box which supplies power to your oven. This is not necessarily the one which powers the rest of the kitchen, so make sure that the power is dead before you proceed. You should also disconnect the power plug, just as an additional precaution, or remove the power connection from the oven itself.

Step 2 – Remove the Heating Element

Next you will have to take out the heating element. Ensure that it is at the right temperature to be removed, as an element which is too cold will not be able to be removed correctly, and may shatter in your hands. Your oven should be lightly warmed, and then when the element reaches skin temperature, turn off the oven, and proceed with the removal. Use safety gloves at this point in order to safeguard your hands. Unscrew the connections which hold the heating element to the oven, these should be fairly obvious, and then gently pull out the element until you can see the electrical wiring. You should then unplug the heating element, and take it away from the oven.

Step 3 – Replacing the Heating Element

Once that is completed, you will have to add your new heating element. You should have purchased the element with the correct manufacturer's number, as named in the oven's manual. Most local stores which sell ovens will be able to provide a new heating element should you need one. Place the new element into the oven, and plug the electrical cables into the plug on your element. Then place the element inside the oven, and screw it into position, using the same screws as previously.

Step 4 – Finishing

Before you finish the project you will have to check that the oven and the heating element are still working correctly. Plug the oven back into the wall, and turn the circuit breaker back to power. You should then warm the oven, leaving the door open so that you can see the element heating up. You can place your hand near the element while the heat is increasing. Once the element is warm, turn off the oven until you need it.