How to Test an Oven Heating Element

If your electric oven is not heating properly, you may want to check the oven heating element to ensure it is working properly.

Step 1 - Preparation

To prevent any electrical shock, unplug your oven or turn off the circuit breaker at the electrical service panel before you begin.

Step 2 - Detaching the Elements

There are two elements in an electric oven—the one at the top, which is the main one, and the one at the bottom for broiling. These can be either screwed or bolted on, so use the appropriate tool to get them unfastened. They will also be held by support brackets, which can be unscrewed.

Step 3 - Removing the Elements

Pull the elements forward so that you can expose the wiring that is still attached. Be careful when you detach the wiring from the elements, as you don't want to bend anything out of shape, nor do you want the wires to fall back out of sight.

Step 4 - Check the Elements

Now that you have the elements out of the oven, it's time to check them. Remove one wire from one of the element's terminals, and with your multimeter set to resistance, touch the probes across both of the element's terminals. If there is no continuity, you will need to replace your heating element as this means there is a malfunction and the element is opened.