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Introduction

This guide will show you how to replace the stove element, which is also referred to as the bake element or oven heating element. If your electric stove or oven’s heating element is cracked or blistered, or isn’t completely bright orange during usage, then it is most likely damaged. It is important to understand how to replace an oven’s heating element because keeping it damaged can lead to many issues, such as food not being cooked properly, or at all. As for the process itself, having prior experience with using screwdrivers and voltage meters will make things easier for you. Also, it is important for safety reasons to always ensure that the power to the stove is off when trying to repair it.

Consult the manual for your oven or stove to determine what type of replacement element you need.

Before replacing the heating element, try replacing the fuses.

What you need

Step 1 Element

Oven Heating Element Replacement, Element: step 1, image 1 of 1

Before purchasing your replacement element, make sure it matches the size of the first element.
The element may not fit inside the stove if it is not the appropriate size.

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Step 2

Go to your electrical panel and turn off the power to the stove.
WARNING: Do NOT attempt any of these next steps with the power on.

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Step 3

Open the oven door and unscrew the 5 mm Robertson head screws that keep the element in place.
In most cases, there will be two or three screws to remove.
Make sure you check the screws thoroughly in case there are more.

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Step 4

Oven Heating Element Replacement: step 4, image 3 of 3

Using your voltmeter, place it on the two wires to make sure there is no electrical current.
Gently pull out the element two or three inches to expose the connecting wires.

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Step 5

Oven Heating Element Replacement: step 5, image 3 of 3

Mark down the coloured wires and how they are connected. You will need to match them by color when you reconnect the element.
It may be helpful to take a photo of the element with the wires still connected. This will make reconnecting it easier.
Remove the screws holding the wires in place.

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Step 6

Remove the damaged element from the stove. It should slide out easily.
If possible, try to locate where the damage on the element took place for future reference.
Begin installing the new element.

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Step 7

Connect the power wires by matching the same color as the original element. (Refer to Step 5 for more information.)
Gently re-insert the element back into the stove opening.
Refasten the two screws at the front to secure the element in place.

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Step 8

Close the oven door and reset the power through the electrical panel.

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Step 9

Turn the power on and turn the oven on to make sure the element is functioning properly.
There may be some smoke and an odor coming from the baking element because of the protective coating. This is normal.