How do bake elements work?
A range or oven bake element uses a resistance wire to resist the flow of electrons. The resistance to the flow of electrons causes friction withing the wire generating heat. In fact there is so much friction the bake element glows red hot.
Technicians check bake elements by verifying that there is appropriate voltage to it, usually 220 volts A/C. Once it is confirmed that there is voltage to the bake element, technicians disconnect the range or oven from the electrical supply, then they remove the wires from the bake element. Once the element is isolated, technicians use an ohmmeter to check the resistance of the bake element. The resistance will vary depending on the range or oven model. A bake element resistance of 5 to 45 ohms is considered normal. A bake element with an open resistance wire will show a resistance of infinity, indicating that the element is bad. |
