Electric Range Burner Not Working

ELECTRIC RANGE BURNER FAILS TO HEAT

When an electric range burner is not working, perform the following steps.

1. Check the electric range burner

First, remove it from the receptacle and install a working burner. If this burner is not heating, it indicates that either the infinite switch or the burner receptacle is defective. If another burner is not available for this test, using an ohmmeter, attach one test probe to one of the burner terminals and the other probe to the remaining terminal and check for continuity.  If the reading is high, the element has good continuity and is functioning well.

2. Exam burner receptacle

Look for charring on the receptacle or burnt wires. If either is found, replace the receptacle. If the receptacle and attaching wires appear to be in good shape and the electric range burner is making good contact in the socket of the receptacle, it’s time to check the infinity switch.

3. Test infinite switch

The next step in searching for the cause of an electric range burner not working is checking the infinite switch. On the back of the switch are 5 terminals, L1, L2, H1, H2, and P. Unhook each wire individually and mark the location as imprinted on the switch surface using tape or other means. Set the test meter to the Rx1 scale and set the meter at zero. With the infinite switch turned to the on position, attach one of the tests leads to L1 and the other to P. You should get a high reading showing good continuity.

Do the same with L1 and H1, and L2 and H2 terminals. You should get a high reading with these tests as well. Next, with the switch placed in the off position, attach the test leads just as before. This time all the readings should be at zero showing no continuity. If you did not get the proper test results, the switch must be replaced.