I have recently replaced the element in my Russell Hobbs 3104 vintage kettle with one that is compatible with the 3101 model but the kettle does not heat. The cord is not broken. What can the problem be?

George Duncan, February 2013

Lack of continuity almost certainly - the flow of electricity is prevented by a break in the circuit somewhere.

Socket - plug - fuse - power cord - free socket - control switch - all these both in the live and in the return path - and the new element of course.

One of these will be the culprit. Best tested with some kind of electrical meter - a basic one about £10.

Either your new element is defective or a fault has suddenly arisen in one of the other items.

Good luck...

Peccavi, February 2013