Is it possible for heating elements to ‘go’? I have a Belling XOU270SS electric oven, which tripped the house electrics yesterday. After restoring everything I discovered that the rear-heating element no longer gets hot.

Excuse my ignorance, but I thought that the elements are just bent metal bars. So do they break or is the fault more likely to be the electronics within the timer? If it is the element I guess I can just remove and replace it, can I?

Kind regards

Tony

Tony, December 2005

Putting 240 volts across sounds dangerous... should be able to check with a simple multi-meter (set for continuity).
If you want to DIY, try www.elementman.co.uk for replacement.

John D, January 2006

in a word YES!
elements are the first choice for things that go wrong with ur oven! Dont even think about touching ur timer thats expensive to replace and stupid if its the wrong thing thats broken! yes u can get replacements of heating elements just contact your nearest domestic appliance repair shop and they will have spares! u can test ur element but putting 230V/240V directly on the element just for about 5-10 seconds and then seeing if it starts to get hot! DONT TOUCH IT WHEN ITS LIVE!

Graham, January 2006