318178110 Frigidaire Oven Range Surface Element 6″ is a 6-inch electric surface heating element used on Frigidaire ranges; it is a resistive cooktop element designed to convert electrical energy into thermal energy for cookware placed on the cooktop. Physically it appears as a circular heating element sized to fit the range’s burner opening and is available in configurations compatible with exposed coil or sealed radiant cooktops, with terminals that plug into the range’s element receptacle.
Inside the appliance the surface element serves as the primary heat source for one cooktop zone and interfaces directly with the range’s power distribution and control systems-typically the infinite (surface) switch or electronic control that regulates applied voltage, the wiring harness and terminal block that supply current, and the cooktop support (porcelain or glass) that provides mechanical mounting and thermal coupling to cookware.Its electrical resistance and mechanical integrity affect heat output uniformity and safety: an open or high-resistance element will not produce expected heat, while a shorted element can trip protective devices or create hazardous conditions.
In this article you will learn how the 318178110 element functions within the appliance, how to determine compatibility by size, terminal type and electrical rating, common failure symptoms to recognize (no heat, intermittent heating, visible damage, arcing, or circuit trips), standard troubleshooting checks such as visual inspection and basic continuity/resistance testing, and practical replacement considerations including matching specifications, verifying connector fit and mounting, and safety precautions to isolate power before servicing. The goal is to provide the technical context a technician, engineer, or appliance owner needs to diagnose and make informed decisions about repair or replacement.
Table of Contents
- Function and role of the surface element in heat generation and control for electric ranges
- How the 318178110 Frigidaire Oven Range Surface Element 6″ electrically and thermally integrates with the appliance
- Common failure symptoms, electrical indicators, and performance diagnostics for surface element faults
- Compatibility, replacement considerations, and installation diagnostics for affected Frigidaire models
- Q&A
- To conclude
Function and role of the surface element in heat generation and control for electric ranges
The 318178110 Frigidaire Oven Range Surface Element 6″ is a 6-inch resistive surface element designed to convert electrical energy into usable cooking heat through a metal-sheathed resistive ribbon or coil. The element generates heat by passing current through the resistive conductor, which heats the sheath and transfers energy to cookware via conduction, convection, and infrared radiation. Its physical size and resistance determine power density and heat-up time,so replacement parts must match the original element’s diameter,terminal type,and mounting arrangement to maintain correct electrical load and even heat distribution on the cooktop.
Control of the surface element is typically achieved by cycling the element on and off with an infinite switch or by phase-angle control in modern electronic ranges; this duty-cycle modulation changes average power rather than directly regulating temperature at the cooking surface. Practical compatibility considerations include matching terminal spade configuration and cup/mounting geometry to avoid poor connections or arcing, and verifying the element’s rated voltage and wattage to prevent overloading the circuit. For diagnosis, technicians commonly check for continuity and measure resistance with a multimeter, observe visible breaks or hot spots in the sheath, and confirm that swapping in a correctly specified 6″ element restores expected cycling behavior and heat output.
- Key replacement checks: diameter and mounting fit, terminal type/spacing, rated voltage/wattage, and physical condition of the sheath.
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| Diameter | 6″ nominal cooking surface element for smaller burners |
| Control interaction | Duty-cycle modulation via infinite switch or electronic phase control affects average power and heat stability |
| Common failure modes | Open circuit (no heat),partial breaks causing uneven heating,shorting or arcing at terminals |
How the 318178110 Frigidaire Oven Range Surface Element 6″ electrically and thermally integrates with the appliance
The 318178110 Frigidaire Oven Range Surface Element 6″ is a sheathed resistive element that electrically integrates with the range by connecting to the appliance terminal block and control switch. Internally the element contains a nickel‑chromium resistance conductor embedded in magnesium‑oxide insulation and enclosed by a stainless steel sheath; this construction converts electrical power to heat with predictable resistance behavior. Electrically, the element is sized so that at the range’s supply voltage it draws the designed current and is controlled by either an infinite (mechanical) switch or a relay/solid‑state controller. The physical mounting and terminal orientation are part of the electrical interface: correct spade or plug alignment and the flange seating ensure reliable contact and prevent arcing or uneven heating during operation.
Thermally, the element transfers energy from the sheath into the cooktop and into the cookware primarily by conduction and radiation; the mounting flange and drip pan establish the thermal path and spacing that determine heat distribution and response time. The element’s resistance increases with temperature (positive temperature coefficient), so cold resistance measurements will be lower than operating resistance – technicians verify compatibility by measuring cold ohms and using P = V^2 / R to confirm expected power.Practical integration considerations include matching the element’s rated wattage and terminal type to the range control, ensuring physical fit to avoid shorting or poor contact, and recognizing failure modes such as open circuits, grounded sheath, or warped flanges that alter thermal coupling and electrical continuity.
- Electrical rating and terminal type must match the appliance harness and control device.
- Mechanical mounting establishes thermal coupling and consistent heat distribution.
- Temperature-dependent resistance affects inrush and control behavior.
- Field testing: cold‑ohms measurement and visual inspection of terminals and flange seating.
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| Construction | NiCr resistance wire, MgO insulation, stainless steel sheath and mounting flange |
| Electrical interface | Spade/plug terminals to range terminal block; controlled by infinite switch or relay |
| Thermal behavior | Conduction through flange/drip pan and radiation to cookware; resistance rises with temperature |
common failure symptoms, electrical indicators, and performance diagnostics for surface element faults
The 318178110 Frigidaire Oven Range Surface Element 6″ is a 6‑inch replacement surface burner used on Frigidaire electric ranges; its primary function is to convert incoming line-voltage electrical energy into resistive heat at a predictable wattage. Proper compatibility requires matching the element diameter, terminal style, and nominal wattage to the range’s receptacle or terminal block so that the element seats correctly and the control switch/selector provides the intended current. In practice, technicians verify compatibility by confirming the element’s physical fit and by comparing measured cold resistance and connector type to the original part before installation to avoid overheating, poor contact, or improper load on the range wiring and control components.
- No heat or open circuit at the selector switch – the element shows infinite resistance across its two terminals.
- Immediate breaker trips or blown fuses when the element is selected – low resistance between a terminal and chassis indicates a short to ground.
- Uneven glow, slow heat-up, or partial heating – elevated resistance or intermittent continuity suggests internal breakage or a partial open.
- Visible damage at terminals or connectors – corrosion, loose fittings, or burn marks cause high contact resistance and arcing.
Electrical diagnostics combine visual inspection with simple multimeter checks: measure resistance across the two element terminals for continuity, then measure from each terminal to the element shell or chassis to check for leakage/shorts to ground. An open (infinite) reading across terminals means the element filament is broken and the element must be replaced; a near‑zero reading to chassis indicates insulation failure and risk of tripping the branch circuit. If the element’s resistance is higher than expected but not open, expect reduced wattage and slower heating – in that case verify terminal integrity and selector contacts, since loose or corroded connections can produce the same symptom. For isolating faults, substitute a known-good 6″ element to determine whether the symptom originates in the element itself or elsewhere in the range control circuitry.
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| Open circuit | Infinite resistance across element terminals; no heat output. |
| Short to ground | Low resistance between a terminal and chassis; can blow breakers or trip protective devices. |
| High resistance / partial break | Elevated terminal-to-terminal resistance or intermittent continuity; results in slow or uneven heating and may indicate internal filament degradation or poor terminal contact. |
Compatibility, replacement considerations, and installation diagnostics for affected Frigidaire models
The 318178110 Frigidaire Oven Range Surface Element 6″ is a 6-inch resistive surface heating element that provides localized heat from the range’s cooktop circuit and transfers energy to cookware by conduction. Compatibility is determined by mechanical fit and electrical characteristics: the element must match the burner opening diameter, the terminal style (plug-in spade, threaded post, or clip), and the rated wattage/voltage stamped on the element. Substituting a physically identical 6″ part that has different terminal spacing or a different wattage can cause poor contact, incorrect heat output, or damage to the range wiring, so technicians should verify the range’s receptacle configuration and the element’s stampings before installation.
replacement and installation diagnostics follow standard electrical troubleshooting. Visually inspect mounting tabs and terminals for corrosion or deformation, then de-energize the circuit and measure continuity across the element; an open coil indicates a failed element, while a low resistance to chassis indicates insulation breakdown. Use R = V²/P to estimate expected resistance from the stamped wattage (for example, a 1500 W element on 240 V will read about 38.4 Ω), and check for infinite resistance between either terminal and ground. Practical checks include confirming the terminal type and seating, tightening or replacing damaged terminal clips, and verifying the element fully engages the receptacle to prevent arcing or intermittent heating.
- Check visual condition and terminal type against the range receptacle before ordering a replacement.
- Measure continuity and resistance; compare with calculated resistance from rated wattage.
- Test for insulation leakage to chassis (should be open/infinite resistance).
- Ensure proper mechanical engagement to avoid poor contact and arcing.
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| Diameter | 6″ element, sized for 6-inch burner openings |
| Typical supply | 240 V cooktop circuit (verify range wiring) |
| Resistance (example) | 1500 W at 240 V ≈ 38.4 Ω (R = V² / P) |
| Terminal styles | Plug-in spade or threaded/screw; must match receptacle |
Q&A
What is the 318178110 Frigidaire 6″ surface element?
The 318178110 is a replacement 6-inch electric surface (coil) heating element intended for Frigidaire ranges/ovens. It is the small/simmer-sized cooktop element that fits into the range top and connects to the range’s terminal block or receiver assembly to provide heat for pots and pans.
how can I verify this part will fit my range model?
confirm fit by matching your appliance’s model number with the Frigidaire parts lookup or the range’s parts diagram. also compare the element’s physical details: 6″ cooking diameter, terminal style and spacing, and mounting method (plug-in vs. threaded). Many parts sellers list compatible model numbers for 318178110 – use that cross-reference and visually compare the old element before purchasing.
What electrical specifications should I check for this element?
Electric range surface elements are designed to operate on the range circuit (in North America that is typically 240 V). Wattage and resistance vary by element design,so check the rating stamped on the element or the part listing for the exact wattage. Never install an element with a different voltage/wattage rating than specified for your range, and always confirm compatibility before installation.
How do I test a 6″ surface element to see if it is bad?
Safety first – disconnect power at the breaker. Remove the element from the cooktop if needed. Use a multimeter set to Ohms and measure across the two element terminals: a healthy element will show continuity (a relatively low resistance); an open reading (infinite resistance) indicates a broken heating circuit and a failed element. Also perform a visual inspection for breaks, blisters, or burn-throughs. If the element shows continuity but still misbehaves, check the infinite switch and terminal connections.
what is the correct way to replace or install this surface element?
Turn off power to the appliance at the breaker and confirm it’s dead. Remove the drip pan and lift the old element out of its socket or pull the element forward to expose the terminals. If the element plugs into a terminal block, pull it straight out. Install the new element by aligning the terminals and pushing it into the socket until it seats, then lower it into the cooktop and replace any pans or grates. Restore power and test. If you’re unsure, consult the service manual or a qualified technician-working on live electrical circuits is hazardous.
Can I use an aftermarket element rather of the OEM 318178110?
Yes, aftermarket elements are available and can be less expensive, but you must ensure exact match of diameter, terminal style and spacing, mounting method, and electrical rating. OEM parts like 318178110 guarantee direct fit and original specifications; aftermarket parts can vary in quality and fit, so purchase from reputable suppliers and verify returns/warranty policies.
My 6″ element glows but does not heat properly or heats unevenly – what could be wrong?
Possible causes include a partially failed element (internal damage that still allows some current but reduces heating), a loose or corroded connection at the terminal block, a faulty infinite/control switch, or wiring issues. Test the element for continuity and inspect/clean terminals. If the element checks out, test or replace the infinite switch or have a technician evaluate the range wiring and controls.
To Conclude
The 318178110 Frigidaire Oven Range Surface Element 6″ serves as a basic component of compatible Frigidaire cooktops,providing the localized heat source required for everyday stovetop cooking. Its correct size and electrical characteristics ensure consistent heating, predictable cooking performance, and proper fit within the range’s burner assembly, all of which contribute to appliance reliability and user safety.
Accurate diagnosis and timely replacement of a failing surface element are important for maintaining performance and avoiding secondary problems. Confirming the specific part number, assessing whether the element is the root cause of the issue, and choosing the correct replacement help prevent unnecessary expense and ensure safe, effective operation. When in doubt, engaging qualified service personnel or following manufacturer guidance will help ensure installations meet electrical and safety standards.
keeping the 318178110 Frigidaire Oven Range Surface Element 6″ in good working order supports consistent cooking results and extends the useful life of the appliance; thoughtful diagnosis and appropriate replacement preserve both performance and safety.
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