318178110 Frigidaire Oven Range surface Element 6″ is a replaceable electric surface heating element specified for use as a small-diameter burner on Frigidaire electric cooktops. It is indeed a 6-inch surface unit manufactured to fit the element receptacle and mounting geometry used on a range’s cooktop, and it is identified by the OEM part number for compatibility and service replacement.
Functionally, the surface element converts electrical energy into heat and delivers that heat to cookware placed on the cooktop. It interfaces with the range’s power distribution (terminal block), the user control (surface unit or infinite switch), and the element receptacle or socket, and it sits over the drip pan or under the glass-ceramic surface depending on the cooktop design. Proper operation depends on correct electrical connection, appropriate wattage rating for the circuit and control, and intact insulation and element continuity; faults in any of these systems can cause open circuits, shorting, arcing, or uneven heating.
In this article readers will find a technical overview of the 318178110 element including it’s intended function and typical electrical characteristics, guidance on verifying compatibility with specific Frigidaire models, common failure symptoms and diagnostic checks (visual inspection, continuity and resistance measurements), basic troubleshooting steps, and practical replacement considerations such as connector types, mounting fit, and safety precautions (power isolation and proper testing). The focus is on providing technicians, engineers, and appliance owners with the data needed to identify issues and perform informed repairs or part selection.
table of Contents
- Function and Role of the Surface element in Frigidaire Oven Range Heating Systems
- How the 318178110 Frigidaire Oven Range Surface element 6″ Operates Within the Range’s Electrical and Thermal Circuits
- Common Failure symptoms and Diagnostic Measurements for a Defective Surface element
- Compatibility, Replacement Considerations, and step‑by‑Step Installation Procedures
- Q&A
- in Retrospect
Function and Role of the surface Element in Frigidaire Oven Range Heating Systems
The 318178110 Frigidaire oven range surface Element 6″ is a circular resistive heating element that converts line voltage into controlled radiant and conductive heat for the cooktop. Its construction-a nickel‑chromium heating coil embedded in an insulated sheath with standard terminal lugs and a mounting flange-determines thermal response, watt density, and interface with the range’s infinite switch or electronic relay. Proper replacement requires matching the element’s physical diameter, terminal spacing, and voltage/wattage characteristics so that heat-up time and steady-state output remain consistent with the oven range’s control circuitry and cookware expectations.
Operational behavior and failure modes are predictable: an open circuit indicates a broken coil and no heat output, intermittent heating typically traces to loose or corroded terminal connections, and localized overheating or arcing can signal insulation breakdown or internal shorting. Technicians verify condition with a continuity/resistance check, visual inspection of the sheath and lugs, and by confirming that the element’s ratings match the appliance wiring and control components. practical consequences of mis‑matching an element include uneven cooking, premature switch wear, or nuisance circuit trips under sustained high settings.
- Common symptoms: no heat (open circuit), flickering or intermittent heat (connection fault), hot spots or arcing (insulation failure)
- Replacement checks: diameter, terminal type/spacing, voltage and wattage ratings, and secure mechanical fit
- Diagnostic tools: multimeter for continuity/resistance, visual inspection for corrosion or sheath damage
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| Diameter | 6″ nominal working surface-must match cooktop aperture for stable mounting |
| Electrical interface | Standard spade/terminal lugs that mate with Frigidaire receptacles; verify spacing |
| Primary function | Convert mains voltage into controlled radiant/conductive heat under infinite switch or relay control |
| Diagnostic test | Continuity/resistance measurement and visual inspection for sheath breaches or terminal corrosion |
How the 318178110 Frigidaire Oven Range Surface Element 6″ Operates Within the Range’s electrical and Thermal Circuits
The 318178110 Frigidaire Oven Range Surface Element 6″ is a resistive surface heater that plugs into the range’s terminal block and becomes a direct load on the appliance’s mains circuit. When the infinite switch or electronic control applies voltage, current flows through the element’s resistance winding and dissipates electrical energy as heat; that heat is transferred through the element sheath to the cooktop and the cooking vessel. Proper function depends on matching the element’s voltage and wattage specifications and terminal configuration to the range: an element with incorrect ratings will change current draw, alter control cycling behavior, and may overstress wiring or the control switch.
- Electrical rating: nominal voltage and wattage determine current draw and heat output.
- Terminal compatibility: plug-in vs. screw terminals and terminal spacing must match the range.
- Common failure modes: open circuit, localized coil break, short to ground, or uneven heating.
- Performance impact: differing wattage changes heat-up time, temperature control response, and may affect breaker trips.
Within the thermal circuit the element’s sheath material, thermal mass, and mounting position control how quickly the zone heats and how uniformly heat is delivered; the control system modulates duty cycle to maintain set power levels. For practical troubleshooting, technicians measure continuity and insulation-to-ground, inspect for physical damage in the coil or terminals, and verify amperage under operation against the element’s rated current; replacing a faulty element with an identical specification unit restores designed electrical and thermal behavior, while deliberate changes in wattage should be evaluated for control compatibility and circuit capacity before installation.
Common Failure Symptoms and Diagnostic measurements for a Defective Surface Element
The 318178110 Frigidaire Oven Range Surface Element 6″ is a resistive heating element designed to convert incoming mains voltage into controlled surface heat for stovetop cooking. It operates as a closed coil with insulated ceramic filler; when intact, the element presents a stable cold resistance and warms uniformly across the visible spiral. Physical compatibility requires matching the 6″ diameter, terminal style, and voltage/wattage rating to the oven’s wiring and control switch – mismatched wattage or incorrect terminal spacing can produce overheating, poor contact, or fitting issues. Typical behaviors of a failing element include loss of continuous heat, localized hot spots, visible discoloration or arcing at terminals, and unintended tripping of branch circuit protection if the element leaks to chassis ground.
- No heat or open-circuit on continuity check (broken internal coil)
- Uneven heating or a single hot spot while the rest stays cool
- Intermittent operation or heating that starts then drops out (loose terminal or internal fracture)
- Arcing, blackened insulation, or burnt terminals indicating dielectric breakdown or poor contact
- Circuit breaker trips or measurable leakage to chassis ground
For diagnostics use a digital multimeter and a clamp ammeter with the element disconnected from live power. Always isolate power before measuring continuity or resistance. Measure cold resistance across the two element terminals; an open reading indicates a broken coil, while a very low resistance or a measurable reading from each terminal to chassis indicates grounding. Under load, verify current draw and line voltage at the element while a known control setting is applied – unexpected low current with correct voltage suggests a high-resistance connection or partial coil failure, whereas excessive current indicates a mismatch in wattage or shorted turns.Compare measured values to the oven’s service specifications; if OEM specs are unavailable,expect a cold resistance on a 6″ range element in the approximate range listed below and use the table to prioritize checks during troubleshooting.
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| Cold resistance | Measured across terminals with power removed; typical 6″ elements commonly fall roughly between 10-50 Ω depending on wattage-consult OEM spec. |
| Short to chassis | Resistance from either terminal to chassis should be infinite; a finite reading indicates leakage and risk of breaker trips. |
| Under-load current | measure current with a clamp meter while energized; compare to expected current based on voltage and element wattage to detect partial failures or loose connections. |
Compatibility, Replacement Considerations, and Step‑by‑Step Installation Procedures
The 318178110 Frigidaire Oven Range Surface Element 6″ is a resistance-type cooktop element that converts electrical energy into heat through an internal coil, producing a predictable thermal output when driven at the correct voltage and by the oven’s control circuitry. Functionally, this 6″ element must match the original part’s diameter, terminal style (plug-in or screw), and rated voltage/wattage to ensure correct heat distribution and safe operation; mismatched elements can produce slow warm-up, uneven heating, or overload the control switch. Common failure modes are open circuits (no continuity), localized hot spots from broken coil insulation, and short-to-ground; technicians verify compatibility by comparing physical connectors and nameplate ratings before replacement and by measuring continuity with a multimeter to confirm an open or degraded element prior to purchase.
Replacement and installation require electrical isolation, correct mechanical seating, and verification of the control path so the element responds to the range’s infinite switch. Follow the sequence below, taking care to handle terminals and insulation carefully and to verify that the replacement element’s voltage and wattage match the range specification; after mechanical installation, perform a continuity check and a low-power functional test to confirm proper operation without overloading the circuit.
- Safety: Disconnect power at the breaker and verify with a tester.
- Remove the drip pan and retaining hardware, then pull the old element straight out to expose terminals.
- Note terminal type and orientation, disconnect wiring, and compare the old element to the replacement for diameter, terminal spacing, and mounting bracket alignment.
- Attach the replacement element, seat it into the socket, reconnect wires with proper tightness, and reinstall panels.
- Measure continuity to confirm the element is not open, then restore power and perform a brief heat test while observing for proper response and no abnormal currents or odors.
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| Diameter | 6″ nominal – must match cooktop opening |
| Terminal types | Plug-in spade or screw-on – select matching type |
| Key check | Match voltage/wattage ratings and physical connector spacing |
Q&A
What is the Frigidaire part 318178110?
Part 318178110 is a 6-inch surface heating element (cooktop/range burner) used on certain Frigidaire electric ranges. It is the removable exposed heating element that sits in the cooktop opening and provides heat for pots and pans.
How can I tell if 318178110 is compatible with my Frigidaire range?
Check three things: the OEM part number (if your appliance parts list or the old element is stamped with 318178110), the physical dimensions (6-inch diameter), and the terminal/mounting style (how it plugs into the range). Also verify voltage and wattage ratings in your range parts diagram or owner’s manual. If unsure, provide your oven/range model number to parts suppliers or Frigidaire for a compatibility check.
What are the electrical specifications (voltage/wattage) for this 6″ element?
Specifications vary by model. Surface elements are designed to match the range’s electrical system-most electric ranges operate on 240 V and elements are sized by wattage. the exact voltage/wattage for 318178110 should be confirmed from the appliance parts diagram, the element label, or Frigidaire documentation before installation to ensure proper performance and safety.
how do I test if the 318178110 element is bad?
Turn off power at the breaker, remove the element from the cooktop, and use a multimeter. Check for continuity between the two element terminals-no continuity (infinite resistance) means the element is open/broken. Also check for continuity from each terminal to the element outer sheath/ground-any continuity to ground indicates internal shorting and a failed element. Visual signs like breaks,burns,or blisters also indicate replacement is needed.
How do I replace the 318178110 surface element safely?
Turn off and lock out power at the breaker. Allow the cooktop to cool. Lift the element slightly and pull it forward to disengage it from the terminal block, or remove any retaining screws/clips if present. Disconnect the terminal connectors (take note or photo of wire positions).Connect the new element to the same terminals, insert it into the opening, and test operation after restoring power. If you’re not agreeable with electrical work, hire a qualified appliance technician.
Can I use a global or aftermarket 6″ element rather of the OEM 318178110?
Yes, a universal or aftermarket 6″ element can be used if it matches the OEM element’s diameter, terminal type/mounting, and electrical ratings (voltage and wattage). OEM parts are recommended for guaranteed fit and performance, but compatible replacements are acceptable when specifications and connectors match exactly.
What symptoms indicate the surface element needs replacing?
Common signs include: the burner doesn’t heat at all, uneven heating or hot spots, element not reaching expected temperature, visible breaks or blistering, burning or metallic smell from the burner, or repeated tripping of the circuit breaker when the burner is on. Any of these warrant testing with a multimeter and likely replacement.
Where can I buy the 318178110 element and how do I ensure I get the right part?
Buy from Frigidaire/Whirlpool parts websites, authorized dealers, major appliance parts retailers (online or brick-and-mortar), or certified repair shops. Provide your stove/range model number and the part number (318178110) to verify fit. prefer OEM sellers or reputable aftermarket suppliers and confirm return policy in case the part does not match.
In Retrospect
The 318178110 Frigidaire Oven Range Surface Element 6″ serves as a primary heating component for compatible ranges, delivering focused surface heat for pots and pans and contributing directly to consistent cooking performance. As a purpose-built 6-inch replacement element, it affects temperature responsiveness, energy transfer and overall appliance reliability, making it an integral part of everyday range operation.
Because symptoms of a failing surface element can mirror other electrical or control issues, proper diagnosis is essential before replacement to ensure the underlying cause is addressed. When testing confirms the element is defective, replacing it with the correct part number-installed and secured according to manufacturer guidance or by a qualified technician-restores function, maintains safety, and helps prolong the appliance’s service life. Thoughtful diagnosis and correct replacement maximize performance and reduce the risk of recurring problems.
Professional Appliance Service
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