318255006 Frigidaire Oven Range Bake Element is a resistive heating element designed for use in electric Frigidaire oven ranges. As a tubular or sheet-metal-sheathed resistive element, it converts incoming electrical energy into heat to provide the primary source of thermal energy for baking operations inside the oven cavity.
Inside the appliance the bake element functions as the controlled heat source that works together with the oven control (mechanical thermostat, infinite switch, or electronic control board), temperature sensor or thermostat, and the wiring/terminal block that supplies mains voltage (typically 240 VAC in North American installations). Its thermal output affects heat-up time, temperature uniformity and regulation, and it interacts with safety systems such as thermal cutouts or fuses; failures in the element, its terminals, or the associated wiring can present as open circuits, arcing, short circuits, or degraded heating performance that in turn influence control responses and user-observed temperatures.
This article explains how the 318255006 bake element operates, how to verify compatibility with specific frigidaire models, common failure symptoms to recognise, and practical troubleshooting checks (visual inspection, continuity/ohms testing, and voltage verification at the terminals). It also covers replacement considerations-correct part selection, terminal/mounting orientation, verification of related components (controls, sensors, wiring), and post‑replacement functional checks-so technicians, engineers, and appliance owners can diagnose issues methodically and restore safe, reliable oven operation.
Table of Contents
- Function and Role of the Bake Element in Oven Heat Generation and Temperature Regulation
- How the 318255006 Frigidaire Oven Range Bake Element Interfaces with the oven’s Electrical, Control, and Thermal Systems
- Common Failure Symptoms, Measurable Electrical Indicators, and Thermal Performance Degradation
- Replacement Considerations, Model Compatibility, and Step‑by‑Step Installation Guidelines for 318255006
- Q&A
- Insights and Conclusions
Function and Role of the Bake element in Oven Heat Generation and Temperature Regulation
The 318255006 Frigidaire Oven Range Bake Element is a tubular resistive heating element mounted along the oven floor that converts electrical energy into thermal energy to establish and maintain the bake environment.As a resistive heater it dissipates power according to P = V²/R, so its wattage rating and the line voltage determine how quickly the oven reaches set temperature and how much heat is available for steady-state baking. In typical residential electric ranges the bake element is designed for the appliance’s supply voltage (commonly 240 V in North America) and for a specified wattage range; matching the element’s electrical rating and terminal spacing to the oven’s control system is necessary for reliable operation.
The bake element itself does not regulate temperature; regulation is achieved by cycling the element on and off under the control of a thermostat or electronic oven control board and associated relays or triacs. Faults in the element (open circuit, thin spots, or insulation breakdown) change its resistance or create localized hot spots, which leads to slow recovery, uneven browning, or failure to hold temperature. For repair or replacement,verify mechanical fit and electrical rating,and confirm continuity with a multimeter before installation; designers and technicians often use the relation R = V²/P to estimate expected resistance for a given element rating and to check that a replacement matches the original specification.
- Symptoms of element failure: visible breaks, loss of continuity, uneven bake patterns, prolonged heat-up time.
- Compatibility factors: terminal type and spacing,wattage and voltage rating,element length and mounting bracket design.
- Diagnostic tip: measure cold resistance and compare to calculated expected value; inspect insulation and mounting for contact points or burn marks.
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| Voltage | Typically the oven supply (commonly 240 V for electric ranges); must match element rating. |
| Typical Wattage | Residential bake elements commonly range from ~2000-3500 W depending on model and oven size. |
| Expected Resistance | Calculated by R = V²/P (e.g., ~19.2 Ω for 240 V at 3000 W) - use as a diagnostic reference. |
| Mounting | Flange and terminal spacing must match oven cavity; improper fit affects heat distribution and safety. |
How the 318255006 Frigidaire Oven range bake Element Interfaces with the Oven’s Electrical, Control, and thermal Systems
The 318255006 Frigidaire Oven Range Bake Element is a tubular resistive heater that connects directly into the oven’s power and control ecosystem. It receives mains power through the oven’s wiring harness and fast-on terminals and converts electrical energy to heat when the range’s control relay or mechanical thermostat completes the circuit. The switching element in the control board or infinite switch applies voltage to the bake element in timed cycles; those cycles are governed by the oven’s temperature sensor and control logic rather than by the element itself. For compatible replacement, technicians should match terminal style, mounting flange dimensions, and the element’s electrical rating to avoid mismatches that can cause improper cycling or excessive current draw. Simple diagnostic checks include verifying continuity with a multimeter and confirming the presence of the expected line voltage at the element terminals when a bake call is active.
Thermally, the bake element interfaces with the oven cavity by radiative and convective heat transfer: its location and exposed surface area determine how rapidly it can raise and maintain cavity temperature and how evenly it distributes heat. The control system uses feedback from the oven thermostat or thermistor to modulate power to the element-short on/off pulses near setpoint reduce overshoot while long, sustained power periods are used for large temperature rises; this is normal behavior and not a sign of failure. Practical failure modes that effect the electrical/thermal interface include open circuits (no heat), short-to-ground or arcing (breaker trips or scorch marks), and degraded sheath insulation (reduced output and uneven baking). Below are primary interface points and a concise technical reference to assist troubleshooting and parts selection.
- Electrical: supply voltage, terminal integrity, continuity and insulation to chassis.
- Control: relay/triac switching behavior, control board diagnostics, thermostat/thermistor feedback.
- Thermal: radiative/convection heat transfer, element placement, impact on temperature uniformity.
- Compatibility: mounting flange, connector type, and rated current/voltage must match the oven.
| item | Description |
|---|---|
| Electrical rating | Match element current and voltage to oven spec; typical domestic ranges use line voltage (typically 240 V). |
| Control interface | Switched by oven control relay or infinite switch; controlled via thermostat/thermistor feedback loops. |
| Mounting/terminals | Flange bolt pattern and spade terminal orientation determine mechanical and electrical compatibility. |
| Common symptoms | No heat (open element), tripping breaker (short/ground), uneven cooking (partial failure or placement issue). |
Common Failure Symptoms, Measurable Electrical Indicators, and thermal Performance Degradation
The bake element converts electrical energy into radiant heat through a resistance coil sealed in a tubular stainless-steel sheath; the part listed as 318255006 Frigidaire Oven Range Bake Element follows this same construction and expects full line voltage and correct mounting to perform as intended.Technically,a healthy element presents a low,stable cold resistance (typically in the tens of ohms for 240 V units),shows clear electrical continuity,and presents very high insulation resistance to chassis/ground. Technicians confirm function by measuring cold resistance with a digital multimeter, checking for continuity at the two terminal spades, and verifying no measurable leakage to ground with a megohmmeter or high-range DMM; physical signs such as blistering, pinholes in the sheath, or localized discoloration correlate with internal coil failure or loss of insulating fill and indicate the element should be removed and replaced with a compatible unit that matches voltage, terminal type, and mounting geometry.
- No heat / open circuit: infinite resistance between terminals; oven will not reach setpoint.
- Reduced heat / high resistance: measured resistance higher than expected (partial coil break), resulting in slower ramp and undercooking.
- Intermittent heating or cycling irregularities due to a fractured coil or loose terminal connection; continuity might potentially be intermittent under flex/load.
- Short to ground or leakage: element reads low insulation resistance to chassis (<1 MΩ), which can trip breakers or fault safety circuits.
- Thermal symptoms: uneven browning, cold spots, longer recovery time after door openings; visible hot spots or sheath damage indicate localized failure.
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| typical cold resistance | Approximately 15-35 Ω for common 240 V bake elements (varies by wattage); use the appliance spec for exact target. |
| Open-circuit indication | Infinite resistance between element terminals; immediate replacement required. |
| Insulation/leakage | megohm readings should be very high (>>1 MΩ); lower values indicate moisture ingress or compromised fill. |
| Operating current (example) | A 3000 W element at 240 V draws ~12.5 A; measured line current significantly below expected indicates high resistance or wiring issue. |
Thermal performance degrades progressively: as resistance increases or coil continuity is compromised, time-to-temperature grows and temperature uniformity across bake cycles worsens, which can be verified by timing recovery after a door opening or by surface temperature mapping with an infrared thermometer or thermocouples. For practical troubleshooting, compare measured resistance and operating current against nominal values, inspect terminals and mounting for heat damage, and replace the element when you observe an open circuit, sheath breaches, insulation leakage, or a resistance increase of roughly 20-30% from the manufacturer’s nominal value; ensure the replacement matches the original’s voltage rating, terminal type, physical length, and mounting configuration to avoid compatibility and safety issues.
Replacement Considerations, Model Compatibility, and Step‑by‑Step Installation Guidelines for 318255006
The 318255006 Frigidaire Oven Range Bake Element is a resistive heating element designed to provide even radiant heat to the oven cavity during baking cycles. Constructed from a high‑temperature alloy (commonly nickel‑chromium) enclosed in a formed stainless steel sheath, the element converts electrical energy into heat; failure modes include open‑circuit breaks, short to chassis/ground, or localized burnout that reduces heating uniformity. Verify electrical characteristics (voltage rating and terminal configuration) and physical envelope before installation-an element rated for 240 V operated on a different supply, or fitted with incompatible spade terminals or mounting brackets, will either not heat correctly or create safety hazards such as nuisance tripping or poor chassis insulation.
Replacement and installation require matching both electrical and mechanical interfaces,inspecting the oven’s terminal block,and validating operation with a multimeter and a controlled functional test. Practical examples: a common replacement error is ordering an element with identical length but incorrect mounting tabs that cause the element to sit too close to the convection fan; another is reusing a damaged insulation grommet that permits the element terminal to short to the oven cavity. For safe and reliable installation, disconnect power at the breaker, confirm continuity through the new element, secure all fasteners and grommets to restore proper clearance, and run an initial bake cycle at moderate temperature to confirm even heat distribution and absence of electrical faults.
- Turn off power at the breaker and confirm isolation with a voltage tester.
- Remove oven racks and access panel; disconnect the element’s spade connectors after noting their positions.
- unfasten mounting screws and extract the old element; inspect the terminal block and grommet for heat damage.
- Install the 318255006 element ensuring proper tab orientation and grommet seating; tighten mounting screws to hold but avoid over‑torque.
- Reconnect spade terminals, restore power, check for correct resistance with a multimeter, then perform a low‑temperature bake test while monitoring for odors, smoke, or tripped breakers.
| item | Description |
|---|---|
| Typical Voltage | 240 V nominal (verify appliance wiring and local mains) |
| Typical Resistance | Specified per model; frequently enough in the low tens of ohms for 240 V elements (measure before installation) |
| Mounting | Rear‑mount tabs with gland/grommet for terminal isolation; match tab spacing and depth |
| Connector Type | Female spade terminals (verify size: 1/4″ or 6.3 mm common) |
Q&A
What is the 318255006 Frigidaire oven range bake element?
The 318255006 is an OEM replacement bake element used in many Frigidaire (and some Kenmore/Electrolux-branded) electric ranges and ovens. It is the lower heating element that provides the primary heat for baking and roasting. It’s a direct-replacement heating element designed to fit and connect to the oven’s existing terminals.
How do I know if 318255006 is compatible with my oven model?
compatibility is determined by your oven’s model number. Check the appliance’s model plate (usually inside the oven door frame or storage drawer) and compare it to the part cross-reference from Frigidaire or an authorized parts dealer.Never rely only on photos; confirm the part number or OEM cross-reference list to ensure correct mounting holes, terminal spacing and connector type.
What are common symptoms that the bake element is failing?
Common signs include no heating from the bottom of the oven, very slow heat-up times, uneven baking (hot spots or cold bottoms), visible blisters, breaks, or white/black scorching on the element, or the element glowing irregularly. If the element is shorted to ground it can also cause a blown fuse or tripped breaker.
How can I test the bake element to see if it is indeed bad?
First disconnect power to the oven at the breaker. Remove the element leads so you measure the element alone. Use a multimeter set to the ohms (Ω) range: measure resistance across the two element terminals-most standard 240V oven bake elements read a low resistance (typically on the order of ~15-30 ohms for common 2000-3500W elements; exact values vary by wattage). A very high or infinite reading means the element is open and defective. Also check for a short to ground by measuring between either terminal and the metal body of the element; you should see no continuity (open). Continuity to ground indicates internal shorting and requires replacement.
Can I replace the 318255006 bake element myself, and how do I do it safely?
Yes, a competent homeowner can usually replace it. Safety steps: turn off both poles of the oven circuit at the breaker (or unplug the range) and verify power is off. Remove oven racks, unscrew any retaining screws or mounting bracket at the back of the oven cavity, carefully pull the element forward, and disconnect the slip-on wire terminals (note their position or photograph for reassembly). Install the new element by connecting wires to the correct terminals, seat the element and secure the mounting screws, replace racks, then restore power and test. If you’re not cozy working on mains voltage equipment, hire a qualified technician.
What tools do I need and what type of connectors does the element use?
Typical tools: a Phillips or flat screwdriver (or nut driver) for mounting screws, needle-nose pliers for pull-off connectors, and a multimeter for testing. Most Frigidaire bake elements use insulated slip-on (spade) terminals. If terminals are corroded or different size, replace or adapt connectors per manufacturer recommendations.
after replacing the element the oven still doesn’t heat - what should I check next?
If the new element checks good and glows but the oven still won’t maintain temperature or won’t heat at all, check the oven temperature sensor or thermostat (measure resistance of the sensor and compare to spec), the oven control board (diagnostic codes or visible damage), oven safety thermostat/thermal fuse, and wiring/connectors at the element and control board. If the element doesn’t glow but has correct line voltage at its terminals with the bake cycle enabled, the control board or relay may be faulty. At that point it’s frequently enough best to consult a qualified technician.
Where should I buy a genuine 318255006 element and what does it typically cost?
Buy from Frigidaire-authorized parts dealers, appliance part retailers, or the manufacturer’s parts website to ensure you get a genuine OEM element. Prices vary by seller but commonly range from roughly $25 to $80 depending on supplier and shipping; labor for professional installation is additional if you hire a technician. verify return policy and warranty before purchasing.
Insights and Conclusions
The 318255006 Frigidaire oven range bake element serves as the primary heat source for the oven’s bake function, converting electrical energy into consistent radiant heat that supports even cooking, accurate temperature control and reliable performance. As an integral component of the range’s heating system, its condition directly affects cooking results, energy efficiency and overall appliance safety.
Accurate diagnosis is essential when bake performance degrades-symptoms such as uneven baking, failure to reach set temperatures or visible damage to the element can indicate a failing part, but similar symptoms may stem from controls, sensors or wiring. Verifying the element’s condition before replacement helps avoid unneeded repairs and ensures the root cause is addressed. When replacement is required, selecting the correct 318255006 part and confirming proper fit and installation will help restore intended oven performance.
because electrical and safety considerations are involved, replacement should be carried out with appropriate precautions or by a qualified service technician. A timely, well-diagnosed replacement preserves cooking consistency, extends the service life of the appliance and helps maintain safe, efficient operation of the oven range.
Professional Appliance Service
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