WB44X173 GE Range Oven Broil Element is an electric broil heating element used in GE ranges and similar electric ovens; it is indeed a replaceable tubular heating component that provides the radiant heat required for broiling. As a high-resistance, high-temperature conductor, the element converts electrical energy into infrared heat and is mounted to the upper interior of the oven cavity where it faces the food surface. Physically it consists of a sealed metal sheath containing a resistive coil and insulating material, with terminal leads that connect to the oven’s power and control circuitry.
Inside the appliance, the broil element interacts with the user control (selector switch or electronic control board), the oven temperature control system, the terminal block and wiring harness, and safety devices such as thermal cutouts or fuses. When the broil function is selected, the control supplies line voltage to the element through the appropriate relay or switch; heat output and on/off cycling may be governed by the control board or a thermostat/temperature sensor depending on the range design.The element’s electrical continuity, insulation integrity and physical mounting affect performance and safety, while its location in the oven cavity influences heat distribution and cookware placement during broiling.
In this article you will find a technical overview of the WB44X173 broil element covering its intended function and typical electrical and mechanical characteristics, guidance on model compatibility and how to confirm the correct replacement part, common failure symptoms to recognize (for example no heat, partial heat, visible damage, arcing or blown safety devices), and the diagnostic checks a technician or owner should perform (visual inspection, continuity and resistance checks, and verifying voltage at the element terminals). The article also discusses practical replacement considerations such as matching terminal style and mounting, verifying OEM part numbers versus aftermarket alternatives, and safety precautions to observe during inspection and replacement.
Table of Contents
- Function and Role of the Broil Element in GE Electric Range heating Systems
- How the WB44X173 GE Range Oven Broil Element Integrates and Operates Within the Range’s Electrical and Control Circuits
- Common Electrical, Thermal, and Mechanical Failure Symptoms of the Broil Element
- Diagnostic Procedures, Compatibility Verification, and Replacement Considerations for the Broil Element
- Q&A
- In Conclusion
function and Role of the Broil Element in GE Electric Range Heating Systems
The WB44X173 GE Range Oven Broil Element is a resistive, line-voltage heating element positioned at the top of the oven cavity to deliver concentrated radiant heat for broiling. It converts electrical power directly into infrared energy, producing high surface temperatures that sear and brown food rapidly; unlike the lower bake element, the broil element provides directional, high-intensity heat rather than distributed convection. the element is controlled by the oven’s user selector and control board or a broil thermostat, cycling under control logic or operating continuously in high-broil modes.Typical field behaviors include rapid heating to red-hot glow, intermittent cycling under closed-loop control, and specific failure signatures such as open circuit, short to ground, or localized hotspots from coil breaks.
- Primary function: direct radiant heat for searing, browning, and finishing.
- Location & mounting: upper cavity, exposed for line-of-sight heating; connects via spade terminals or terminal block.
- Electrical: nominal household range supply (single‑phase 240 V); draws significant current under broil.
- Common symptoms of failure: no broil heat,uneven broiling,oven tripping breakers,visible breaks or blistering on the element surface.
Compatibility and troubleshooting require both mechanical fit and electrical continuity checks; the WB44X173 GE Range Oven Broil Element is typically replaced with an OEM or equivalent unit that matches terminal type and mounting bracket. Technicians should isolate power, verify continuity with a multimeter, inspect for shorts to chassis, and confirm the control board or temperature limit thermostat is functioning before replacing the element-if bake function still works while broil does not, the element is a likely cause. In application, avoid physical contact between the element and racks or cookware, and confirm correct clearances and secure electrical connections to prevent arcing and premature failure.
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| Location | Upper oven cavity, exposed radiant element |
| Electrical | Nominal supply: 240 V line-powered resistive element; high current draw during broil |
how the WB44X173 GE Range oven Broil Element Integrates and operates Within the Range’s Electrical and Control Circuits
The WB44X173 GE Range Oven Broil Element is a resistive heating element that converts electrical energy into infrared heat for the oven’s broil function. In typical North American ranges this element is wired across the appliance’s two hot legs of a 120/240V split-phase supply so it receives near-line voltage when energized.Activation is usually performed by the range’s control board or a mechanical broil selector relay, which applies full line voltage to the element; temperature control is achieved either by cycling that supply with a thermostat/thermistor input or by time-proportioning from the control board. Physically and electrically the element must match the original’s terminal type, mounting bracket geometry, and wattage rating to ensure proper mechanical fit and correct thermal load on the control circuits.
Integration with the range’s electrical and control circuits is straightforward but critically important for diagnostics and safe replacement: the element itself is a passive resistive load, so failures are typically an open circuit (no heat) or a short to chassis/ground (can trip breakers or blow fuses). Control circuitry provides the switching (relays, triacs) and feedback (temperature sensor) and expects the element’s nominal resistance and power draw; replacing the element with one of different impedance or wattage can cause abnormal cycling, overheating, or premature relay failure. Practical troubleshooting steps include verifying line voltage at the element terminals with the broil command active, checking continuity with an ohmmeter, and inspecting connector pins and mounting hardware for corrosion or arcing marks before replacing the element.
- Electrical role: passive resistive load switched by oven control or mechanical relay.
- Common failure modes: open-circuit, short-to-ground, poor terminal/contact resistance.
- Diagnostic checks: verify control output voltage, continuity across terminals, and absence of short to chassis.
- Compatibility concerns: terminal type,mounting tabs,and wattage rating must match the original.
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| Electrical connection | Connected across hot legs; switched by control relay or board output. |
| Function | Provides concentrated radiant heat for broiling; passive resistive element. |
| diagnostic test | Continuity check for open circuit; insulation test for short to chassis; verify applied voltage when commanded. |
| Replacement considerations | Match WB44X173 GE Range Oven Broil Element terminal type, mounting, and wattage to preserve control behaviour and safety. |
Common Electrical, Thermal, and Mechanical Failure Symptoms of the Broil Element
The WB44X173 GE Range Oven Broil Element is a resistive radiative heater mounted at the oven’s upper cavity surface to produce high, directional heat for browning and searing. In normal operation the element draws line voltage and converts electrical energy into infrared heat with a relatively low cold resistance (typically in the tens of ohms depending on model),and it should glow uniformly along its length. Compatibility with a specific GE range model depends on terminal spacing, mounting brackets, and overall length, so verify model and mounting style before replacing the element; improper fit can produce mechanical stress or poor thermal contact that leads to premature failure.
Electrical, thermal, and mechanical failures present distinct, testable symptoms that help isolate the root cause. Common signs include complete loss of heat from an open element, reduced or uneven output from partial breaks or high-resistance spots, arcing or breaker trips from insulation breakdown or grounding faults, and physical deformation or blistering from overheating.Practical diagnostic actions include a visual inspection for breaks or discoloration, a continuity/resistance check across the element terminals, and a supply-voltage check at the terminal block; if an element is open, shows abnormally high resistance, or exhibits visible damage, replacement is generally required to restore safe, reliable operation.
- No heat: Open circuit at the element (infinite resistance) or failed thermal cutout.
- Partial/weak heat: High-resistance section or degraded heating conductor causing reduced output.
- Uneven browning: Localized element failure, partial short, or thermostat/relay cycling issues.
- Arcing or breaker trips: Insulation breakdown, grounding fault, or terminal block corrosion.
- Visible deformation or blistering: overheating from incorrect voltage, prolonged use at high broil, or poor mounting.
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| Resistance check | Continuity and cold-ohms measurement identify open circuits or unusually high resistance indicating internal conductor degradation. |
| Visual inspection | Look for breaks, corrosion at terminals, discoloration, or warping that correlate with electrical or thermal failure modes. |
diagnostic Procedures,Compatibility Verification,and Replacement Considerations for the Broil Element
The WB44X173 GE Range Oven Broil Element functions as the high-temperature heater for broil operations and normally presents a low,continuous resistance when healthy. Diagnose the element visually for breaks, blistering, or arcing and electrically with a multimeter: first disconnect power, then check continuity across the element and compare to the oven manufacturer’s specification. If the element shows an open circuit it requires replacement; if it has continuity but the oven does not heat, measure voltage at the element terminals with the broil circuit energized to isolate control, thermostat, or safety cutoff failures. Practical examples: an element that glows but produces uneven heat often has internal hot spots or partial breaks, while visible arcing or blackened insulation indicates dielectric failure and immediate replacement to avoid a short or fire hazard.
Compatibility verification and replacement should match physical mounting, terminal type, and electrical ratings rather than only the part number. confirm the oven model and serial number against parts documentation, verify that the replacement matches the oven’s line voltage and wattage, and ensure terminal connectors (spade, screw, or ribbon) and mounting flange geometry align so the element sits the correct distance from the oven cavity surface. After installing a replacement, secure and insulate all connections, restore power, and run a broil cycle to confirm consistent heating and that associated controls or thermal cutouts operate correctly. When swapping non‑OEM parts, check for identical watt density and shape-differences can change heat distribution and cook performance or overstress components such as insulation and support brackets.
- No heat + open circuit on multimeter: element failed (replace).
- Continuity present but no voltage at terminals when energized: control/relay or safety device fault.
- Glowing with cold spots or uneven heating: partial internal break or hotspot – replace element.
- Visible arcing/blackening/corrosion at terminals: replace and use proper insulated connectors.
- Before replacement: confirm oven model,terminal style,and voltage/wattage match the replacement.
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| Voltage rating | Match oven supply (commonly 240V for residential ranges); verify nameplate. |
| Terminal type | Spade, screw, or ribbon-ensure connector compatibility to avoid loose contacts. |
| Common failure modes | Open circuit, internal hotspots, insulation breakdown, terminal corrosion. |
| Replacement checklist | Model verification, matching wattage/shape/terminals, secure insulated connections, functional broil test. |
Q&A
What is the WB44X173 broil element?
The WB44X173 is an OEM replacement broil (upper) heating element used in many GE-brand electric ovens and ranges. It is the resistive element that provides the high heat used for broiling. Always confirm compatibility by checking your oven model number against the part number before buying.
What are common signs the WB44X173 broil element has failed?
Typical symptoms include no broil heat at all, the element not glowing red when set to broil, uneven heating or only part of the element glowing, visible damage (blisters, breaks, burn spots), or the oven tripping a breaker or blowing a fuse when broil is selected.
How do I test the broil element with a multimeter?
First disconnect power at the breaker. Remove the element or access its terminals and disconnect the wires. Measure resistance across the two element terminals – a typical good element will show a low resistance in the tens of ohms (check your service spec for exact value). There should be no continuity (infinite resistance) between either terminal and the metal chassis; continuity to chassis indicates an internal short. If the element is open (infinite resistance across terminals) or shorted to chassis, it must be replaced.
Can I replace the WB44X173 myself, and what are the basic steps?
Yes, many owners can replace it, but always turn power off at the breaker first. Remove oven racks, unscrew the mounting screws that secure the element inside the oven (usually at the top rear), pull the element forward to expose the quick‑connect terminals, disconnect the wires, replace with the new element, reconnect the wires, secure the element, and restore power to test. If you are not pleasant working with household electrical wiring, hire a qualified technician.
What tools do I need to replace or test the element?
Common tools: Phillips or slotted screwdriver (or nut driver depending on screws), needle‑nose pliers for removing quick‑connects, a multimeter for testing, and work gloves. You may also need a flashlight and a small tray to keep screws organized.
My broil element glows but broiling performance is poor - is the element the problem?
Not always. If the element glows but performance is poor, possible causes include a partially failing element (internal damage), loose/poor electrical connections at the terminals, a failing oven control/relay that is not supplying full voltage, or thermostatic/high‑limit safety parts.Test continuity and terminal voltage (live test by a qualified technician) and inspect connections before replacing the element.
Do oven heating elements have polarity or special wiring orientation?
No. Broil elements are simple resistive loads and are not polarity sensitive. Though, correct and secure connections at the terminal studs are critically important to avoid poor contact, arcing, or intermittent operation. Reconnect the wires exactly as they were.
How long do broil elements last and is the WB44X173 covered by warranty?
Broil elements can last many years but lifespan varies with use and oven conditions. Warranty coverage depends on where you buy the part and whether it’s sold direct by the manufacturer or a third party; some sellers offer limited warranties (such as 90 days to 1 year). Check the seller’s or GE’s warranty policy and retain your receipt and part number for any claim.
in summary
The WB44X173 GE range oven broil element serves as the primary source of intense radiant heat for broiling operations, directly affecting browning, searing and the overall performance of the oven’s broil function. As a core heating component, its condition influences cooking results, energy efficiency and the safe operation of the appliance.
as symptoms of a failing broil element can resemble other oven issues, proper diagnosis is essential: common indicators include lack of broil heat, uneven browning, visible breaks or burn marks, and electrical discontinuity when tested. Confirming the element itself is at fault-rather than wiring, controls or other components-prevents needless part replacement and ensures an effective repair.
when replacement is required,using the correct WB44X173 part or an approved equivalent and following safe installation practices restores intended performance and minimizes risk of further damage. Disconnecting power before inspection or replacement and following manufacturer guidance or employing a qualified technician when uncertain are prudent steps to ensure a durable, safe repair and continued reliable operation of the range.
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