WB44X173⢠GE Range Oven Broil Element is an electrical resistanceâ heating element used in â¤GE electric ranges and ovens to⢠provide the âconcentrated âtop-side heat required for the â¤broil âfunction.⢠Itâ is a replaceableâ tubular/strip-type heating â¤component mounted âin the upperâ portion of the âoven cavity, âwith electrical terminals and mounting brackets that secure itâ to âŁtheâ oven’s innerâ panel. The element converts incoming electrical⣠energy into â˘radiant â˘and convective âheat to âcreate the high surface temperatures associated with broiling.
Inside the appliance, the broil element âinterfaces with⢠the oven control system, line voltage supply, terminal⣠blockand any âassociated relays or electronic control boards⢠that select the broil mode. â¤It works â˘in conjunction with the oven cavity,⣠door â˘designand broilâ panâ to â¤deliver direct radiant âheatâ to food,â andâ its performance âis influenced by wiring integrity,⣠control logicand any high-limit or safety cutouts present on⢠the⢠appliance. Faults in theâ element âŁor its connections⤠can affect broiling temperature, heat distribution,⢠and safe⣠operation â˘ofâ the âoven.
In thisâ article readers will find â˘a âtechnical⣠overview of âthe WB44X173 element’s function â˘and âtypical physical and electrical characteristics,guidance on compatibility andâ partâ verification for specific â˘GE⣠models,common failure symptoms to recognize (such as loss of heating,uneven⣠broil,visible âdamage,or arcing),and practical troubleshooting checks⣠aâ technician can⣠perform (continuity and voltage checks,visual inspection âofâ terminals and â˘wiring). The âarticle⣠will also cover replacement considerations⤠including safe power isolation, proper âpart⢠fitment, terminal connections, âand⢠basic⢠post-replacementâ verification â˘to confirm correct operation â˘within the appliance system.
Table of Contents
- Functionâ and Roleâ of the Oven Broil Element⣠in⢠Thermal Output and Cooking Control
- How⣠the WB44X173â GE Range Oven Broil Element⣠interfaces with Wiring,⢠Relays,â and Control Electronics
- Common âfailure Symptoms, Diagnostic Testsand Visual Inspection â˘Criteriaâ forâ Broil Elements
- Compatibility,â Replacement Considerations, âand StepâbyâStep installation Best⣠practices
- Q&A
- Key Takeaways
Function and Role of the Oven âBroil Element in Thermalâ Output âŁand Cooking Control
WB44X173â GE rangeâ Oven Broil â˘Element is a tubular⣠resistanceâ heating element mounted at the⣠top of the âoven cavity that converts âline â˘voltage⢠into â¤concentrated radiant heat for âdirect-surface broiling. Electrically, it âbehaves as a low-resistance load âthat generates intense infrared flux when energized;â that âradiant energy âproduces rapid⢠surface â¤browning and searing because heat transfer is dominatedâ byâ radiation rather than â˘convection. âIn practical repair andâ servicing terms, the element âshould present continuity across its terminals and display uniform sheathâ temperature when powered; â˘visible breaks, blisteringor cold spots in⣠the sheath indicate âinternalâ open circuits or âhot spots that reduce âthermal output and require replacement.
The broil element interfaces with âŁthe range’s control system as â˘a switched resistive âheater-controls typically apply full lineâ voltage⤠during the broil cycleâ orâ modulate⤠powerâ using time-based duty cycles in âelectronic â¤controllers for â˘temperature â˘management. âCompatibility depends on⤠mounting âboss⣠locations, terminal⤠type,⣠and electrical rating;â the WB44X173 part âis intended âas a direct-replacement element for specific GE range models⢠andâ must match the oven’sâ supply⤠voltage and terminal configuration. For technicians,common diagnostic steps include a⢠continuity/ohm âŁcheck,visual inspection âofâ mounting and⢠insulation,and verifying â˘that the⤠control and relay â¤deliver⣠correct voltage under load. Practical cookingâ context:⢠adjusting rack distance andâ preheating the⤠oven⣠affects how the element’s radiant profile⣠browns different foods-closer proximity yields faster caramelization, whileâ greater⤠distance provides more âeven finishing without scorching.
- Thermal behavior: high radiant output for⤠surface âbrowning, âŁlocalized heat pattern.
- Control interaction: normally⤠switched â˘full-voltage; some models use duty-cycle control for temperature â¤regulation.
- Service⤠checks: continuity âŁmeasurement, visual sheath⤠inspection, âverify proper terminal connections.
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| Function | Radiant broil heating element⢠for top-cavity browning and searing |
| Typical operating voltage | 208-240 V (model⤠dependent) |
| Typical power | Range⣠dependent; commonly in the⤠1,500-3,200 â¤W band |
| Compatibility | Direct replacement âfor specified GE ranges; match terminal⢠type and â˘mounting |
How the WB44X173 GE Range Oven Broil â˘Element Interfaces with Wiring, Relaysand âControl âElectronics
The WB44X173 GEâ Range Ovenâ Broil Element is a resistive heating âŁelement that presents as â˘a simple twoâterminal⣠load to the â¤oven’s power and⤠control âsystem. Inâ most residential⤠electric ranges the elementâ is connected across the two hotâ legs ofâ the supply â¤(typically 208-240â VAC, supply âdependent) and mounts with â¤speedyâdisconnect⣠spade terminals. â¤The element⤠itself does⣠not contain active âelectronics; the âoven⢠control electronics⣠and associated⣠relays or solidâstate switches provide âthe switching and sequencing necessary âto apply full line voltage to the element. âWhen replacingâ or âspecifying thisâ part, match the âŁterminal type, mounting orientationand voltage rating soâ the elementâ interfaces correctly with the existing wiring harness and relay â˘contacts without⣠requiring adapter modifications.
Operationally, the broil element behaves â˘as a fixed resistive load whose current âdraw andâ resultingâ surface âtemperature are steadfast by supply voltage and the âelement’s cold âresistance. The oven control board âcommands a relay â¤or SSR to close the circuitand many controls â¤modulate heat â˘through⣠on/off cycling (timeâproportional control) or pulseâwidth⤠techniques when using solidâstate devices.â Practical âŁdiagnostics⣠therefore focus on two things: electrical isolation/continuityâ of âthe element and correct âŁswitching by the relay or â¤control. Such as, if an element shows continuity but⢠the oven⢠does â¤not âheat underâ a âbroil⣠command, measuring âŁline voltage⤠at the⣠element âterminalsâ while actuating âthe broil control will distinguish a failed element from⤠a failed⤠relay/board output; visible signs â˘such â¤as burned⣠spade terminals or a â¤relayâ that does⣠not click âŁsuggest contact failure⢠and warrant⣠replacement of the switching âdevice or connectorâ rather than â¤the element alone.
- Key interface points: supply voltage compatibility, spade terminal size, mounting bracket fit,⢠and relay or âŁSSRâ current rating.
- Simpleâ checks: continuity across element,⢠voltage⢠present during broil command, audible/visible ârelay operationand connector integrity.
- Common behaviors: element glows âŁquickly after correctâ voltageâ is⤠applied; intermittent âŁoperation often indicates loose wiring or failing relay contacts.
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| Typical supply | 208-240 VAC range â(dependent on âŁregional/equipment⤠configuration) |
| Connector â¤type | 1/4″ female quickâdisconnect â(spade) terminals⢠common âon GE ranges |
| Electrical behavior | Fixed resistive load; current â˘determined by âsupplyâ voltage and cold resistance;⤠controlled via relays/SSRs on âthe oven control |
| Common⢠interface failure | Open element (noâ continuity), burnt or loose spade terminalor âfailed â¤relay/board output |
Common Failure Symptoms,⣠Diagnostic tests, âand Visual Inspection Criteria for Broil Elements
Theâ WB44X173 GE Range Oven Broil Element ⣠is a â˘tubular resistance heater âthat produces high-intensity infrared and convective⣠heat âfor top-of-oven broiling. âMechanically it âis a⤠sealed metal sheath âŁcontaining a resistance coil and âinsulating âfill; electrically it⤠is a â¤high-power load connected to the upper heating⤠circuit. âŁReplacement⤠compatibility is limited to specifiedâ GE range models, so confirm the oven model number⢠before ordering. Inâ service, the element’s expected behavior is a continuous, evenâ glow across âits length when supplied with full voltage;⢠any localized⢠cool spots, intermittent gloworâ visibleâ sheath damage⣠indicatesâ a change in⢠electrical continuity or⣠a breach of the sealing sheath that degrades performance and safety.
Diagnosingâ a failing broil element combinesâ a visual inspection with simple â˘electrical tests. With power removed and the element âdisconnected,⣠check âcontinuityâ across â˘the two terminals with a multimeter – âa good â˘element will âŁshow⣠a low resistance path (typically in the single- to low-tens of ohms âŁdepending on wattage), âwhile an open reading means the coil is broken and the element must be replaced. Also measure forâ continuity between âeach terminal and the metal mounting/chassis: any continuity thereâ indicates a short to ground and a hazardous â˘failure. During visual inspection look for corrosion or pitted âterminals, blistering or exposed metal on the sheath, arcing marksor melted insulation at the connection points; loose or burned â¤terminal hardware⣠can â˘produce⢠symptoms that mimic element failure but â˘are repairable by restoring a clean, âtight connection.
- No â¤heat or oven â˘broiler ânot reachingâ temperature
- Uneven⤠broiling or sections of the⢠element not glowing
- Intermittentâ operation or⢠flickering â˘glow
- Visible breaks,blistering,or exposed metal on the sheath
- Arcing,sizzling ânoises,breaker trips,or burning⣠smell
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| Continuity across terminals | Low resistanceâ (single â˘to âŁlow-tens of âohms). Open = broken coil; replace âŁelement. |
| terminal-to-chassis insulation | No âcontinuity expected. Continuity indicates short âto âground-do not âuse; replace element. |
| Visual condition | Intact, âsmooth sheath and solid âŁterminals are âacceptable. Blistering, rupturesor pitting require replacement. |
Compatibility, Replacement Considerationsandâ StepâbyâStep âŁInstallation Best â˘Practices
The WB44X173 GE Range⤠Oven Broil Element ⤠is a resistive heatingâ element positioned along the top interior of the oven cavity to produce intense, âdirect âradiant heat usedâ for broiling.â It â¤converts mains⣠electrical power into âthermal energy through a âmetalâ sheath andâ internal resistance coil; the⢠sheath must be electrically insulated from the oven chassis while mechanically fastened at âthe mounting flange.Proper compatibility⤠requires matching the element’s mounting flangeâ geometry, terminal type and spacing, sheath lengthand insulation arrangement to the oven model – â˘a correct âphysical matchâ ensures â˘the â¤element âsits at the designed â¤distance â¤from the food and door, preventing arcing, uneven heat distributionor interference with â¤the thermostat and sensor â¤locations. Typical failure modes âthat indicate replacement include an open circuit on a continuity⢠check, visible âbreaks or⢠perforations â¤in⣠the sheath,⢠blackened or melted⣠terminal endsand intermittent heating that âmay showâ as localized hot âŁspots or sparksâ during âoperation.
Replacement and⣠installation practices âprioritize electrical safety and dimensional verification.⤠Isolate the appliance at the breaker and verify zero voltage with a meter before accessing â¤the element or its terminal block;â keep the ovenâ door and â¤racks âout of the way⤠to avoid pinching âthe â¤new element â˘or damagingâ insulation. Use a âmultimeter to record the⤠old element’s continuity⢠and measure its resistance to compare with the replacement;⢠ifâ theâ original⢠shows open âŁcircuit orâ extreme resistance deviation, â˘replacement⢠is âwarranted. Secure the elementâ so the mounting flange is â¤flush and â¤terminal connections are tight and insulated with the correct high-temperature â˘connectors; avoid overâtorquing mounting screws that can âŁdeform the âsheathâ or misalign the element. âŁOEM âparts such as⢠WB44X173 usually â˘provide a direct fit, but compatible aftermarket elements are acceptable⤠if⣠the mechanical and electrical specifications match exactly and the installer confirms fit and safe clearances before energizing the appliance.
- Isolate power â(breaker), verify zero volts, remove racks and access panels.
- Document âterminal âŁorientation and take resistance/continuity readings before âŁremoval.
- Install replacement ensuring â¤flange alignment, secure⤠terminals⣠with ceramic or highâtemp connectorsand preserve insulation.
- Restore power and run âa short broil âtestâ while observing for âarcing, unusualâ odorsor uneven heating.
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| Mounting & Terminals | Flange⤠shape, screw âŁlocationsand terminalâ spacingâ must match oven cavity⢠and terminal âblock to prevent mechanical stress â¤or misalignment. |
| Electrical Characteristics | Resistive heater designed for â¤the appliance’sâ supply; confirm continuity âand expected resistance range âwith âa multimeter prior to⤠installation. |
| Common âFailure⢠Indicators | Open⤠circuit, visible âsheath damage, burnt terminals, arcing during operationor localized âoverheating âŁappear inâ inspection and⢠diagnostic checks. |
Q&A
How âcan I tell if the WB44X173 broil element is âfailing or needs â¤replacement?
Common signs⢠are: the oven âbroiler does not get hot âor heats unevenly; visible âdamage such as blistering, cracking,⤠or breaks in theâ heating âtube; arcing or sparking whenâ the broiler is on; or a persistent burning smell. If you see physical âdamage or experience those symptoms, the⣠element isâ highly likely âbad and should be replaced.
Can I replace the âŁWB44X173 broil element myselfand what safety steps should⤠I take?
Yes,â a competent DIYer can replace it, but always disconnect⢠power first by switching âoff the â˘circuit breaker or unplugging the range. Allow the â˘oven to cool completely. Wear gloves and eye protectionand avoid touching sharp sheet âŁmetal. â˘If you are not â¤agreeable working with electrical components, â¤hire âa qualified appliance technician.
How do I test the âWB44X173 broil element â˘with a multimeter?
Disconnect power and access the element terminals (remove the oven rear panel⣠or âŁbroiler⢠panel as needed).⢠Disconnect⤠the âwires⢠from the âelement terminals. With a multimeter set âtoâ resistance (ohms), measure⣠across the twoâ element â¤terminals-expect a low resistance reading (typically in the tens of ohms for 240 V âheating elements). Also check for leakage to âground by measuring between either terminal and the element chassis; this should read âŁopen/infinite.A very âhigh/infinite resistanceâ across terminals means an open âelement; a low resistance to ground indicatesâ aâ shorted element.
What â¤electrical specifications shouldâ I knowâ for the WB44X173 broil element?
The WB44X173 âis designed for standard U.S.household electric ovens that âŁrun âon 240 VAC. Exact⤠wattage â¤and resistance âŁdepend on the â¤specific range model; manyâ oven⣠broil elementsâ are in the â˘general range âof a few thousandâ watts.Always confirm âthe correct OEM part number âŁforâ your model âand consult theâ appliance rating plate or part listing for precise specifications âbeforeâ replacing.
How do â˘I remove and install the WB44X173 broilâ element?
After cutting âpower and letting the oven cool, open âthe oven and⢠remove any âmounting â¤screws âorâ clips that secure the elementâ to the oven cavity â˘(usuallyâ at the rear). â˘Pull the element forward slightly â˘to access and⣠disconnect the wire connectors âfrom the terminals. Install the new â˘element by⤠connecting the wires to â˘the correct terminals, seating the element flange âflush with⣠the oven back and securing the mounting⤠screws/clips. Restore power âand âtest.⢠Refer to the oven service manual for âŁmodel-specific steps and torque requirements.
Will the WB44X173 fit any GE oven or rangeâ model?
WB44X173 is â˘an OEM GE broilâ elementâ used in âa number of GE â˘and affiliated-brand âranges,⤠but it isâ not worldwide.Always â¤verify âcompatibility by⤠checking â˘your oven’s â˘model number against the âpart listingâ or theâ appliance parts retailer. Installing an incorrect element⤠may result in âimproper fit or electrical mismatch.
Why does⣠the broil element arc âor sparkand can that be fixed without⣠replacing theâ element?
Arcing usually indicates âaâ cracked or âdamaged âheating tube, a⤠broken internal sheath, âor insulation âfailure âcausing the element âto short⤠to the oven cavity. Sometimesâ loose or âŁcorroded⢠terminal connectionsâ can⤠cause sparking-tightening orâ cleaning âthe connectors can fix that. If the â¤element surface âis damaged or current is leaking to the chassis, replace⢠the element⣠rather than repair it.
How⣠long does â¤the WB44X173 broilâ element typically lastand what⢠causes â¤premature failure?
Under normal use, a broilâ element can last many âyears, frequently enough 5-15 âŁyears, but life varies âby usage frequency and operating conditions.â Premature failure can be caused by overheating, repeated thermal cycling,â physical âdamage,⤠grease and food deposits that trapâ heatorâ electrical faults⢠such as⤠short circuits.â Regular cleaning (when cool) âand avoiding prolonged max-power âŁcycles can extend âelement life.
Key Takeaways
Theâ WB44X173⤠GE Range Oven Broil Element serves⣠as the primary source of radiant heat for the⤠broil âfunction in compatible âGEâ ovens. By producing concentrated topâdownâ heat, it enables browning, searing and ârapid surface⢠cooking; â¤proper operation of this component contributes directly â¤to consistent cooking results, temperature stability and overallâ oven performance.
Because the broil element âis âexposed to high temperatures and regularâ use, signs of⣠wear âor failure â- such as uneven broiling, âlack of heat from the topâ of the oven,â visible damage or âelectrical⣠faults – should prompt careful âdiagnosis. Accurate⢠troubleshooting (including visual inspection,⣠continuity testing with âŁaâ multimeterand verification of âwiring and mounting) helps distinguish â˘element failure from other issues. when replacement is necessary,using⢠theâ correctâ WB44X173 âŁpart â¤and following safe âŁinstallation⤠practices or âengaging a qualified technician ensures the repair restores âfunctionality without introducing safety or compatibility â¤problems.
Timely and proper replacement of a faulty âWB44X173 element⣠can âreturnâ broiling performance âŁto specification, reduce the risk of secondary damage and support safe âoperation⤠of â˘the appliance. Adhering to⤠manufacturer guidance, safety procedures and sound⤠diagnostic âsteps helps â˘maintain â˘oven reliability and prolong service life while minimizingâ downtime â¤andâ further⢠repair⤠costs.
Professional Appliance Service
If your appliance requires professional diagnosis or repair, visit
Revolff Home Services
for expert appliance repair services.
For local appliance service information see
Dryer repair Henderson
.
Replacement parts for many appliance models can also be found at
Reliable-Parts-Hub
.
Recommended Products
