318178110 Frigidaire Oven â¤Range Surface Element 6″ is âa 6-inch electric surface heating element designed â¤for use in Frigidaire electric ranges adn cooktops.As a resistive heating element,it converts electricalâ energy into heat âŁforâ cookware contact and is â˘typically a plug-in or â¤screw-mounted coil element that â˘fits into a drip pan or sealed cooktop âopening.
Inside teh appliance, this surface element works as the primary heat-generating component of a cooktop zone and interfaces directly with theâ range’sâ power distribution, control switch (infinite switch or electronic control board), terminal block and associated âwiring. Proper operation depends on correct voltage and secure electrical connections; the element’sâ thermal output âŁand physical mounting also affect⣠heatâ transfer toâ cookware and influence safety systems such as fusing, breaker protectionand anyâ temperature-limiting â˘controls⣠integral to the range.
Inâ this article readers âwill find a technical⢠overview ofâ the element’s function and construction,guidance on compatibility factors (diameter,terminal type,voltage and wattage ratings,and mounting geometry),common failure⣠symptomsâ (open circuit,uneven heating,arcing,visible âbreakage or insulation failure),basic troubleshooting steps â˘for fieldâ diagnosis (continuity and resistance checks,visualâ inspection of terminals and⣠pans,isolation from controls and supply verification),and practical replacement considerations including specification matching and safe installation â˘practices.
Table of Contents
- Functional role⢠ofâ the surface heating element in âheat generation, controland safety interlocks
- How⣠the 318178110 Frigidaire â˘Ovenâ Range Surface⢠Element 6″ interfaces with wiring, infinite switchesand control electronics
- Electrical and thermal failure symptoms with targeted diagnostic tests and measurementâ procedures
- Compatibility,⢠model⤠crossâreferences, replacement considerations,â and stepâbyâstep installation requirements
- Q&A
- In â˘Retrospect
Functional ârole of the surface heating âŁelement in heat⤠generation, controlandâ safety interlocks
318178110 Frigidaire Ovenâ Range⢠Surface Element 6″ is a 6-inch resistive surface element âthat â¤convertsâ electrical energy into heat through a⤠coiled heating conductor encased in a metal sheath. The element’s physical diameter⤠and coil geometry determine â¤heat flux and power density atâ the cookware contact area,so replacements must match the original part’s terminal type,mounting âring,and nominal wattage to preserve control behavior. in practice, this element responds to line voltage and control⤠switching (infinite switch or relay) by varying duty cycle; measured DC resistance â˘andâ insulation integrity are the primary diagnostic âchecks technicians use to confirmâ open⢠circuits, â˘short-to-ground faultsor degraded performance before assuming a control board failure.
The element âinterfaces with range controls and safety âinterlocks: the range’s infinite switchâ or electronic⢠relay modulatesâ currentâ to achieve temperatureâ setpoints, while high-limit thermostats, thermalâ fusesand âŁcontrol âŁfirmware provide over-temperature protection by interrupting power when thresholds are exceeded. Field troubleshooting follows standard procedures-verifyâ continuity across terminals, confirm correct âvoltage at the element under demand,â inspect for discoloration or⣠warpageand check â¤that safety devices are not open-circuit-because symptoms such as uneven heating, no heator tripped interlocks often indicate either a âŁfailed element or â¤an âŁupstream âcontrol/safety device rather than a board-level fault.
- Key checks: â¤continuity-resistance measurement, visual inspection of â¤sheath/terminals, verify applied voltage under â˘switch activation.
- Compatibility concerns: match terminal style, mounting ringand rated âwattage to maintain âexpected heat output and control response.
- Safety interactions: elements must safely de-energize when thermal limits or fuses openâ to prevent runaway heat conditions.
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| Element size | 6″ diameter surface element intended for Frigidaire⢠ranges |
| Function | Resistive heating element that provides localized cooktop heat controlled by switches or relays |
| Service reference | Use resistance measurement,⤠terminal inspection, âand voltage verification â˘to diagnose faults |
How the â318178110⣠Frigidaire Oven Range Surface Element 6″ interfaces with wiring, infinite â¤switchesandâ control electronics
The 318178110 Frigidaire Oven Range Surface Element 6″ is a lineâvoltage resistive heating element that interfaces directly⤠with the cooktop wiring harness and the ârange’s switching device. It presents a predictable resistive âŁload to the âcircuit and connects by insulated spade terminals âto the harness leads; those leads are routed through the control assembly to the user âcontrol. In typical installations the element is placed in series with the user control (a mechanical infinite switch) or with power switching devices on an electronic control board, so the switch modulates the applied mains voltage or duty⤠cycle to regulate surface temperature. âŁTechnicians should confirm terminal â˘style, rated wattage and ratedâ voltage of the âŁreplacement element to ensure proper mating with the existing âharness andâ to avoid⣠overloading the switch or control circuitry.
- Verify terminal type âand âspacing against the âŁharness before replacement.
- Measure cold âresistance and compare to expected values calculatedâ by âR = V² / P to confirm correct wattage.
- Check for â¤continuity to ground (insulation failure) which can tripâ electronic controls or breakers.
- When replacing, use âŁelements with âŁmatching voltage/wattage ratings to prevent altered âswitch cycling or control board faults.
Control electronics interface with the element differently depending on the range design: a mechanical infinite â¤switch âŁdirectly interrupts or intermittently applies mains to the element via heavy contacts, while electronicâ boardsâ use relays or solidâstate devices (triacs) to switch mains power andâ may monitor⤠current âflow. As the element is a pure resistive load, diagnostic work typicallyâ involves measuring coldâ resistance and verifying that the âswitch supplies line voltage when⢠called for; lack of â¤voltage at the element âwhen the control is on points to a failed switch, relay,â or wiring⣠fault rather than the element itself. Forâ practical troubleshooting, record the expected resistance from⣠the element label or calculate it, inspect connector insulation for heat damageand confirm that any replacement part matches the original electrical ratings to maintain properâ interaction with the infinite switch and â˘control electronics.
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| Diameter | 6″ |
| Interface | Insulated spade terminals to range harness; series âconnection with⤠switch/board |
| Behavior | Resistiveâ load; heats when mains voltage applied; â¤controlled by âŁduty cycleâ or switched mains |
| Diagnostic checks | Cold resistance (ohms), â¤continuity to ground, connector/wire â¤integrity |
Electrical and thermal failure symptoms with targeted diagnostic tests and⢠measurement procedures
The⣠318178110 Frigidaire Oven Range Surfaceâ Element 6″ is⢠a âresistive radiant element designed to convert line voltageâ into heat across a 6-inch cooking zone. Its normal electrical âbehavior is stable â¤low-resistance continuity between the two supplyâ terminals and high resistance (open circuit) between the live⢠terminals and the element casing. Common electrical or thermal âŁfailure symptoms include complete loss of heat (open⤠circuit), partial or uneven heating (localized breaks or high-resistance segments), repeated breakerâ trips or blown fusesâ (short to ground or a âŁshort âacross the element), visible arcing or sparking at the terminal âconnectionsand slow heat response caused âby âŁinternal oxidation or⢠partial separation ofâ the resistive coil. Compatibility considerations require confirming the element’s voltage and wattage rating match the appliance’s control âand terminal block; replacing with a part that has different electrical ratings can cause underperformance or safety hazards.
Targeted diagnosticâ procedures focus on isolating the element,verifying continuityâ and insulation,and comparing live measurements to the element’s rated values. ⢠Disconnect âpower and remove the element or access the terminal block before testing. Use⢠a digital âmultimeter to check for continuity between the â¤two element terminals (an open reading indicates a failed element) and to measure â¤resistance;⣠a healthy â6″ cooking element typicallyâ reads âin the âlow-to-mid tens of ohms depending on wattage, while a drastically higher reading indicates internal degradation. Measure resistance from each terminal toâ the metal sheath to detect a short âŁto ground (near-zero ohms indicates leakage). Under powered conditions, a clamp ammeter can measureâ current draw and be compared using the calculation I = W / V â¤(for example, a 1200 âW element on 240 V should draw about 5 â¤A). Verify terminal â˘tightness, insulation integrity,⢠and âanyâ thermal â¤limitersâ or OTs in âthe circuit; intermittent heating frequently enough traces to lose terminals or a failing âthermostat rather than the â˘element itself.
- No heat – multimeter âcontinuity test (open circuit confirms element failure).
- Uneven heating – visual inspection for hotspots andâ resistance â˘sweep across element ends.
- Breaker trips or fuse blows – resistance-to-ground test and megohmmeter insulation check.
- Sparking at terminals – tighten/replace âterminal connector and re-test under load.
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| Continuity | Measure betweenâ element âŁterminals; open = failed; expected low-to-mid tens â˘of ohms depending on wattage. |
| Groundâ leakage | Measure resistanceâ from terminal to sheath; near-zero indicates short to ground and safety hazard. |
| Current check | Use clamp metre under power â¤and compare to I = W/V to âverify normal load. |
Compatibility, model âcrossâreferences, replacement considerationsand stepâbyâstep installation requirements
The 318178110 Frigidaire Oven Range⤠Surface Element 6″ isâ a resistive, dropâin heating element intended for electric cooktops; it produces heat⢠by Joule heating and must match the appliance’s electrical and mechanical interfaces to operate safely and âŁpredictably.Compatibility depends on four measurable factors: nominal diameter â˘and flange geometry, terminal type and spacing, rated voltage and wattageand the retaining/mounting clip arrangement. Crossâreferencing model numbers is â¤useful,but technicians should validate â¤those four parameters – for example,two elements with identical diameter⣠and⣠electrical ratings but different terminal styles (straight spade vs. offset bayonet) will not fit the â˘same socket â˘and can cause poor contact or arcing if forced into place.
- Measure outside diameter and flange profile to confirm mechanicalâ fit.
- Check â¤terminal âstyle and spacing against the âcooktop socket.
- Verify rated voltage andâ wattage on âŁthe element nameplate orâ schematic.
- Inspect the mounting clip and socket for corrosion or heat damage beforeâ reuse.
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| diameter | 6″ ânominal outer heating element diameter |
| Connector | Typically âtwo âmale spade terminals; confirmâ exact⢠style and spacing |
| Ratedâ voltage | Most household ranges â˘use 240 V supply – confirm on appliance schematic |
| Calculation | Element resistance can be calculated as R = V² / W to verify replacement compatibility |
Service and replacement require strict electrical isolation: open the range breaker and verify zero volts at âthe element terminals with a meterâ before â¤touching connectors. Remove the element by lifting âand pullingâ back to âŁdisengage from theâ socket,⢠inspectâ the receptacle and retaining clip for pitting or deformation, then install âŁa⣠replacement⢠that matchesâ diameter, terminal âtype, â˘and wattage. Reconnect firmly âŁ(avoid loose spade fits), restore powerand perform⣠a lowâpower â¤functional test while monitoring for correct heat distribution, absence â˘of sparkingand ânormal current draw; if the element or socket shows signs of overheatingâ or irregular resistance readings, âreplace the damaged socket or clip ârather than reusing it.
Q&A
What âis the 318178110 Frigidaireâ Oven Range Surface Element 6″ and which ranges â˘does it fit?
The 318178110 is a 6âinch surface⣠(cooktop) heating âŁelement used on Frigidaire electric ranges. Itâ is a⤠direct replacement part for specific Frigidaire/Global ârange⢠models. It will fit ranges that âexcept a 6″ coil-style element with the same terminalâ configuration. Always verify compatibility by checking your range model number against the part lookup â¤on Frigidaire’s parts site or the â¤seller’s compatibility list before buying.
What voltage and wattage does this 6″ surface element use?
Surface⣠elements for household electric ranges typically⢠operateâ on the ârange circuit (nominal 240 V supply). wattage for 6″ elements varies between â¤designs-commonly in the roughly 900-1500 W range.⣠The exact wattage should be âŁprinted on the element itself or listed in âtheâ partâ specifications; use that rating to confirm proper replacement and to calculate expected electrical resistance if you need to test âit.
How do I test âthe 318178110 element to know⣠if it’s â˘bad?
First disconnect power âto the ârange. Visually inspect the element for breaks,â blistersor a burned appearance.â Useâ a multimeter set to continuity or ohms: checkâ for continuity âbetween the two element terminals-an open⢠circuit indicates a failed element. Also check for a âŁshort to ground by measuring resistance between âa terminal and⤠the metal sheath (or chassis); it should read very high orâ OL. If you know the element wattage, you can calculate expected cold resistance with⣠R = V^2 / P (for example, a 240 V, 1200⢠W element would be about â¤48 â˘ÎŠ).
What is the⢠correct procedure to replace âŁthis 6″ surface element?
Always disconnect mains power (turn off breaker or unplug the range). Remove theâ drip pan/cover if present, then lift the cooktop or tilt the element up to âaccess terminals (procedure depends on your range design).Pull the element⤠straight outâ of the âsocket or â¤unscrew the terminalâ block fasteners, taking â¤note of terminal âpositions. Install the new element⣠by seating it⢠in the same receptacle and reconnecting the terminals firmly. Reassemble the cooktop, restore powerand test the â˘element. If you’reâ unsure, consult the range’sâ service manual âor hire âa qualified technician.
Can I ârepair or clean a faulty surface element?
surface heating âŁelements are not repairable if the coil is broken or âthe internal⣠heating wire has failed-replace the âelement. For cleaning, only âcleanâ when the element is cool: wipe⣠with⣠aâ damp cloth to remove spillsâ and⢠bakedâon residue, avoid submerging plugâin elements or getting the âterminals wetand do ânot use abrasiveâ cleaners⢠on the terminals.⢠If the element is corrodedâ at the terminals, replacement is recommended.
My new element glows butâ doesn’t get hot enough (or only⢠one zone â¤heats). What⣠shouldâ Iâ check?
If a new element glows but âprovides low heator if only some heat settings work, â¤check the following: make sure the⣠terminal connections are tight and free of corrosion; verify âŁthe correct element wattage for⣠your control; test the⢠infinite switch âŁor electronic controlâ (a faulty⤠switch can fail to deliver full voltage); and confirm the range is âreceiving proper supply voltage from the breaker. If the breaker trips or there is aâ short,â stop and call a technician.
Are there aftermarket replacements for⤠part 318178110 and are â˘they reliable?
Yes, aftermarket manufacturers⤠make compatible 6″ surface elements that match the dimensions and terminal type. Many are functionally equivalent, but quality can vary. For best fit and reliability, choose an OEM âFrigidaire part or a reputableâ aftermarket brand that explicitly lists âŁcompatibility with your ârange model and provides specifications (wattage, voltage, terminal style) and⢠warranty information.
How should I dispose of the old element and is there âa warranty on âreplacements?
Old elements are primarily âmetal âand can often be recycled at a scrap metal or appliance recycling center-follow local regulations. New OEM or aftermarket parts commonly carry âa limited seller or manufacturer warranty (length and coverage vary). Keep your⤠purchase receipt and check the part listing or⢠packaging for warranty details; if purchased through an appliance⢠dealer, ask about installation warranties as well.
In Retrospect
The 318178110⤠Frigidaire Oven Range Surface Element 6″ isâ a critical component of the cooktop, providing a dedicated â6-inch heating surface for everyday cooking tasks. Asâ an integral part of the range’s âheating circuit, it affects cooking performance, heat distribution and responsiveness of the corresponding burner zone.Proper fit,â electrical compatibility and reliable operation of this⢠element contribute directly to appliance efficiency and user âexperience.
Timely andâ accurate diagnosis of element-related problems âis essential âto distinguish failures of the element itself fromâ issues with controls, wiring or terminal connections. Symptoms such as â˘inconsistent heating, lack of heat, visible damage or unusual⣠electrical behavior warrant inspection and testing by âsomeone familiar with appliance electrical systems. Verifying specifications, continuity and âproper mounting helps âensure that any corrective action addresses the root cause rather than treating a symptom.
When⢠replacement is necessary, using the correct â318178110 element and following âappropriate installation and safety⣠practices restores functionality and minimizes the risk of⤠further damage.Whether the âwork is performed by a qualified technician âor a learnedâ owner,adherence to the manufacturer’s⤠guidelines and post-repair testing will help maintain⣠safe,efficient operation of the range. Proper diagnosis â˘and⤠timely replacement support long-term reliability and performance of the appliance.
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