318178110 Frigidaire âOven Rangeâ Surface⣠Element 6″ is a⤠6-inch circular electric surface (radiant) heating element intended as â¤a replacementâ componentâ for compatible Frigidaire electric ranges and cooktops. The part⢠is â˘a resistive heating elementâ assembly-typicallyâ a metal-sheathed coil or âŁribbon element with exposed â˘terminals and a mounting flange-that installs into the cooktop opening to provide localized â˘radiant heat beneath⤠cookware.
Inside the appliance,â the surface element convertsâ electrical energy into heat and interfaces directly⤠with⤠the range’s powerâ distribution and â¤control systems.It is energized through the cooktop terminal block and controlled âŁby an infinite switch or electronic controlâ relay that regulates voltage âduty cycle toâ achieve the selected â¤heat level. the element also works mechanically with the cooktop surface and drip pan for thermal transfer⤠and clearanceand electrically âwith wiring, fuses/breakersand any associated safety interlocks or⤠sensors. Proper electrical rating, âterminal configuration âandâ mountingâ are required for safe operation and for compatibility with the âappliance’sâ control âcircuitry.
This article will describe the⤠element’s functional characteristics and typical specifications, explain âŁmodel and dimensional compatibility (including â¤the importance⤠of⣠the â¤6″ âŁdiameter andâ terminal type),â outline common failureâ symptoms such as open circuits,â uneven heating,â or shorted⣠elementsand present â¤practical troubleshooting âŁchecks⢠a technician âor homeowner can perform (continuity⤠testing, visual inspectionand âŁcontrol verification).It willâ also cover replacement considerations including matching⢠wattage/voltage ratings, terminal fitment, installationâ precautions,â and postâreplacement verification to ensure safe and correct operation. â˘
Table of⤠Contents
- Function and Role of the Surface Element in⣠Heat Generation, âLoad âŁSharingand Safety âInterlocks
- How the 318178110 Frigidaire Oven Rangeâ Surface Element 6″ Integrates⢠with⤠the Oven’s Electrical, Controland â˘Thermal Regulation Systems
- Common Failure⤠Symptoms: Open/Short âŁCircuits, Uneven Heating, Visible â¤Damage, â¤and âŁDiagnostic Multimeter Readings
- Replacement⤠Considerations and Installation Procedure for the 6″ âSurface Element Including Wiring, Mountingand Post-Installation Safety Checks
- Q&A
- Closing Remarks
Function âand role of âŁthe Surface âElement in Heat Generation, Load Sharingand Safety interlocks
The â318178110 Frigidaire Oven Range Surface Element 6″ is a⤠resistiveâ surface heating element that converts line voltage âinto⤠radiant⢠and convective heat through a coiled alloy conductor and an insulating⣠support assembly. Inâ service it behaves as a â˘temperature-dependent resistor: as âŁthe element heats⣠itsâ resistance changes, wich âaffects steady-state current and heat output. This replacement element must match the original terminal style, âŁmounting clip spacingand cup/socket geometry; match terminalâ and âmounting types to ensure mechanical fit andâ reliable electrical contact. Technicians should verify continuity âand âcorrect physical fit before installation to avoid arcing, poor⤠thermal transferor premature failure ofâ adjacent components.
On a â˘multi-element cooktop the 6″ element participates âŁin⤠overall load âmanagement driven by the cooker’sâ infinite switches or control ârelays: âŁthe control modulates duty cycle â˘and the element’s thermal inertia determines how quickly surface temperature â¤responds. When âtwo elements are bridged or âŁwhen a control âŁshares phases on a dual-voltage system, impedance and âŁtemperature coefficients of âeach element affect current⢠distribution and â˘perceived⢠cooking balance. Safety interlocksâ such as high-limit thermostats, thermal cutoutsand âchassis fuses⢠act â¤independently of the element to interrupt âpower if temperatures exceed design limits or if a short/open condition âpresents⤠a hazard.â In troubleshooting, common practical checks âŁinclude measuring cold resistance, inspecting terminal cups for corrosionand confirming that safety cutouts remain closed at ambient conditions; these stepsâ help distinguish element faults from wiring or âcontrol âfailures.
- Typical symptoms of a failing element: âno heat â(open circuit), intermittent heating (loose âŁterminal or partial short), âuneven heating (hot spots or degraded coil), âand ânuisance⢠tripping of thermal protectors.
- Installation checks: verify â˘terminal fit, secure âmounting âclip engagementand confirm continuity â¤toâ the control switch.
- Operational notes: element resistance increases with temperature, which âaffects steady-state current and âcontrol duty cycle.
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| Element type | 6″ replaceable⣠resistive âŁsurfaceâ elementâ designed for â˘Frigidaire ranges; must⢠match terminalâ and cup configuration. |
| Electrical interface | Designed for appliance line voltage and control switch connection; verify terminal spacing and socket compatibility before â¤replacement. |
How the 318178110 Frigidaire Oven⣠Rangeâ Surfaceâ Element 6″ Integrates with the Oven’s Electrical, Controland Thermal Regulation⣠Systems
The 318178110 Frigidaire Oven Range Surface Element 6″ serves⤠as a resistive heating element that ties directly into the ârange’s mains wiring and its controlâ hardware. Mechanically it mounts to the cooktop⣠and âŁconnects at â¤the terminal block via insulated spadeâ connectors; â¤electrically it presents⤠a âdefined resistance that draws âa specific current and wattage at line voltage.⢠In⤠models that use an infinite (mechanical) surface⣠selector âŁswitch, the element is cycled⣠by modulating the duty cycle of the full line voltage; âin electronic control systems, a ârelay or solid-state⢠switch (SSR/triac) provides âŁthe same on/off duty⣠to achieve â¤set power.⤠Technicians replacing or âtesting⣠this part⣠should match âterminal type,rated âwattage/voltage,and element âdiameter to ensure compatible current draw and heat â˘output,and⢠should verify continuity and proper insulation resistance with a meter before reassembly.
the element does not directly regulate oven cavity â˘temperature but âŁinfluences thermal â˘behaviorâ of the surface and thus can affect certain âcooking modes and localized â¤heat â¤transfer.â The oven’s temperature â¤regulation remains the jobâ of the⢠bake/broil elements together âŁwith the temperature sensor and control boardâ or thermostat; however, âusing the surface element â˘at high powerâ changes the thermal gradientsâ on the cooktop and â¤can slightly alter heat losses âthrough the top into the cavity. Practical integration checks include ensuring the control board’s relay ratings meet the â¤element’s current, â¤confirming that any thermal cutoff or high-limit⣠thermostats are âpositioned to sense actual surface temperaturesand verifying that âthe element’s⢠inrushâ and âsteady-state currents do not trip protective devices.Common symptoms of improper âintegration include blown⢠fuses when switching on the surface burner, rapid cycling of the selector switch under load,⢠or uneven heating caused by a âpartial internal open in the coil.
- Electrical: terminal type, rated âŁvoltage/wattage, continuity
- Control âŁinterface: infinite switch, relay, SSR compatibility
- Thermalâ interactions: surface heat transfer, effect on cavity gradients
- Installation âŁchecks: connector fit, âinsulation resistance, protective device ratings
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| Voltage/Wattage | Must match range âspecifications to avoid overcurrent or underperformance |
| Control Interface | Works with âmechanical switches or relays/SSRs; verify âswitching â¤device current ârating |
| thermal Role | Provides surface heat; influences local gradients but not primary⢠oven temperature control |
Common â˘Failure Symptoms: Open/Short Circuits, Uneven Heating, Visible Damageand Diagnostic⣠Multimeter Readings
The ⣠318178110 Frigidaire⣠Oven Range Surface element 6″ â˘is a resistive heatingâ element designed to âconvert⣠mains electrical energy into radiant heatâ for cooktop use. In normal operation theâ element presents a measurable, low resistance â˘between its two supply âterminals (typically on the order of tens of ohms, depending onâ element wattage) and vrey high resistance between⢠each terminal andâ the appliance⤠chassis. Technicians commonly use a digital multimeter set to the ohms range to verify âcontinuity and⤠to estimate expected resistance using R = V^2 / â¤P when the element wattage and âsupplyâ voltage are known. Compatibility âwith the applianceâ wiring harness and â˘the⢠infinite switch âŁis necessary forâ proper control;⤠an or else good element⣠will not⤠heat â˘if the switchâ or â˘wiring is open orâ miswired.
- No heat or intermittent heat: indicates anâ open⤠circuit or âhigh-resistance â¤connection in the element orâ its terminal connections.
- Uneven heating or localized hotâ spots: can result â¤from partial⤠internal breaks⤠or shorted⤠turnsâ within theâ element coil.
- Tripped breakers â˘or blown fuses: often caused by an element shorting to chassis ground or a dramatic drop in⤠element resistance.
- Visible damage (blistering, burns, warping): âtypically signifies mechanicalâ failure and⣠insulation breakdown that will affect âresistance âŁand safety.
Practicalâ diagnostics begin with removing power and the element â¤from⣠the range and measuring terminal-to-terminal âresistance andâ each⤠terminal-to-chassis. An open circuitâ registers as OL or â¤infinite resistance between âterminals; a short to ground shows low âresistance between aâ terminal and⤠the chassis. If âterminal-to-terminal resistance â¤is within the âŁexpected low-ohm range⤠but⤠the elementâ does not âheat whenâ installed, check the socket contacts and the control switch. Visually âinspect forâ color changes,cracks,or distortion-these often accompany insulation breakdown that will fail continuity or create⣠intermittentâ shorts under load.
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| Terminal-to-terminal | Lowâ resistance (typically tens of ohms) =â intact; OL/infinite = open circuit |
| Terminal-to-chassis | No continuity â(infinite) = â¤normal; low resistance = short â¤to ground |
| Visual inspection | Warping, blisters,â burn marks = likely internal â¤insulation failure and replacement recommended |
Replacement Considerations and Installation Procedure for the 6″ Surface Element Including Wiring, âMountingand post-Installation Safety Checks
The 318178110 Frigidaire Oven â¤Range Surface element 6″ is a â¤resistiveâ heating replacement designed âto match the electrical⤠and mechanical interfaces âof common â¤Frigidaire range⣠burners. Functionally, theâ elementâ behaves as a â˘fixed resistor that converts line voltage into heat;â this requires verifying the⣠element’s nominal voltage⤠and wattage against the appliance wiring diagram before installation.Check terminal style (usually⤠straight spade lugs), terminal spacingand the outer â¤diameter/mounting clip âarrangement⣠to ensure compatibility withâ the stove’s burner panâ and â˘control switch. Mismatched wattage or incorrect terminal⤠orientation âcan⣠change heat-up time âand âŁcontrol behavior,â forâ example causing slower boilâ times or premature cycling â˘if a lower- or higher-rated element is fitted without adjusting the control or selector switch.
Follow a âcontrolled installation and testing sequence:⢠disconnect power atâ the breaker, document wire locationsand confirm the âŁelement’s continuity and âapproximate resistance⤠with a multimeter (open or shorted âreadings indicate a failed â˘element). âSecure wire⢠connections with appropriately sized â¤insulated⣠spade connectors and retain the element in⣠its âmounting clips or bracket so it cannot âŁmove under thermal â˘expansion. After reapplying power, â¤perform functional checks: verify correct âŁline voltage at the âelement,⤠observe âŁexpected â˘heat-up âŁbehavior, listen for arcing or intermittent â˘contact at terminalsand measure leakage⣠to chassis âwith an insulation or âhigh-value resistance test if available.Finalâ post-installation⤠checks should include verifying âŁstable thermostat or infinite switch cycling, absence of visible sparkingand that the element remains seated and âŁfree⤠from contact with the range frame during a short heat-up cycle.
- Power off and lock out the circuit before starting work.
- Label and photograph wire âŁpositions,⤠then remove the old element â¤and inspect terminals âandâ mounting clips.
- Measureâ element âDC âresistance⢠to confirm continuity and approximate wattage before connecting.
- Use correct-size insulated spadeâ connectorsâ and reinstall element into clips; â˘ensure no exposed âŁconductors.
- Restore⣠power and perform a heat-upâ test while monitoring for arcing and correct control operation.
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| Terminal⤠type | Straight spade lugs (confirm size before reuse) |
| Nominal â˘voltage /â wattage | Designed for standard electric range â¤lineâ voltage; verify â˘stamped rating on element |
| Approx. DC resistance | Typical low-ohm value âconsistent with â¤rated wattage (measure to confirm) |
| Mounting | 6″ âouter⣠diameter, drop-in with spring/clip retention (verify clip⢠engagement) |
| Connector size | Select insulated spadeâ to match lug width⢠and conductor gauge |
Q&A
What âŁis Frigidaire part 318178110 and what size range⣠element is âŁit?
Part 318178110 isâ an OEM replacement surface â(coil) heating element âŁdesigned for certain⣠Frigidaire electric ranges. It âis a 6-inch (6″) diameter round surface â¤element that â˘replaces the removable cooktop âcoil on compatible models.
How do I verify that 318178110 is the correct replacement⢠for myâ stove?
Confirm compatibility âby⤠checking âyour range’sâ model number â(usually on a tag inside the oven â¤door frame, on the⣠back panel, â˘or behind the drawer). Cross-reference thatâ model ânumber with Frigidaire parts lists or aâ reputable parts supplier. Also compareâ the âŁphysical dimensions and terminalâ style⢠of your existing element (6″ coil, same terminal spacing/style). When in âdoubt,⤠use the âOEM â˘part number from theâ appliance or the part seller’sâ compatibility tool.
My â6″ element isn’t heating -â how can I test if theâ element (318178110) is faulty?
First, disconnect power to the âŁstove âat the breaker. Remove the element from theâ receptacle and⢠use aâ multimeter set â˘to ohms. Test for âcontinuity across the two element terminals: a good element should show continuity âŁ(a low resistanceâ value). âTypical âresistance âvalues depend on theâ element wattage; if the meter reads open/infinite⤠resistance âthe element is open and must be replaced.Also test for âshort to âground⢠by measuring between each terminal âŁand the âmetal mounting sleeve or âchassis; that reading âshould be infinite (no⤠continuity).â If the element has continuityâ but stillâ won’t heat when powered, check the infinite switch and terminal receptacle for faults or loose/corroded connections.
what â¤safety steps should I follow⣠when replacing a 6″ âŁsurface element?
Turn off the range at the circuit breaker (do ânot rely on⣠the cooktop⣠controls).Allow the element⢠to âŁcoolâ entirely. Disconnect the element âŁfrom the receptacle by pulling it âout and disconnecting wires if required. âAvoid⢠touching â¤exposed terminalsâ with bare hands. Reconnect âorâ install the new element ensuringâ secureâ terminal connections and correct âŁorientation. Restore power âonly after âthe element âis fully âseated â˘and there âare no loose wires. If you’re not comfortable with electrical work, hire a qualified technician.
Can I clean â¤the â¤318178110 element directlyand how⢠should I maintain it?
Clean âŁonly when⢠the elementâ is completely cool. wipe spills andâ food residue withâ a âŁdamp cloth andâ mild detergent; avoid abrasive padsâ that can damage the finish. If the element is removable, you may remove it and clean the cup or drip⢠pan beneath, but avoid soaking or submerging âŁthe electrical terminals. Do not use harsh chemicals or âoven cleaners on the element⣠itself. Regular⣠cleaning prevents overheatingâ from burnt-on food and prolongs element⣠life.
why âŁdoes âthe coil glowâ red â¤but not produce heat or produce unequal heat?
If the⢠element âŁglows but doesn’t âreach expected cooking temperaturesâ or heats⣠unevenly, possible causes include âpartial electrical contact at the terminal or receptacle, a⢠failing infinite control switchor an internal fault inâ the element. Check⣠that the⤠element is fully seated in its receptacle and that the receptacle and âwiring are â¤not corrodedâ or loose.â If the terminal connectionsâ are good, test/replace the â¤infinite switch or the element depending on diagnostics (use a multimeter to test â˘both).
How do I install the replacement⣠element 318178110 – âŁare â¤specialâ tools needed?
No special â˘tools are usually required. With power off, â˘pull âthe oldâ coil straightâ out â˘of the â˘cooktop receptacleâ (or disconnect its connectorsâ if required). Align theâ new 6″ coil’s terminals with the â¤cooktop receptacle andâ push⢠it into⤠place untill fully seated. For⤠some models you may need to secure a retaining bracket or âclip. Ensure the element sits â˘flat and⤠the terminals are âtight. Restore power and test on⢠a low setting. If your model â¤hasâ a âlocking âmechanism or screws, followâ the manufacturer’s instructions.
How long⢠doâ these surface elements typically last, âand when should I replace them?
Life âexpectancy varies with usage, âcleaning, âand cooking habits; âmany surface â¤elements last â˘several years to âa decade. Replace theâ element ifâ it shows visible physical damage (cracks, breaks, severe corrosion), if it fails electrical continuity, if it shorts â¤to groundor if it no longer reaches temperature despite correct power and switch operation. Also replace if âtheâ terminal⤠fittings are burned âor excessively corroded and cannot be safely ârepaired.
Closing Remarks
The 318178110 Frigidaireâ Oven âRangeâ surface Element 6″ plays a fundamental role in stovetop performance, â˘providing⤠a dedicated heating âsource for small⤠to medium cookware and preciseâ temperature control âŁin everyday⢠cooking tasks.As a direct-fit heating element âŁdesigned âŁfor Frigidaire ranges, âit contributes to even heat distribution, reliable operation, âŁand âŁthe overall functionalityâ of theâ appliance; when operating correctly, it helps maintain cooking consistency and⣠energy efficiency.
Accurate diagnosis is essential⢠whenâ a surface âelementâ appears to be malfunctioning. Visual â¤inspection, continuity testing⢠with a multimeterand⣠verification âof wiring and⤠terminal integrity can distinguish between a faulty element andâ issues⢠with selectors, switchesor wiring. Confirming the exact âpart number-such â˘as⣠318178110-and compatibility with the⢠specific range model ensures the âŁchosen replacement will â˘restore proper⣠function without introducing additional problems.
When replacement is necessary,â using the correct â˘element â˘and following manufacturer-recommended installation practices minimizes safety risks and prolongs appliance lifespan. For those without electrical or appliance repair experience, engaging a qualified technician is âa prudent⢠step to âensure safe, code-compliant installation and to âaddress any â˘underlying faults.⣠Timely, properly⢠executed replacement of the 318178110 element helps restore cooking⢠performance,â reduce⢠potential â¤hazardsand preserve the efficiency of the oven range.
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