318178110 Frigidaire Oven Range Surface Element 6″ is an electric surface heating element specified for compatible Frigidaire electric ranges and cooktops. It is indeed a 6-inch nominal diameter resistance heating element designed too produce localized heat for cookware; depending on the cooktop design it might potentially be an exposed coil-style element or a radiant element positioned beneath a glass-ceramic surface. The part is a discrete, replaceable component that mounts to the cooktop assembly and connects to the appliance’s line-voltage circuit through a receptacle or terminal block.
Within the appliance, the element’s primary role is to convert electrical energy into heat and deliver that heat to pots and pans on the cooktop. It is part of the cooktop heating circuit and directly interacts with the infinite switch or electronic control that regulates power,the wiring harness and terminal block that supply line voltage,and any thermal safety devices or indicator lamps tied to the circuit. In smooth-top designs the element also interfaces mechanically and thermally with the glass-ceramic surface; in coil-style cooktops it mounts into a burner opening and transfers heat by direct contact and radiation.
In this article readers will get a technical overview of the element’s function and electrical characteristics,guidance on model compatibility and identification,common failure modes and their symptoms (for example open circuit,short to ground,intermittent heating,or visible damage),basic troubleshooting procedures (continuity and resistance checks,verifying applied voltage,inspecting receptacles and switches),and practical considerations for safe replacement (matching part number,terminal and mounting style,required tools and safety steps).The information is intended to help technicians, engineers, and appliance owners diagnose cooktop heating issues and make informed decisions about testing and replacing this component.
Table of Contents
- Function and Role of the Surface Element in Frigidaire Electric Range Heating Circuits
- How the 318178110 Frigidaire Oven Range Surface Element 6″ Operates Electrically and thermally Within the Appliance
- Common Failure Symptoms and Measurable Diagnostic Indicators for a Faulty Surface Element
- Compatibility, Replacement Considerations, Installation Steps, and Troubleshooting Procedures
- Q&A
- Key Takeaways
Function and Role of the Surface Element in Frigidaire Electric Range Heating Circuits
The 318178110 Frigidaire Oven Range Surface Element 6″ is a 6-inch resistive cooktop element designed to convert mains electrical energy into usable heat at the cooking surface. Its construction is a coiled resistance conductor supported within a steel housing and terminated with spade-style terminals; when supplied with the range’s nominal line voltage (typically 240 V in North american ranges) the element’s resistance produces the rated wattage and heat output. In operation the element is driven by the range’s infinite switch, relay, or electronic control, which modulates the element’s duty cycle to regulate temperature; common failure modes are open-circuit (no continuity), short-to-ground (insulation breakdown), and degraded contact resistance at the spade terminals, each of which changes heating behavior or prevents operation altogether.
- Safety first: disconnect power before testing or replacing the element.
- Test for continuity with a multimeter to confirm open/closed circuit behavior.
- Check terminal fit and mounting flange for mechanical compatibility with the cooktop.
- Look for uneven heating, long heat-up times, or breaker trips as diagnostic symptoms of element faults.
Compatibility is determined by mechanical fit,terminal type,voltage rating and wattage; replacement must match thes parameters to preserve control behavior and heat output. Technicians typically verify the element by measuring resistance and comparing against the expected value calculated from nameplate wattage (such as, a 1,200 W element at 240 V gives R = V²/P ≈ 48 Ω as an illustrative calculation), and by inspecting terminals for corrosion or loose crimped connectors that raise contact resistance. Practical examples include swapping the 318178110 element into another Frigidaire range with the same terminal spacing and mounting flange, or substituting only when the replacement’s nominal wattage and voltage match the original to avoid altering cooktop temperature control or overloading circuits.
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| Part number | 318178110 Frigidaire Oven Range Surface Element 6″ |
| Diameter | 6 inches |
| Nominal voltage | 240 V (typical) |
| Typical wattage range | ~1,000-1,500 W (model dependent) |
| Terminal type | Spade/rapid-connect |
How the 318178110 Frigidaire Oven Range Surface Element 6″ Operates Electrically and Thermally within the Appliance
The 318178110 Frigidaire Oven Range Surface Element 6″ is a resistive coil designed to convert mains electrical power into heat for a 6-inch cooking zone. It is intended to operate on the appliance’s line voltage (nominally 240 V in most North American ranges) and behaves as a fixed resistive load whose instantaneous power dissipation follows P = V²/R. Typical small surface elements for this size are in the 1200-1500 W range, producing cold resistances on the order of roughly 30-50 Ω depending on their rated wattage. Electrical compatibility depends on matching the element’s terminal type, mounting diameter, and wattage rating to the range’s control and wiring; an element that fits physically but has a different wattage or terminal configuration can cause excessive cycling, uneven heating, or stress on the control switch or wiring.
Thermally, the element heats by direct conduction to the pot or pan and by radiant transfer to the immediate cooktop surface; the effective cook surface temperature is controlled by the switch or electronic controller through duty-cycle modulation rather than smooth continuous power variation. This duty cycling produces thermal lag and small oscillations in pan temperature at lower settings and explains why simmering requires different element characteristics than rapid boil. For diagnostics, technicians should verify continuity and correct resistance with a meter, inspect the element seating and terminal integrity, and observe operational symptoms such as open circuit, intermittent heating, arcing, or localized hot spots. Proper replacement with a part that matches the 318178110 electrical and mechanical specifications maintains predictable electrical loading and consistent thermal performance.
- Common symptoms: open circuit (no heat), intermittent heating, arcing at terminals, or visible deformity/discoloration.
- Quick checks: continuity and resistance measurement, terminal tightness, and correct seating in the mounting cup.
- Compatibility focus: match wattage, terminal type (spade/plug), and 6″ mounting diameter to the range model.
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| Nominal voltage | 240 V (typical range supply) |
| Typical wattage | 1200-1500 W for 6″ elements |
| Approx. cold resistance | ~30-50 Ω depending on wattage |
| Mounting/connector | 6″ diameter; dual spade terminals; fits into mounting cup |
Common Failure Symptoms and Measurable Diagnostic Indicators for a Faulty Surface Element
The 318178110 Frigidaire Oven Range Surface Element 6″ is a replaceable radiant coil designed to convert electrical energy into heat at the cooktop and is typically used on Frigidaire electric ranges with matching terminal spacing and wattage. Functionally, the element’s performance is defined by its DC resistance, insulation integrity, and the continuity of its connection to the range wiring; deviations from nominal resistance or loss of continuity will change heat output and response time. For a typical 6″ element used on a 240 VAC range, expected cold resistance is on the order of tens of ohms (for example, a 1,200 W element will measure around 40-60 Ω at ambient temperature), whereas an infinite resistance reading indicates an open coil and a near-zero reading indicates an internal short or shorted turns. Compatibility checks should include matching terminal type (ring or plug) and wattage rating to avoid overloading the range circuit and to ensure correct heat-up characteristics.
- No heat or weak heat (element cool to the touch while other elements work)
- Intermittent or uneven heating, hot spots or cool spots across the element surface
- Visible damage: blistering, discoloration, arcing marks, or deformed coil rods
- Tripped breakers or blown fuses when the element is energized
- Multimeter shows open circuit (OL) or resistance well outside expected range
Measurable diagnostic indicators are continuity/resistance, live-voltage under load, and current draw. Perform a cold resistance check with power removed; an open reading (OL) confirms a broken conductor, while resistance significantly higher than the expected nominal suggests internal breaks or high contact resistance at the terminals. With the element installed and calling for heat, measure supply voltage across the element terminals (expect ~240 VAC on a typical U.S. range) and measure current with a clamp meter; current should approximate P/V (for example, ~5 A for a 1,200 W element at 240 V). Ground leakage or insulation failure can be detected by a megohmmeter or by checking for continuity between element terminals and chassis ground; any measurable continuity to ground indicates compromised insulation. If measurements are ambiguous, swapping the suspect element with a known-good element of the same part number and rating is a practical confirmation step; always de-energize the circuit before resistance checks and follow lockout/tagout procedures when performing live-voltage or current measurements.
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| Cold resistance | Typical 6″ element: ~40-60 Ω (varies by wattage); OL = open coil, ≈0 Ω = shorted |
| Voltage under load | Expect ~240 VAC across the element on a 240 V range when energized; no voltage → control or wiring fault |
| Current draw | Measured I ≈ P/V (example: 1,200 W → ~5 A at 240 V); significantly lower current indicates high resistance/poor connection |
| Visual inspection | Cracks, blisters, arcing marks, or deformed rods indicate imminent failure or insulation breakdown |
Compatibility, Replacement Considerations, Installation Steps, and Troubleshooting Procedures
The 318178110 Frigidaire Oven Range Surface Element 6″ is a 6-inch open-coil surface element that converts electrical energy into heat through a resistive heating winding; it is intended to mate with the range’s surface element receptacle and the range’s control (infinite) switch. Compatibility depends on the physical mounting and terminal configuration rather than the brand name alone: verify the element’s terminal type (plug-in spade, dual spade, or welded leads), the spacing and orientation of the terminals, and any stamped part numbers or wattage ratings on the element body before ordering or installing a replacement. technicians should compare the element face diameter, mounting engagement with the drip pan, and the receptacle housing design – for example, elements that seat into a keyed drip pan opening but use a different spade spacing will not make reliable contact even if the coil looks similar.
| Item | description |
|---|---|
| Diameter | 6″ open-coil surface element |
| Terminal types | Commonly plug-in spade terminals or welded wire leads; verify by inspection |
| Common failure modes | Open circuit (broken winding), short to chassis/ground, corrosion or melted terminal connections |
| service check | Continuity check across terminals and isolation check to chassis/ground with a multimeter |
Disconnect power and follow safe work practices before performing any installation or diagnostic steps. Typical service procedure: (1) remove the control knob and lift the element from the drip pan to expose the receptacle; (2) inspect the receptacle and wiring for melted insulation, loosened spade connectors, or corrosion; (3) use a multimeter to check continuity across the two element terminals (an open circuit indicates a failed winding) and to check for continuity between each terminal and chassis ground (continuity to ground indicates insulation failure). During installation, seat the element fully into the drip pan, engage the terminals securely, and verify there is no pinched wiring; after reassembly, apply power and test on a low setting first. Common symptoms and quick diagnostic checks are:
- No heat: measure continuity across the element; open circuit = replace element.
- Intermittent or weak heat: inspect terminal connections and switch contacts for high-resistance connections or arcing.
- Breaker trips or sparks at the surface: check for element short to chassis and inspect the receptacle for molten plastic or exposed conductors.
- Uneven heating: compare resistance to a matched known-good 6″ element and verify the control switch and wiring are functioning.
Q&A
What is the 318178110 Frigidaire Oven Range Surface Element 6″ compatible with?
The 318178110 is a 6‑inch replacement surface (coil) element designed for many Frigidaire and Electrolux ranges and some Kenmore models that accept a 6″ open coil element with the same terminal type. Compatibility depends on your oven model and the element’s terminal configuration (straight plug‑in vs. right‑angle) and mounting bracket. Always check your oven’s model number and the part number printed on the old element or consult the manufacturer’s parts list before ordering.
How do I know if my 6″ surface element is bad and needs replacement?
Common symptoms of a failing element include no heat from that burner, uneven heating, visible breaks or blisters in the coil, frequent hot‑spots, or the element staying on/off uncontrollably. if the element causes the circuit breaker to trip or the stove to short, that indicates internal failure (short to ground) and it should be replaced. For confirmation, disconnect power and use a multimeter to check continuity; a healthy element will show a low resistance (typically in the tens of ohms – exact value depends on wattage).
Can I test the 318178110 element with a multimeter, and what readings should I expect?
Yes. With the element disconnected from the stove, measure resistance across the two terminals. A functioning 6″ surface element usually measures in the range of roughly 20-60 ohms (depending on its wattage). An open circuit (infinite resistance) means the element is burned out. Very low or near‑zero resistance is uncommon but could indicate internal shorting; also check for continuity to ground (element frame to terminal) - any continuity there indicates a short to ground and the element should be replaced.
Is replacing the 318178110 element a safe DIY job, and what precautions should I take?
Replacing a plug‑in surface element is usually a straightforward DIY task for someone pleasant with basic appliance work. Importent safety steps: disconnect power at the breaker (do not rely only on the oven control),allow the element to cool,and handle the element carefully. Match the new element’s terminal type and mounting style. If you need to access the terminal block or remove the cooktop, be prepared for additional disassembly and follow the manufacturer’s service instructions. When in doubt, hire a qualified appliance technician.
How do I replace the 6″ surface element (basic procedure)?
General steps: 1) Turn off power at the breaker. 2) Lift the cooktop or remove the drip pan (depending on model) to access the element and terminal block. 3) For a plug‑in coil, lift the element slightly and pull the terminal ends out of the receptacle; for bolted elements, remove mounting screws and disconnect wires. 4) Install the new element by seating the terminals into the receptacle and ensuring the element is properly supported. 5) Restore any covers or drip pans, restore power, and test the element. Follow your range’s service manual for model‑specific instructions.
What wattage and voltage does a 6″ Frigidaire surface element typically use?
Most household range surface elements are designed for 240 V circuits. A 6″ element commonly falls into the 900-1500 W range, with many around 1200 W for 240 V operation, but exact wattage varies by model. Check the part label, the oven’s parts list, or the element’s stamped specifications to confirm the rating for your specific 318178110 replacement.
Will I need to replace the drip pan or element receptacle when installing the 318178110?
Not necessarily. If the drip pan or element receptacle (socket) is damaged, corroded, or melted, you should replace them along with the element to ensure a reliable connection and safe operation. If they are in good condition and match the new element’s terminal style, you can usually reuse them. Inspect the receptacle carefully for heat damage or looseness before reuse.
Are there aftermarket alternatives to the OEM 318178110,and are they reliable?
Yes,there are aftermarket replacement elements that match the dimensions and terminal style of the 318178110. Many are reliable if they meet OEM specifications for size, wattage, and terminal configuration. To ensure proper fit and performance, buy from reputable suppliers, verify compatibility with your model number, and prefer parts that explicitly list the OEM part number as a compatible reference.
Key Takeaways
The 318178110 Frigidaire Oven Range Surface Element 6″ is a dedicated 6-inch heating element designed to deliver direct radiant heat to cookware on a Frigidaire range. As a core component of the cooktop, it contributes directly to cooking performance, temperature consistency, and overall appliance efficiency. When functioning correctly, the element supports predictable heating behavior and safe operation of the range; when it fails or degrades, users can experience uneven cooking, extended cook times, or potential safety concerns.
Accurate diagnosis and timely replacement are essential to restore proper performance and maintain safety. Basic checks such as visual inspection and continuity testing can indicate element failure, but symptoms similar to a bad element can also stem from loose connections, switches, or control circuitry. Replacing a faulty unit with the correct 318178110 6-inch element and following manufacturer procedures (including disconnecting power and verifying fit) help ensure compatibility and safe operation. When in doubt, consult qualified service personnel to confirm the root cause and complete the replacement correctly.
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