318178110 Frigidaire Oven Range Surface Element 6″ is a replaceable electric surface heating element designed for Frigidaire electric ranges; it is a 6-inch resistive cooktop element that converts electrical energy into heat for cookware placed on the range top. As a field-replaceable component, the element typically consists of a coiled resistive conductor enclosed in a sheath with a mounting flange and terminal lugs or a plug-in connector to attach to the range’s wiring harness.
Inside the appliance, the surface element functions as the primary heat source for the designated cooking zone and interacts directly with the range’s power supply, terminal block, infinite or selector switch, control knobs, and the cooktop surface. Electrical continuity and correct mounting determine its heating characteristics; the element’s resistance,contact integrity at terminals,and the switching device that regulates current all influence output and safety. Because it carries mains current and transfers heat to cookware and the cooktop,its condition and installation affect both cooking performance and appliance safety.
In this article readers will find a technical overview of the element’s function and construction, guidance on compatibility and identifying the correct replacement (size, terminal type, and electrical rating), common failure symptoms (open circuit, intermittent operation, arcing, visible damage, or overheating), practical troubleshooting steps (visual inspection, continuity/resistance checks, and verifying supply voltage and switch operation), and considerations for safe replacement and testing. The facts is intended to help technicians, engineers, and appliance owners diagnose issues and select appropriate replacement parts without prescribing detailed step-by-step repair procedures in this introduction.
Table of Contents
- Function and Role of the Surface Element in Heat Transfer, Power Regulation, and Safety for electric Ranges
- How the 318178110 frigidaire Oven Range Surface Element 6″ Integrates with the Range’s Electrical, Control, and Sensor Systems
- Common Failure Symptoms: open Circuits, Intermittent Heating, Arcing, and Surface Degradation
- Compatibility, Replacement Considerations, and Technician Installation Procedures
- Q&A
- Concluding remarks
Function and Role of the Surface Element in Heat Transfer, Power Regulation, and Safety for Electric Ranges
The 318178110 Frigidaire Oven Range Surface Element 6″ is a 6-inch resistive heating coil that converts electrical energy into controlled heat for cookware on compatible Frigidaire ranges.As a resistive heater, its instantaneous power output is determined by the element resistance and the control device (infinite switch or electronic relay) that modulates applied voltage and duty cycle. Heat transfer occurs primarily by conduction where the cookware contacts the element and by radiation from the exposed coil; therefore flat-bottomed pans, intact drip pans, and proper seating reduce thermal gradients and localized hot spots during simmering or sustained high-power operation.
- Primary function: convert mains power to heat and transfer it to cookware via conduction and radiation
- Power regulation: passive element controlled by switch duty cycle and line voltage
- Compatibility factors: diameter, terminal spacing, mounting clips, and nominal wattage must match the appliance
- Common failure symptoms: intermittent heating, visible oxidation or blistering, higher on/off cycle times, or open circuit at terminals
Technicians should evaluate the element’s behavior by checking continuity, terminal integrity, and the element’s physical condition; increased resistance from corrosion or partially open windings will reduce delivered power and change control cycle behavior. Safety and reliable operation require matching the replacement part to the range’s specifications-incorrect wattage or terminal configuration can overload controls or produce unsafe surface temperatures. For practical troubleshooting,compare measured resistance and observed cycle durations against known-good elements and replace with the specified part when evidence of oxidation,deformation,or inconsistent contact is present.
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| Nominal Voltage | 240 V (verify appliance wiring and model requirements) |
| Typical Wattage | Approximately 1,200 W for a 6″ surface element |
| Diameter | 6″ ( matches 318178110 specification ) |
| Connector | Dual flat spade terminals; confirm terminal spacing and clip type |
How the 318178110 Frigidaire Oven Range Surface Element 6″ Integrates with the Range’s Electrical, Control, and Sensor Systems
318178110 Frigidaire Oven Range Surface Element 6″ is a passive resistive heating element that connects directly into the range’s high‑voltage cooktop circuit and is switched by the range’s control devices.When energized it converts electrical energy to heat according to its resistance and the applied line voltage; the element itself does not actively sense temperature. Control of the element’s power comes from the infinite (rotary) switch on mechanical ranges or from relays/triacs on electronic control boards, which regulate delivered energy either by cycling full line voltage on/off (duty‑cycle) or by phase/triac control. Because the element behaves as a simple resistive load, correct compatibility requires matching the element’s size, terminal style, and rated wattage so that the range’s switch and wiring operate within their designed current limits; using an element with higher wattage or different connectors can overload switches, cause poor contact heating, or prevent proper mechanical mounting.
The element’s integration points are straightforward for diagnostic and replacement work: verify continuity and expected cold resistance to confirm the heater coil, measure switched line voltage at the element’s terminals to isolate control failures, and inspect terminal studs or plug harnesses for corrosion or loose connections that produce intermittent heating. Typical practical checks for a technician include measuring terminal voltage while operating a burner (to verify the switch or control board), swapping a known‑good switch if the element shows no voltage, and confirming the element’s mounting prevents shorting to the drip pan.The following list and reference table summarize the main technical interfaces and observable behaviors for field troubleshooting.
- Electrical interface: line‑voltage resistive load with two power terminals.
- Control interface: mechanical infinite switch or electronic relay/triac.
- Sensor relationship: generally open‑loop-temperature feedback comes from control logic rather than the element itself.
- compatibility checks: terminal type, wattage rating, diameter, and mounting must match the range’s specifications.
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| Function | Resistive heating element for a 6″ surface burner |
| Typical voltage | Line voltage (nominally 240 VAC in most electric ranges) |
| Control method | Mechanical infinite switch (duty cycle) or electronic relay/triac control |
| Connector type | Two flat spade terminals or model‑specific plug/harness |
| Common symptoms | No heat (open coil or no switch voltage), uneven heat (poor connection or damaged coil), tripping breaker (short or overcurrent) |
Common Failure Symptoms: Open Circuits, Intermittent Heating, Arcing, and surface Degradation
The 318178110 Frigidaire Oven Range Surface Element 6″ is a circular resistive heating element designed to replace the original 6-inch surface element on compatible Frigidaire ranges. in normal operation the element provides uniform resistive heating across its coil, transferring energy to cookware through the exposed surface.Typical failures manifest electrically (open circuit or increased/elastically changing resistance) and physically (surface pitting, glazing, or cracked insulation at the terminals). Technicians should verify mechanical compatibility – terminal type, mounting clips, and wattage rating – before fitting a replacement, since mismatched terminal spacing or higher wattage can cause poor connection, overheating, or control failure in the stove’s infinite switch or wiring harness.
Diagnosing symptoms requires a combination of visual inspection and simple electrical tests performed with power removed. An open circuit will show no continuity on a DMM and produce no heat; intermittent heating often correlates with loose terminals, brittle lead wires, or partial internal breaks that show continuity onyl under specific flexing; arcing presents as burn marks, melted terminal insulators, or audible/smoke evidence and indicates compromised insulation or a poor terminal connection.Practical checks include verifying continuity and steady resistance values, inspecting the element-to-terminal interface for corrosion or looseness, and swapping the element with a known-good unit to seperate element faults from control or wiring faults.
- No heat with continuity absent (open circuit)
- Inconsistent or cyclical heating (intermittent internal break or loose terminal)
- Visible sparks, burn marks, or melted insulation (arcing)
- surface pitting, flaking coating, or non-uniform heating (surface degradation)
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| Open circuit | Element shows infinite resistance; replace element after confirming terminal and wiring integrity. |
| Intermittent heating | Continuity fluctuates when flexing terminals or leads; check terminal tightness and replace element if internal break suspected. |
| Arcing / surface degradation | Burn marks or pitting at terminals/coil indicate insulation failure or poor contact; repair wiring and replace element to prevent fire risk. |
Compatibility, Replacement Considerations, and Technician Installation Procedures
The 318178110 Frigidaire Oven Range Surface Element 6″ is a single-zone radiant surface element designed to replace a 6-inch cooktop circuit on compatible Frigidaire ranges. Technicians should verify mechanical fit and electrical compatibility before replacement: check the element diameter and mounting clip location, confirm terminal type (spade or screw-on), and match nominal wattage to the appliance’s circuit capacity. Functionally, a 6″ element provides a concentrated heat zone with a specific resistance value that determines power draw at the supply voltage; measuring continuity and resistance with a multimeter helps confirm whether the element is open or shorted and whether its resistance matches the expected range for the oven’s voltage and wattage specification.
Replacement and installation require controlled procedures to ensure safe operation and proper thermal behavior. Before servicing, isolate line power at the breaker and confirm de-energized terminals; remove the cooktop or element access panel to expose fasteners and wiring, document lead positions or photograph connections, and loosen terminals only after power is removed. After fitting the 318178110 element and securing its mounting clip, verify tight, corrosion-free electrical connections and reassemble insulation or protective shields that affect heat distribution. Final checks should include a continuity test, a low-voltage insulation check if available, and a functional test on the lowest power setting to confirm correct cycling and even heating across the element.
- Isolate power and verify zero voltage at terminals.
- Document wire positions, then disconnect leads and remove mounting clip.
- Compare resistance and physical dimensions to the replacement part before installing.
- secure terminals and mounting hardware; retest continuity and perform a controlled functional test.
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| Diameter | 6 inches (nominal outer element size) |
| Nominal wattage | Typical range 1,200-2,000 W depending on rated voltage and element design |
| Terminal type | Commonly spade terminals (verify 2- or 3-terminal configuration) |
| mounting | Spring clip or screw bracket; confirm clip alignment and seating |
Q&A
What is the Frigidaire part 318178110?
Part 318178110 is a 6-inch surface/coil element sold for Frigidaire electric ranges. It’s a replaceable heating element that fits into the cooktop receptacle or mounting and provides one of the small burner heat zones used for pots and pans.
How do I check if 318178110 is compatible with my Frigidaire range?
Verify compatibility by comparing the appliance model number (usually on the oven door frame or back of the range) with the Frigidaire parts lookup or the part listing where 318178110 is shown. Also confirm the terminal style (straight or 90°),diameter (6″),and mounting type match your existing element. If in doubt,provide your appliance model number to the parts supplier or manufacturer.
What are the electrical specifications and expected resistance for a 6″ surface element?
Exact wattage can vary by design, but 6″ range surface elements commonly fall in the 1,000-1,500 W range at the appliance line voltage (nominally 240 VAC in the U.S.). That corresponds to a cold DC resistance typically in the roughly 25-50 ohm range (R = V²/P). Check the label on the element or the part documentation for the manufacturer’s rated wattage to calculate more precisely.
What are the common signs that the 6″ surface element needs replacement?
Common symptoms include: the burner not heating at all, very slow heating, heating only intermittently, visible blistering or break in the coil insulation, excessive arcing or burning smells, or tripping breakers/fuses when the burner is selected. Physical damage (broken coil) or corrosion at the terminals are also reasons to replace the element.
How do I test 318178110 with a multimeter?
disconnect power to the range.Remove the element from the cooktop so you can access the two terminals. Set the multimeter to the ohms (Ω) range and measure between the two element terminals – you should see a low resistance reading (typical tens of ohms). A reading of infinite (open) indicates a broken element. Also measure from each terminal to the metal sheath/chassis; there should be no continuity (infinite) – continuity to chassis indicates internal short to ground and a faulty element.
Can I replace this element myself and what are the basic steps?
Yes, many owners can replace a coil surface element, but always disconnect the range from power first (unplug or switch off the breaker). For coil/plug-in elements: remove any drip pan, lift the coil slightly and pull it out of the terminal receptacle, then unplug and replace with the new element by inserting terminals into the receptacle and seating the coil. For fixed/radiant elements beneath glass cooktops the procedure is more involved and may require removing the cooktop – consider a technician if you’re unsure. Ensure the replacement element matches terminal type and mounting style.
Is it acceptable to use a non-OEM or universal replacement element?
Universal elements can work if their electrical ratings (voltage and wattage), physical size (6″), and terminal style match the original.Though, OEM parts like 318178110 are guaranteed to match the original fit and specifications. If you use a non-OEM element, confirm the ratings and that it is indeed intended for your appliance type to avoid fit, heating, or safety issues.
What safety precautions should I take when handling or replacing the surface element?
Always disconnect the range from power before touching the element or terminals. Allow the element to cool completely before handling.Avoid touching terminals while power is connected. If removal requires lifting the cooktop, get help or follow the manufacturer’s service instructions to avoid damaging wiring or the control unit. If you’re unsure at any step, hire a qualified appliance technician to perform the replacement.
concluding Remarks
The 318178110 Frigidaire Oven Range Surface Element 6″ serves as a primary heating component for compatible Frigidaire cooktops, delivering localized heat for pots and pans and directly affecting cooking performance, temperature consistency and energy use. As a wear part, its condition influences not only the quality of cooking results but also the overall safety of the range; a properly functioning surface element is thus integral to routine appliance performance.
Accurate diagnosis is essential when symptoms such as uneven heating, failure to heat, visible damage or intermittent operation arise, because similar symptoms can originate from element failure, wiring, receptacles, switches or control electronics. Verifying the root cause-through visual inspection, appropriate electrical checks or professional troubleshooting-prevents unnecessary parts replacement and ensures the correct corrective action is taken.
When replacement is required, using the correct 318178110 element and following manufacturer guidance or having a qualified technician perform the work helps restore intended performance and maintain safety and reliability. Timely, properly executed diagnosis and replacement minimize downtime, reduce the risk of further damage, and help ensure the oven range continues to operate as designed.
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