318178110 Frigidaire Oven â˘Range âSurface Element⤠6″ âŁis a 6-inch circular resistive surface⢠heating element âintended for use âŁin compatible Frigidaire â˘electric ranges and ovens. As a â˘replacement cooktop element it provides teh primary heat source for âcookware âon the cooktop surface and includes the electrical â¤terminals and mounting features neededâ to fit âŁinto the appliance’s element receptacle or terminal block.
Inside the appliance âthe surface â˘element is part of⣠the cooktop⢠heating subsystem and functions as a lineâvoltage resistive load that⣠isâ modulated by âŁthe range’s infinite switch or âelectronic control to â˘regulate⤠temperature⤠and power output. It interfaces electrically withâ the wiring harness, âterminal block â¤and control switches and mechanically with the cooktop opening and â¤drip pan or mounting hardware. Because it carriesâ full line voltage and converts âelectricalâ energy into heat, the âelement’s condition directly⢠affects circuit behavior (for⣠example, â˘open circuit, short to groundor abnormal resistance) and can âexpose or resultâ from faults⣠inâ adjacent components such as the receptacle, switchor wiring⢠insulation.
in this âŁarticle you will find a technical description of â¤how âthe⤠element functions, how to verify compatibility â˘(diameter,â terminal style, electrical rating), common failureâ symptoms (no heat, partial or uneven heating,â visible arcing, âor nuisance breaker trips),â recommended troubleshootingâ steps (visual inspection, continuity âŁandâ resistance checks, voltage verification at the receptacle, â˘and swap tests) and practical replacement⢠considerations including safety precautions for working on⤠lineâvoltage circuits and postâinstallation checks to confirmâ correct operation.
Table of Contents
- Function âand âŁRole ofâ the Surface Element in Heat Delivery and Control Systems
- How the 318178110 Frigidaire⢠Oven Range Surface Element â6″ Operates: Electrical, Thermaland Control⤠Interfaces
- Common⢠Failure Symptoms and Diagnostic Indicators⢠for âthe Surface Element
- Replacement Considerations, Model Compatibility,â and StepâbyâStep Installation âProcedures
- Q&A
- Insights and conclusions
Function and Role of the Surface Element inâ Heat Delivery â˘and Controlâ Systems
The 318178110 Frigidaire Oven⣠Range Surface â¤Element⢠6″ is âa 6âinch resistive heating element âdesigned â˘to deliver and modulate â¤heat at a⢠specific location⣠on âan electric range cooktop. It converts electrical âenergy into⣠thermal energy through a resistive coil enclosed in a metal sheath; âŁheat is transferred to cookware primarily by conduction with secondary â¤radiative⤠contributionâ from⣠the element surface. In normalâ operation the element behaves⣠as a passive heat source whose instantaneous output is âsteadfast by its resistance⢠and â˘supply voltage, while the overallâ temperature delivered to cookware is â˘set by theâ range controlâ (mechanical infinite switch or electronic relay)â that âmodulates âdutyâ cycle. Understanding the âelement’s thermal mass,â rise time and electrical connections explains common service observations such âŁas slower-than-expected âboil âtimes, uneven heating across a pan, âŁor ârapid on/off cycling at a particular control⢠setting.
- Typical features: nominal 6″ diameter, marked voltage/wattageand quickâconnect spade terminals for â¤straightforward replacement.
- Common failure modes:⢠open â¤circuit (no continuity), short to âchassis (insulation breakdown)and intermittent connections at spade â¤terminals or âmounting clips.
- Diagnostic checks: measure cold resistance,check insulation âto âground,and observe dutyâ cycle under⢠load to distinguishâ control faults from element faults.
Functionally the surface â¤element is â˘part ofâ a⣠simple control loop: itâ supplies heat while âswitches and control âelectronics⢠regulate the average power delivered. âReplacing âthe element with the identical part number preserves the expected thermal âresponse;⤠substituting an element⣠with different wattage, diameter or terminal layout â˘alters rise time â¤and â¤steadyâstate heat delivery and can âstress âswitches or change â¤cooking âperformance. For practical troubleshooting, verify physical fitâ and â˘terminal orientation, confirm the element’s⢠rated voltage and â˘wattageand use an âŁohmmeter and insulation tester to confirm âŁintegrity before installation. When diagnosing intermittent or marginal âŁperformance,inspect the spade connections and âmounting⢠clip for⤠corrosion âor looseness,since poor electrical contactâ often mimics âŁelement degradation.
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| Part | 318178110 Frigidaire Oven Range â¤surface Element 6″ |
| Diameter | 6 inchesâ (nominal) |
| Terminals | Quickâconnectâ spade terminals⤠– verify male/female orientation |
| Service ânote | Match nominal voltage â˘and⣠wattage on âthe element to âŁthe appliance specification; check⢠mounting and âinsulation before energizing |
How the 318178110 Frigidaire Oven Range Surface element â6″ operates: â˘Electrical, Thermal, âand Controlâ Interfaces
The 318178110 Frigidaire Oven âRange Surface Element⢠6″â is âa resistiveâ heating element designed to convert delivered electrical powerâ into heat â¤for cookware contact â¤on âŁcompatible frigidaireâ ranges. Electrically, âthe element presents⣠a low-resistance coilâ sized to⤠the element wattage and operates on household line voltage (typically⤠240 â˘V on dedicated electric â˘range â¤circuits), connecting to âthe range harness via insulated spade terminals. Technicians will verifyâ continuity â˘with a multimeter -⤠a healthy 6″ element commonly shows â¤cold resistance⤠in the tens of ohmsâ (such as, ~20-50 âŁÎŠ for⢠a 1,200-1,800 W ârating) – and must match diameter, terminalâ spacingand wattage when replacing⢠the âŁpart to ensure correct heat output and âŁsafe load on the circuit.
- Electrical interface: insulated âspade terminals, line-voltage supply,â low-ohm resistive coil.
- Thermal behavior: â˘radiant/conductive heat transfer⤠withâ a seconds-to-minutes â˘warm-up and stable steady-state temperature governed âby⢠wattage.
- Control interface: switched by anâ infinite â¤(mechanical) selector, relayor solid-state controller that cycles full voltage to regulate average power.
- Compatibility: physical fit (6″ diameter), mounting flangeand wattage mustâ match the specific Frigidaire âŁmodel harness and controlâ strategy.
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| Rated âvoltage | Typically 240 V on electric ranges â(verify âmodel wiring) |
| Typical cold resistance | Approximately 20-50 Ίâ depending on wattage âŁ(measure to confirm) |
| Diameter / Fit | 6″ element; matchâ flange â¤size and terminal spacing for replacement |
| Terminal â¤type | Insulated âfemale spade terminals (verify single or dual lead configuration) |
Thermally, the element behaves as a⤠radiant-conductive source: it heats the âŁcooktop surface and cookware directly, with thermal inertia that produces a measurable warm-up and cool-down âperiod; this impacts âcook-time control and requires the control interface toâ regulate average powerâ rather than provide continuous⤠proportional power. On ranges using â¤mechanicalâ infinite switches the element receives full voltage⤠pulses whose duty âcycle â¤determines average heat, while electronic boards âŁorâ relays âprovide timed⣠cycling or zero-cross switching; mismatchedâ control (for example, pairing a high-wattage elementâ with a control rated for lower â¤current) can cause nuisance trips or premature control â¤failure. For practical diagnostics, checkâ for an âopen coil (infinite resistance), short-to-groundâ (continuity⢠to chassis), correct resistance⤠value âfor⢠the element wattageand secure terminal connections⣠before declaring a replacement effective.
Common Failure âsymptoms⢠and â¤Diagnostic Indicators for the Surface Element
318178110 Frigidaire Oven Range Surface Element â6″ is a circular replaceable heating âelement that converts line âvoltage into radiant heat for cooking on the range top.⣠The component’s function depends on âits electrical rating (voltage and wattage),⣠physical diameter (6″)and connector style; these three factors determine direct âŁcompatibility with a given⣠cooktop location.â Use the resistance formula R = V2 / W âŁto estimate expected cold⣠resistance for a known wattage and supply voltage (such as, a 240 V element rated 1200 W⢠yields R = 2402⤠/ â¤1200 ââ 48 Ί). Before any⣠inspection â˘or measurement,disconnect power⢠at â˘the breaker and⤠verify isolation; safe verification âof continuity,resistance,and insulation requiresâ a multimeter and,for leakage concerns,an âinsulationâ tester (megohmmeter).
- No heat⢠or open circuit: multimeter shows infinite resistance or⤠no continuity â internal break in theâ coil.
- Weak heat âor slowâ warm-up:⢠measured resistance⣠significantly higher than calculated value â âpartial internal break⢠or corrosion increasing resistance.
- trips breaker or blown fuse: continuity from⢠element to chassis / groundâ â short to âground or insulation âfailure.
- Intermittent â˘heating or heat only when terminalsâ are moved: loose or corroded spade terminals,⣠broken⢠lead at the⤠terminal junction.
- Uneven heating or hot spots: âinternal⤠localizedâ short â˘or winding⢠defect;â visible âblistering,â deformation,â or burnt spots on the coil.
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| Resistance âcheck | Use âR = V2 / W to compute expected âcold resistance; compare âwith multimeter reading to identify â˘open or high-resistance faults. |
| Connector type | Typical 1/4″ (6.35 mm) quickâconnect spade terminals; confirm terminal size andâ orientation âŁbefore replacement. |
Practical⤠troubleshooting combines visual inspection âwithâ electrical measurement: look⤠for broken âcoils, burnt insulation, âor loose rivets at the terminal block, âthen verify continuityâ andâ insulation to chassis. If the elementâ shows continuity but significantly higher-than-expected resistance, expect reduced â˘heat output and consider replacement; if there is â¤continuity to ground,⣠remove the element and⢠test again off the⣠chassis toâ confirm whether the⢠fault⣠is in the element body or caused by contact âwith the âcooktop. When replacing, match â˘the â6″ diameter, terminal styleand wattage/voltage rating to ensure consistent performance and to avoid mismatch â˘that can cause overheating or insufficient output.
Replacement Considerations,⣠Model Compatibilityand StepâbyâStep Installation Procedures
The 318178110 Frigidaire Oven Range Surface Element 6″ âŁis a resistive âŁheater designed to âreplace âa 6-inch cooktop element in compatible âFrigidaireâ ranges. It converts electrical energy to heat⣠through a⤠coil embedded⤠in the element sheath; currentâ flows between the element âterminals and the â˘sheath temperature ârises proportionally to applied voltage and element âwattage. Functionally, a healthy element shows low electrical resistanceâ betweenâ its two power⢠terminals and noâ continuity to the outer â˘sheath orâ chassis (no short âto ground). Compatibility depends⤠on physical diameter, terminal type (spade, ârivetedor âplug-style), mounting flange geometry,⢠rated voltageand âwattage. Verify the â˘cooktop model number and match the element’sâ terminal arrangement âand voltage âŁrating before replacing; mismatched⣠wattage or terminal orientation can causeâ poor fit, â¤uneven⤠heatingor premature thermostat cycling â¤on multi-burner controls.
Replacementâ requires simple âŁhand tools, a multimeterand safe isolation⢠of the appliance supply. âTypical installation⢠workflow:
- Disconnectâ power at the breaker and confirm de-energized with⣠a voltage tester.
- Remove control knob âand drip pan or burner receptacle to access âterminals; photograph the wiring layout.
- Disconnect wires, unfasten any retainingâ clips or screws,⤠andâ pull âthe old element âout of the receptacle.
- Compare the newâ element â˘toâ the removed part forâ terminal spacing âand flange shape, then insert and secure the new element and reattach⢠wiring.
- Before restoring power, check continuity between âthe two element terminals (low ohms expected) and âŁverify no continuity between âeither terminal and chassis (open/infinite) to rule out leakage/short.
- restore âpower and run the âŁelement on a low setting⣠to confirm even heating and absence of arcing or â¤overheating at âconnections.
Below isâ a concise⤠technical reference⤠to check against theâ part prior to â¤installation:
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| Part ânumber | 318178110⢠Frigidaire Oven⤠Range Surface âElement 6″ |
| Physical size | 6 inch diameter heating element;â confirm flange/retainer type |
| Terminal type | Verify spade/plug orientation and spacing to match range harness |
| electrical | Match rated voltage and wattage ofâ original element; verify âcontinuity andâ insulation⤠resistance before use |
Q&A
Whatâ is the Frigidaire partâ 318178110?
Part 318178110 is a 6-inch circular surface heating element designed for Frigidaire electric rangesâ and⤠cooktops. It is the removable coil/element â¤that âŁsits inâ the cooktop opening âand provides surface heat forâ potsâ and⣠pans.
Which⤠appliances or models is âthisâ element compatible with?
318178110 isâ an OEM â˘Frigidaire part used on aâ range⣠of Frigidaire/Frigidaire Gallery/Electrolux-built â˘electric âŁranges and some compatibleâ models from other brands. Compatibility depends⣠on the appliance model âand terminal âtype (3-prong tabâ arrangement, such as).always â˘verify fit⢠by matching⤠the part⢠number,⤠elementâ diameter (6″), terminalâ configurationand the appliance model number or by checking the manufacturer’s compatibility⢠list â¤beforeâ purchase.
What are the⣠electrical⤠specifications (voltage and wattage) for this 6″ element?
These surface elements are intended for âstandard U.S. electric ranges and are built â¤to the âŁvoltage/wattage required by âthe specific appliance model. Exact wattage can⢠vary âbetween â˘models. Check â˘the element’s â¤stamped rating or⢠the appliance data plate for the⣠precise⢠voltage/wattage. â¤Ifâ you needâ to âestimate resistance â¤for âŁtesting,⢠use âthe formula R âŁ= V² / W (for â¤example, âŁa 240 V âelement rated 1200 W wouldâ have R â¤â 48 Ί), but always â¤confirm the element’s âŁactual ârated wattage âŁfirst.
How canâ I âŁtell if âthe âelement is bad â¤or needs replacing?
Common signs of a failing âelement: âit doesn’t heat at âŁall,â it heats intermittently,⤠it heats unevenly (hot âspots)or⣠it⤠glows but won’t reach âŁtemperature. â¤To check: âŁfirst disconnect power to the range,⤠removeâ the⢠elementand visually inspect for breaks, âŁburns,⤠or blisters. Use aâ multimeter to âmeasure continuity â¤between the element’s two terminals-anâ open âŁcircuit (infinite resistance) means âthe element is failed. âŁalso check for continuity between each âŁterminal âand âthe element shell/chassis; continuity to âŁground indicates a short â¤and a defective element.
How do âŁI safely replace the 318178110 surfaceâ element?
Turn off and⣠disconnect all âpower â¤to the⣠oven/range at the breaker. Remove theâ drip pan or cooktop assembly as required to access the element. For most plug-in elements, pullâ the element straight out ofâ the âterminal block or âunscrew the retaining⢠hardware and âŁdisconnect the wire connectors, noting⣠wire placement. Install the new â¤element byâ connectingâ the same terminals âand seating it correctly, then ârestore power andâ test.â If you’re not pleasant working on electrical appliancesor the job â¤requires removingâ the cooktop or disassembling wiring,⤠hire a qualified appliance technician. âAlwaysâ follow âthe appliance service â˘manual and local electrical⢠codes.
Can I use âan aftermarket⣠element instead⢠ofâ the Frigidaire OEM part?
You can useâ a âcorrectly sized aftermarketâ replacement if it âmatches the OEM part in⤠diameter, terminal type, voltage/wattage,⣠and⤠mounting style. âOEM parts (Frigidaire) are ârecommended âfor guaranteed â˘fit and performance, but reputable aftermarket parts that list 318178110 compatibility can âŁalso work. Avoid â¤parts that⣠don’tâ exactly match the physical and electrical specifications.
Whyâ dose the elementâ glow redâ but âthe burner doesn’t heat properly?
If⤠the element glows but doesn’t produceâ expected âŁheat, possible causes include a partly failed elementâ (reduced effective âresistance), poor âelectrical contactâ at the⤠terminal (loose/oxidized connectors), a defective infinite switch or controlorâ incorrect voltage supply. After disconnecting power, check that the element terminals are tight andâ free of corrosion,⣠test element continuity/resistanceand verify proper voltage at âŁthe switch/terminalâ with a technician if needed.
How can I confirm I’m â¤getting the âgenuine Frigidaire â318178110 and is there a âwarranty?
genuine parts are usually sold â˘by⣠Frigidaire, â˘authorized dealersor reputable⤠applianceâ partsâ retailers. Check the âpart ânumberâ on the element or packaging, OEM labeling, â˘and seller credentials.â Warranty âcoverage depends on the seller and whether it’s anâ OEM part; âmany vendors â˘offer âŁlimited warranties on replacement elements-retainâ yourâ purchase documentation and check the seller’s warranty â˘policy for details.
Insights andâ Conclusions
The 318178110 Frigidaire Oven rangeâ Surface⤠Element 6″ functions as a â¤primary heat source for one of⤠the cooktop burners, âproviding consistent and controllable â˘surface heating for everyday cooking tasks. As a direct replacement element designed for compatibility⢠with Frigidaire range âmodels,â it âplays a critical role in maintaining even âŁheat âŁdistribution, reliable temperature response, â¤and â¤overall appliance performance.
Accurate diagnosis of a âfailing surface element-identifying symptoms such as uneven âheating, no âheat,⣠visible damage,⤠or electrical⣠faults-is essential before⣠proceeding âwith replacement. Proper diagnosis ensures the underlying cause is addressed, whether that involves replacing the âelement âŁitself, repairing wiring or connectionsor correcting control issues. Using a compatible replacement⢠element and following â¤recommended installation â¤and safety procedures âreduces the ârisk ofâ further⤠appliance damage âand â¤helps restore safe, efficient âoperation.
Whenâ replacement is necessary, â¤selecting the correct part and carrying out or arranging âa careful âinstallationâ preserves the appliance’s functionality and âŁsafety while minimizing downtime. Thoughtful diagnosis⢠and appropriate replacement⣠maintain cooking⣠performance,â energy efficiencyand user confidence⢠in the⢠range’s continued reliability.
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