318178110 Frigidaire Oven Range Surface Element 6″ is⤠a 6âinch electric surface heating element designed for use in Frigidaire electric ranges and âcooktops. It is a resistive heating element that mounts in the cooktop⣠and⤠supplies localized heat for cookware; depending on the cooktop design it may be presented as an exposed coilâ or⢠a radiant disk beneath a glassâceramic surface. The item is defined by its physical diameter, terminalâ style, mounting methodand âelectrical rating, whichâ together determine direct compatibility with a given appliance model.
Within the⤠appliance the surface element âconverts electrical energy into heat and interfaces directly with the range’s power distribution and control systems. Itâ is driven by the infinite switch or electronicâ control board that regulates delivered voltage and âby the appliance’s terminal block and wiring harness that provide the supply connection. The element also âinteracts with mechanical mounting clips or a receptacleand-in radiant configurations-with the glassâceramic⢠cooktop⢠and any heatâdiffusing assemblies. Proper function depends on intact element resistance, secure spade terminals, correct âŁwattage/voltage matchingand correctâ mechanical seatingâ to avoid arcing, uneven heatingor damage⤠to adjacent components.
In this article you will âfind a technical examination of the 318178110â element covering its functional principles, how to⤠verify compatibility with a specific range (size, wattage, terminal and mounting type), common failureâ symptoms (open circuit, intermittent heat, arcing, visible damageor terminal corrosion)and stepâbyâstep â˘troubleshooting âtechniques (visual inspection,⤠continuity and resistance checksand⤠safe isolation â¤of power). The article also⢠discusses practical replacement considerations-matching electrical â˘and mechanical specifications, securing proper connectionsand safety precautions such as âdisconnecting electrical supply before service-so technicians, engineersand appliance owners can make informed repair decisions.
Table of Contents
- Function and Role of the Surface Element in Heat âŁOutput, Control andâ Safety Interlocks
- How the 318178110 Frigidaire oven Range Surface â˘Element 6″ Works: electrical Operation, Thermal⤠Responseand Control Interface
- Common Failure symptoms, âDiagnostic Measurements and Interpreting Resistance/Continuity â˘Results
- Compatibility, Replacement Considerations, StepâbyâStep Installation and Troubleshooting Procedures
- Q&A
- Final Thoughts
Function and Role of the Surface Element in Heatâ Output, Control and Safetyâ Interlocks
The electrical function of the 318178110 Frigidaire Oven Range Surface Element 6″ is to convert electrical energy into controllable radiant heat through aâ resistance coil enclosed in the element sheath. It mounts into the cooktop aperture and connects to the range control via two spade terminals; the control (an infinite switch or an electronicâ relay on newer models) modulates delivered power by switching the element on and off or⣠varying duty cycle. Safety interlocks â¤in the range-such as highâlimit⤠thermostats, thermal cutouts,⣠and controlâ board faultâ detection-interrupt current â˘to the⢠element if temperatures exceed⢠safe⢠thresholds or if a wiring fault is detected. During replacement or diagnostics, match⢠the element’s physical diameter, terminal typeand rated wattage to the appliance specifications to avoid mismatches that can overload switches or produce inadequate heating.
Behaviorally,the element’s operating resistance and heat output are stable for normal cooking cycles,but measurable symptoms indicate specific faults:⢠an open circuit or substantially increased resistance âyields no or reduced heat,while shorts to ground or intermittent connections can cause breakers to⤠trip or produce arcing at terminals. The control strategy (mechanical infinite switch versus solidâstate control) affects how heat is perceived-mechanical cycling gives stepped power intervals,while solidâstate control provides smoother modulation. Practical technician checks include measuring continuity and resistance with a multimeter, inspecting terminal tightness and â¤insulationand verifying that the element’s wattage and terminal layout are compatible with âthe â¤range control and wiring; replacing with a nonmatching â¤wattage element is a common âŁcause of overheating, breaker trips,⣠or⣠shortened control life.
- Common diagnostic indicators: open circuit (no heat), high resistance (reduced heat), âarcing/loose terminals (visible sparks), shortâ to ground (breaker â˘trips)
- Replacement checks:â physical diameter, terminal type and⢠spacing, rated wattageand mounting orientation
- control interactions: mechanical infinite switches cycle power; electronic controls use dutyâcycle modulation or relays
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| Element diameter | 6″⤠nominal for the âlisted part; verify fit in cooktop aperture |
| Mounting/Terminals | Two spade terminals; confirm â˘spacing and insulation for proper connection |
| Common failure modes | Open âcoil (no heat), high resistance (reduced â˘output), terminal faults (arcing, intermittent) |
How the 318178110 Frigidaire Oven Range Surface Element 6″ Works: Electrical Operation, Thermal â¤Responseand Control Interface
318178110 Frigidaire Oven Rangeâ Surface⢠Element 6″ is â˘aâ resistive cooktop element designed to be driven directly from the range’s line voltage and controlled by the oven’s user interface or power switch.â Electrically, the element consists of a coiled resistive conductor that produces heat via Joule heating when⤠current passes through âit; the terminals mount to the range’s terminal block andâ must âmatch the OEM â¤tab âspacing and â¤insulating sleeves for safe operation. For âtechnicians, the practical checks are continuity and⣠low-resistance measurement across â˘the terminals, inspection for open coils or hot spots, â¤and verification â¤that the element’s mounting and âterminal configuration match theâ appliance model⢠so that wattage andâ thermal coupling remain within the design intent.
- Compatibility: âŁmust match 6″ diameter, terminal tab spacingand rated wattage â¤for the âŁspecific Frigidaire⤠range model.
- Electrical diagnostics: continuity test, insulation/terminal integrityand visual signs⣠of oxidationâ or arcing.
- Common failure symptoms: no heat, intermittent heat, uneven heating across the elementor visible breaks in the coil.
- Installation note: secure terminal connections and correct insulating sleeves prevent arcing and improper heatâ transfer to âthe cooktop⢠surface.
Thermally, the 6″ surfaceâ element has a relatively low thermal mass and responds quickly to changes in applied power; control is typically achieved either by an infinite â¤(mechanical) switch that cycles fullâ voltage on/off to vary the duty cycleor by an electronic â¤controller that modulatesâ power more âŁsmoothly. This results in rapid heat-upâ and cooldown compared with heavy cast-iron elementsand it affects cooking technique-low simmerâ settings require precise low-duty power â˘while high settings deliver⣠rapid radiant âheat. For troubleshooting and replacement, compare measured resistance and observed behavior against the range’s technical sheetand ensure replacement preserves the âoriginal control strategy (mechanical switchâ vs. electronic control) so temperature regulation remains consistent.
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| Nominal electrical rating | Operates from the range line voltage;â check appliance documentation⤠for exact wattage and voltage (models â¤commonly use splitâphase line voltage). |
| Mounting & compatibility | 6″ diameter â˘element with specific terminal tab spacing and mounting bracket-must match appliance for correct fit and heat distribution. |
| Diagnostic⢠checks | continuity and resistance measurement, visual inspection âfor âbreaksand verification of secure âinsulated terminal connections. |
Common Failure Symptoms, Diagnostic Measurements and interpreting Resistance/Continuity Results
The replacement part 318178110 âFrigidaire Oven range Surface Element 6″ âis a resistive âheatingâ element designed to convert electrical energyâ to âheat at the cooktop. Typical failure modes affect its ability to complete the circuit,â maintain expected resistanceor remain electrically isolated from the stove chassis.Technicians use a digital multimeter to check continuity and âresistance: a stable low-ohm readingâ between⢠the two element terminals indicates an intact heating coil, an open or⢠infinite⣠reading shows a broken elementand a low-resistance reading from either terminal to chassis indicatesâ a leakage path or short to ground. Compatibility considerations include âmatching theâ element diameter, terminal typeand wattage rating so that measured resistance under cold conditions aligns with the appliance’s design âparameters.
- Element does not âheatâ or⤠heats intermittently (open circuit or high resistance).
- Uneven cooking â¤or hot spots (partial coil failure or internal breaks).
- Breaker âtrips or visible arcing (short to ground⤠or terminalâ insulation failure).
- Discolored or warped element surface (insulation breakdown affecting resistance).
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| Normal coldâ resistance | Typically in⤠the âlow tens of ohms for 6″ elements; consult âthe appliance rating plate for expected cold resistance ranges. |
| Open âŁcircuit (OL) | Infinite resistance between âterminals – indicates a broken internal conductor and requires replacement. |
| Short to chassis | Low⢠resistance from terminal to metal chassis -⢠indicates leakage/ground fault and unsafe; do not useâ until repaired. |
To interpret readings practically, always disconnect power and remove the element so the âŁmeter measures only the part. measure across the two element terminals for âŁcontinuity and⣠resistance; a consistent reading in the expected low-ohm range under ambient temperature indicates the âelement will draw the correct current when energized.If the meter shows open circuit, the coil is fractured; if it shows continuity to chassis, the element has lost its insulation and should⤠be replaced. âŁFor example, âŁa 6″ element intended for higher â˘wattageâ will presentâ lower cold resistance than a lower-wattage unit, so verify terminal spacing and⢠wattage on the old element or service manual before concluding compatibility or⢠ordering 318178110 Frigidaire Oven Range Surface Element 6″ as the replacement. Use the meter’sâ continuity beep as â¤a rapid check and the resistance value for a confirmatory assessment.
Compatibility,Replacement Considerations,Stepâbyâstep Installation and Troubleshooting Procedures
The 318178110 Frigidaire Oven Range Surface Element 6″ isâ a 6âinch plugâin surface element designed to provide the small cooking zone on âmany Frigidaire electric ranges. âFunctionally it is indeed a coiled resistance conductor enclosed in aâ stamped steel sheath that radiates heat to cookware; typical ratings for this size element are in âthe⣠1,200-1,500 W range at 240 V, which corresponds to a âDC resistance roughly in the 38-48 Ί range. Compatibility depends on physical dimensions and â˘terminal type rather than brand alone: verify the overall diameter, mounting foot⣠geometryand that the element uses the same spade receptacle or screwâin terminal arrangement as the⢠original part. Matchingâ the element to the control (infinite switch or electronic control) and the⢠drip pan cutout prevents uneven heating or poor mechanical fit after replacement.
Follow a safe, methodical replacement and troubleshooting procedure: deâenergize the appliance at the breaker, remove the drip pan and lift the old element from its receptacle, disconnect the spade terminals and compare the replacement for identical terminal spacing and mounting geometry, then reconnect and test continuity and insulation before power â˘restoration. If the element shows continuity within the typical resistance range but does not heat under power,â isolate and test â˘the⢠burner receptacle and control switch (infinite switch or terminal block) for⤠open circuits or intermittent contacts; a short to chassis ground indicates a failed sheath and requires immediate replacement. For diagnostics, use a multimeter âto measure resistance and ground âŁinsulation, visually inspect element mounting clips and receptacle contacts for corrosionand bring the element up through low to high settings while âmonitoring current draw to confirm correct operation.
- Safety first: disconnect power at the breaker and â˘verify with a voltage tester.
- Continuity check: expected resistance ~38-48 Ί for 1,200-1,500 W at 240 V; âopenâ = defective.
- Ground check: infinite or very high resistance to chassis = good; low resistance = replace element.
- Fit check: confirm terminal type (1/4″ spade common) and mounting clip alignment before final installation.
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| Rated Voltage | 240 V AC (typical for residential ranges) |
| typical Power | 1,200-1,500 Wâ for 6″ element |
| Typical resistance | ~38-48 Ί (measured DC âat room temperature) |
| Terminal Type | 1/4″ spade receptacle common; confirm spacing and orientation |
Q&A
Which Frigidaire models is â˘part number â¤318178110 compatible with?
318178110 âis an OEM 6″⤠coil surface element used on⣠a⤠range of Frigidaire/General Electric/White-Westinghouse models. Compatibility varies by⢠model and year – always confirm by checking your range’s model number against the part number⣠in the appliance’s parts diagram or the Frigidaire parts lookup. If unsure,â provide your oven/range model number to âa parts dealer to verify fit and âterminal configuration.
What are the electrical â˘specifications (voltage and âŁexpected resistance) for the 6″ surface element?
Surface elements for household electric ranges typically operate on 240 V. The wattage for a 6″ element⤠varies by design (commonly around 900-1,200 W⢠for many small elements). You can â˘calculate expected cold resistance with R =⤠V² / P. âExample: for⣠a 1,200 W element at 240 V, expected âresistance â 48 âΊ â¤(R = 240² / 1200). âŁCheck the element or range documentation for the exactâ wattage nameplate if you need a precise value.
How do I test the 318178110 element to see âŁif it’s bad?
Turn off andâ isolate power to the range at the breaker first. Remove the element⤠orâ disconnectâ its terminals so⤠you’re testing the element alone. With a digital multimeter set âŁto â˘the âŁohms scale, â˘measure resistance â¤between the two element terminals – you⢠should see aâ low, finite resistance (see the calculation example above). an open (infinite) reading means the element is broken. Also test each⣠terminal to⣠chassisâ ground; a âlow resistance to ground indicates an internal short âand the element⢠should be replaced.
Whatâ are the steps to safely replace this 6″ surface element?
1) Disconnect power âat theâ circuit breaker or unplug the range. â2) âŁAllow the element and cooktop to cool. 3) Remove the control knob and drip â˘pan (if applicable). 4) Pull the coil element slightly out and, if required, lift the cooktop or remove a retaining screw to access wiring. 5) Carefully pullâ the element offâ its female spade terminals (note orientation) and install the new element by pushing âit onto the terminals until fully seated. 6) Reassemble, restore power andâ test. If you’re not comfortable working with mains voltage âor the element is behind the cooktop,consider hiring a qualified âtechnician.
Why doesâ a âŁnew element sometimesâ heat unevenly or not reach full temperature?
Uneven heating can result from poor electrical connection âat â¤the terminal (corrosion, loose spade), a bad infinite switchor incorrect part wattage. Check â˘that âthe element is fully âseated on⤠clean terminals and â¤that the terminal connectors are tight. If connections are good, testâ or replace the infinite (surface) control switch andâ verify the range âvoltage supply. Also confirm you installed the correct element for your range.
Are there⤠commonâ interchange or aftermarket equivalents for 318178110?
Yes, there are aftermarket replacements and cross-referenced OEM equivalents from âappliance parts suppliers. when selecting an equivalent, match the partâ number, element diameter (6″), wattage/voltage rating, terminal type and spacingand mounting style. Avoid substitutions that don’t match electrical ratings or terminal configuration, as they may not âfit or could overload the circuit/controls.
What âterminal/connectors does the element use and do I need â˘special tools?
Most coil surface elements use standard⢠female spade terminals⢠(typically 1/4″ or 6.35 mm). You won’t generally need special tools beyond needle-nose pliers to pull the terminals off and a screwdriver for any retaining screws. If terminals areâ corroded â˘or damaged, replace them with properly sized âinsulated spade â¤connectors or the correct âOEM terminal block. Always âdisconnect power before handling connectors.
How can I extend the life of my⣠surface âelement and are there any safety considerations?
To extend element life, âavoid spills and clean off food residue after the element has cooled (do not use âŁabrasive tools on the coil). Use âproperly sized cookware âto avoid excessive cycling and stress. Safety: always⤠disconnect power before servicing,never touch an â˘element that may still be hot,and replace âany element that⤠shows cracks,blisters,or exposed insulation. If⣠there’s evidence of electrical arcing or smoke, cut power immediatelyâ and have a technician inspect âthe appliance.
Final Thoughts
The 318178110⤠Frigidaire Oven Range Surface Element âŁ6″ is a fundamentalâ component of compatible Frigidaire cooktops, supplying âŁconcentrated heat for the corresponding burner and playingâ a central role in everyday cooking performance. Asâ a purpose-built 6-inch surface element, it affects heat distribution, temperature responsivenessand overall efficiency of the range; when âfunctioning properly it helps ensure consistent â˘cooking⤠results and safe operation.
Accurate diagnosis of surface element problems â˘and selecting the correct replacement are important to restore safe, reliable performance. Symptoms such as inconsistent heating, failure to reach temperature, visible damageor electrical irregularities warrant assessment to determine whether the element itself, âthe receptacleor associated âcontrols are at fault.Using the proper 318178110 â¤part (or an equivalent specified⢠by the manufacturer), confirming compatibility withâ the range model, â¤and following appropriate electrical and safety procedures reduces the risk of recurring issues.
When replacement is necessary, timely and correct service can return âŁthe range to expected performance levels, improve âenergy⢠useand reduce safety risks. For users unsure of diagnosis⢠or comfortable only with qualified repairs, engaging a trained technician is a prudent step. Thoughtful attention toâ diagnosis and replacement helps protect both appliance longevity and household safety while preserving⣠cooking â¤reliability.
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