WB44X173⤠GE Range Oven Broil â¤element⢠is a replaceable tubular electric heating element used in GE range and oven models âto provide the high-intensityâ radiant heat required for broiling. As a⤠resistive heating element, it consists of â˘a metalâ sheath enclosing a resistance wire and insulating fill, designed to convert mains electrical energy into infrared â˘and convective heat across âthe oven cavity whenâ energized.
Within the appliance, âthe broil element⢠functions as the primary heat source for the ovenS broil mode and interfaces directlyâ with the oven control system, temperature sensorâ or thermostat, wiring harness,â and associated relays or terminal block. âWhen the⣠control commands broil operation it applies mains⣠voltageâ to the element â¤terminals; the element’s electrical⣠and thermal behavior affects oven cavity temperature, heat distribution, âand interaction with âtemperature regulationâ circuits. As it operates at high power and⢠at the oven’s upper interior,⤠its condition âalso influencesâ adjacent insulation, mountsand door seals.
This⢠article will describe the WB44X173 broil âŁelement’s functional design and typical applications, outline compatibility considerations and critical specifications to matchâ when âŁsourcing a replacement,⢠and summarizeâ common failure⢠modes and symptoms such as open circuits, short-to-ground, uneven broiling,â or tripped breakers. It will also cover âŁdiagnostic⣠checksâ a technician or informed owner should consider-continuity and â˘resistance checks, visual inspection for deformation or breaksand verification of correct terminalâ connections-along with practical replacement considerations and⤠safety â˘precautions to â¤observe during repairâ or inspection.
Table of Contents
- Function andâ Role of the Oven Broil⤠Element in heat Distribution and⣠Temperature Control
- How the WB44X173 GE Range â˘Oven broil Element Operates: Electrical Path,⣠Thermal Responseand mounting Interfaces
- Commonâ Failure Symptoms âŁof the Broil Element: Visual, Electricaland Performance Indicators
- Compatibility, Model Fitmentandâ Replacement Considerations for WB44X173 and Equivalentâ Broil Elements
- Q&A
- In Retrospect
Function and Role â¤ofâ the Oven Broil Element in â¤Heat Distribution and âTemperature⤠Control
The âWB44X173 GE range Oven Broil Element is a resistive upper âŁheating element designed âto âdeliver concentrated âradiant heat for broiling and âŁbrowning. Mounted along the âŁtopâ interior of the oven cavity, the⤠element converts â˘electrical energy into intense infrared radiation thatâ heats the surface of food directly; this produces rapid surface searing and caramelization âthat a lower bake element cannot replicate. In typical â˘GE rangeâ designs the broil element is â¤driven by the oven controlâ board orâ a dedicated broil relay and âŁmay âbe applied continuously or in timed cycles depending⣠on the selected broil mode and the â˘control logic, âso understanding the â¤element’s mounting, â¤terminal type,â and rated output helps ensure compatibility during â¤replacement or repair.
Heat distribution from the broil element is primarily radiative, producing higher temperatures at the specimen surface and the nearest oven rack while â˘the âambient cavity temperature remains lower; this geometry explains why broiling works best with food placed close to the âelement âand why the oven temperature sensor reads cavity temperature rather than surface temperature. degradedâ performance typically manifests as âan element âthat âglows unevenly, âŁan openâ circuit (no heat)or intermittent operation that can be checked with a visual inspection and a continuity test using a multimeter. For safe and effectiveâ repair or replacement,match the element’s physical dimensions,terminal type,and power rating to the original âpart,disconnect power before servicing,and verify⣠operation by observing even red-glow across the element and stable broil behavior under⢠load.
- Primary function: concentrated radiant â¤heating for searing and browning
- Control behavior:⤠supplied by oven control/broil relay; may be âcontinuous or cycled
- Common âsymptoms of failure: â¤no⤠glowâ (open), uneven glow, arcingor tripping breakers
- Practical checks: visual inspection, continuity/resistance measurement, terminal and mounting⤠verification
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| Type | Upper resistive broil element delivering radiant heat |
| Control | Oven control boardâ or â˘broil relay; often not directly regulated by the oven thermostat |
| Failure modes | Open circuit, short to ground, corrosion at terminals, warping leading to uneven heat |
How⤠the WB44X173 GE Range Oven âŁBroil Element operates: Electrical Path, Thermal Responseand Mounting interfaces
The WB44X173 GE Range âOven âBroil Element is a tubular, metalâsheathed resistance heater that completes⢠the oven’s highâpower â¤broil circuit. Inâ normal operation the element receives line⢠voltage from the range’s splitâphase supply (nominally 208-240 V) through a control switch or relay; current flows intoâ one terminal, passes through the internal resistance coil (typicallyâ a nickelâchromium alloy embedded in magnesium oxide for insulation) and â¤exits âŁthe oppositeâ terminal back to the supply.â Heat is produced by joule heating â¤of the coil, âconducted âthrough the sheath and⤠emitted asâ radiant and⤠convective energy into the oven cavity.Rapid power âapplication produces âhigh surface temperatures and a relatively short thermal time âconstant,â soâ the controlâ strategy (on/off cyclingâ via an infinite⤠switch, relay or⢠thermostat) determines average power andâ browning behavior rather than a continuous steady input.
- Symptoms of electrical failure: open filament (no continuity), short to ground (trips breaker)or⢠intermittent heating due to loose spade/terminal connections.
- Mechanical interfaces: mounts using sheetâmetal brackets and insulating bushings; electrical connection via spade terminals at a rear terminal block.
- Operational consequences: warped or partially openâ elementsâ cause uneven broiling or hotspots; poor⢠terminal âcontact raises⤠contact resistance and reduces heating.
| Item | description |
|---|---|
| Supply | Nominal 208-240⢠V splitâphase⣠feed through broil⣠control |
| Construction | Tubular metal⤠sheath with NiCr resistanceâ core and MgO insulation |
| Mounting | Screw brackets with âinsulating bushings; rear spade terminals to terminal block |
For repair and troubleshooting,â access theâ element â˘from⢠the ovenâ interior or rear panel after disconnecting mains power, visually⤠inspect for âbreaksand verify continuity with â˘a multimeter; a measurable open âcircuit indicates element failure, while âŁcontinuity to chassis indicates insulation breakdown. When âŁreplacing the unit, align the mounting tabs and insulators to prevent electrical contactâ with the oven body and ensure tight âŁspade connections âŁto â˘avoid elevated âcontact âŁresistance; technicians should⤠confirm model compatibility âŁand partâ orientation so the WB44X173 GE â¤Range Oven Broil Element matches the original terminal⣠layout and bracket â¤geometry for reliable operation.
Common âFailure Symptoms of â˘theâ Broil Element: Visual, Electricaland Performance Indicators
The WB44X173 GE Range Oven Broil âŁElement â is a fixed-resistance radiantâ heater that provides the high, direct â˘heat required for broiling.⢠In normal âoperation the elementâ glows evenly along⣠itsâ length and converts applied voltage into predictable radiant output; physical damage to the tubular sheath, internal coil â¤breaks,⣠or loose âterminal⣠connections alter that behavior. Compatibility depends âon âmatching terminal layoutâ and physical length to the oven âmodel, but the⣠functional expectations remain the same: even glow, stable resistanceand secure electrical connections. âBefore âperforming any inspection or âelectrical test, isolate the applianceâ fromâ mains power⣠to avoid shock â˘or damage.
Technicians commonly diagnose broil element faults by âŁcombining a visual inspection with simple electrical measurements and performance observations. Visual signs such as blistering,⤠pinholesor visible breaks âŁin the metal sheath â¤point to localized overheating âor moisture ingress; an open-circuit reading â˘with a multimeter indicates a broken internal âconductor, while highly variable or elevated resistance suggests partial shorting or internal corrosion. Performanceâ symptoms⤠include uneven browning, slowâ broiling cyclesor tripped thermal cutouts; verifying supply voltage at â¤the element terminals withâ the oven⤠at a broil command âŁand confirming consistent âresistanceâ across the âelement helps isolate the elementâ from control, wiringor thermostat â˘faults.
- Visible deformation: blisters, breaksor exposed âcoil along the⣠element.
- Electricalâ readings: âopenâ circuit, intermittent continuity,â or abnormal resistance.
- Performance issues:â uneven âŁbroil, longer cook â¤timesor oven⣠safety trips.
- Connection problems: loose or oxidized â¤terminal lugs causing intermittent heating.
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| Visual indicator | Surface blistering, âdiscolorationor fractured sheath âŁsuggests internal failure or â¤overheating. |
| Electrical indicator | Infinite resistance (open) confirms âŁa broken conductor; fluctuating or highâ resistance implies internal degradation. |
| Performance indicator | Uneven browning or inability toâ reach broil temperatures points to reducedâ output or intermittent connection issues. |
Compatibility, Model Fitmentand Replacement Considerationsâ for â˘WB44X173 and Equivalent Broil â¤Elements
The WB44X173 GE Range oven Broil Element is a resistive heating element thatâ provides⢠concentrated radiant heat from the oven’s upper cavity to produce the high temperatures used for broiling. Electrically âit âis designed to âoperate at household range mains â(typicallyâ around 240 V in â˘North America) and should present low resistance with â¤clear âcontinuity between its two terminals; an open circuitâ or erratic⢠resistanceâ readings âŁindicate a⢠failed element.⣠Common âmechanical â˘failure modes include broken internal coils, corrosion at the sheath or terminalsand deformation of the mounting âŁflange; electrically, leakage to chassis or shorted turns can cause blown fuses âor tripped breakers. â˘To diagnose, technicians typically isolate power,⢠visually inspect âthe sheath and terminals, measure⢠continuity with a âmultimeterand âcheck for insulation resistance to chassis before attempting replacement.
Compatibility and fitment require matching more â˘than the part number: confirm the element’s terminal style, mounting flange geometry, overall length and bend profileand its electrical rating âŁto ensure proper heat output âŁand secure installation. Practical replacement considerations include verifying terminal type (spade/tab vs.â plug-in), measuring mounting hole spacing against⣠the oven’s bracket,⣠and confirming that aftermarket items reproduce⤠the âoriginal element’s âbends to maintain clearance from⢠oven walls and the broiler pan. âFor a safe, reliable swap, retain original mounting hardware when possible, confirm â¤continuity and absence of chassis âleakage post-installation,â and cross-reference the appliance’s model documentation or parts â¤list for approved equivalents rather than relyingâ solely on visual similarity.
- Confirm voltage/wattage rating and continuity before install
- Match terminal type âandâ mounting hole spacing
- Verify â¤element geometry to avoid contactâ with âoven interior
- Inspect âŁterminals âŁand insulators for corrosion or damage
- Use OEM cross-reference or⤠documented equivalents for fitment
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| Typical operating voltage | Approximately â240 âŁV (Northâ American ranges); verify appliance specification |
| Mounting | Rear â˘flange with screw holes and â˘exposed terminals; match hole spacing and bracket form |
| Field test | Continuity between terminals; check for insulation leakage to chassis â˘before powering |
Q&A
What is the WB44X173 broil â˘element â¤and what ovens use âŁit?
The WB44X173 is a GE OEM electric oven broil â(top) element designed to provide âhighâheatâ broiling in compatible GE electric ranges. It is used in a number of GE-built ranges and some⤠appliances⣠rebranded by â˘other manufacturers.â Always verify compatibility by matching⣠the part number to yoru oven model number in the manufacturer’s parts list⢠before⢠ordering.
What are common symptoms that the broil elementâ is â¤failing?
Common signs include the element not heating at all, heating weakly or unevenly, visible âbreaks, blistersor burnâ spots on the element sheath, sparking during operationorâ a blown oven control fuse/trip. If the oven broils but the element does not glow red-hot when expected, it â¤likely needs inspection or replacement.
How can I test the WB44X173 element âto see if⢠it’s âbad?
First, disconnect power to the range. Remove the âŁelement from the oven to âaccess the terminals. Use a multimeter âset to continuity or resistance: a good element should show continuity⣠(lowâ resistance).⢠If the meter reads open âŁ(infinite âŁresistance),â the element is broken. Also â¤check for a short to ground by âmeasuring resistance between either â¤terminal and the metal oven chassis-there should âbe no continuity⢠(infinite). â¤For a âlive-voltage check (only for qualified technicians),broil should supply approximately 240 VAC â¤across the two element terminals when the broil function is energized.
What is the typical resistance of a working âbroil element like the WB44X173?
Resistance varies by wattage â¤and âdesign,but many 240 V broil elements read in the tens of âohms (often roughly 10-40 âohms). Exactâ resistance depends on the element’s wattage rating; consult the part â˘specification forâ the expected value. Use resistance⢠only as a âguide-an open circuit indicates âfailure.
Can I replace âthe WB44X173 myselfand what safety steps should I follow?
Yes, a competent âDIYer can replace it, but always turn off power â˘at the breaker (or⢠unplug the range) before beginning.⢠Allow the oven to âŁcool, remove oven racks,â unscrew the âŁelement mounting screws at the rear, gently pullâ the element forward to access and disconnect âthe spade terminals (note their positions), install the new element⤠by reattaching terminalsâ and screws, then restore power and test. If you’re not pleasant working with mains electricity orâ removing panels,⣠hire a qualified appliance⢠technician.
Why does the broil element sparkâ or arc when turned on?
Sparking can indicate âa short circuit due⣠to the element â˘contacting the oven cavityâ (damaged â¤insulation), loose or corroded terminal⤠connectionsor internal âelement breakage exposing live parts. Turn power off instantly and⤠inspect terminals and⣠the element. Replace the element if it’s damaged or repair/clean connections if⢠they are â¤loose âŁor corroded.
How do I know if a broil issue is the element versus the oven control â˘or wiring?
Start by visually inspecting the element for⤠damage and testing âit for continuity and a shortâ to chassis. If⢠the element tests good, verify that the control sends voltage to the element⢠during a broil cycle â¤(about 240 VAC across⣠the terminals when â˘energized)-this shouldâ be done by a qualified technician. If the controlâ does not send voltage, the problem â¤may âŁbe the control board,⢠selector switchor wiring. If voltage is presentâ but the element does not heat, the element is at fault.
Are aftermarket âelements acceptable or âshould I buy the OEM WB44X173?
OEM â˘parts like the WB44X173 match the original specifications and âmounting/terminal layout and are recommended for fit⤠and performance.Someâ reputable aftermarket elements may work and be less expensive, but confirm correct dimensions, wattage, terminal typeand⤠safety certificationsâ before buying. Using incorrect elements can cause âŁpoor performance or safety issues.
In Retrospect
The WB44X173 GEâ Range⤠Oven Broil element is âa critical component that delivers the concentrated top heat required for broiling, â˘browning and⢠finishing foods. Functioning as the â¤primary heat source for âthe oven’s âbroil setting, it contributes to even âcooking results, predictable performance and overall oven efficiency. When the element is intact and operating correctly, itâ helps maintain consistent temperatures and reduces⢠the risk of uneven cooking or extended âŁcook times.
Recognizing symptoms of a failing broil element-such as a lack of heat onâ broil settings, visible damage or discoloration, sparksorâ uneven cooking-is meaningful for accurate âdiagnosis. safe diagnosis includes disconnecting power, visuallyâ inspecting the element âand housingand, when appropriate, testing electrical continuity with âa multimeter. Because electrical âwork carries safety risks and improper testing âcan lead to misdiagnosis, following manufacturer guidanceâ or consulting a qualified technician is recommended if you are uncertain.
When replacement is necessary,â installingâ the correct WB44X173 part or an approved equivalent will restore proper â˘broil⣠performance and⣠help maintain oven âsafety and efficiency. âProper⣠installation, adherence to safety procedures and, if⤠needed, professional service âŁensures reliableâ operation and can extend âthe usableâ life âŁof the appliance. Addressing broil element issues promptly and â˘correctly minimizes downtime and preserves consistent â˘cooking results.
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