How to Troubleshoot and Repair an Electric Stove Power Problem
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What would cause my electric stove to stop working and how can I fix it? Troubleshooting an Electric Stove Power Problem, The Most Common Problems with an Electric Stove Circuit. © By: Dave Rongey |
Electric Stove Power Problem
Electrical Question: What would cause my electric stove to stop working and how can I fix it?
My electric stove stopped working and is not showing power on the control panel, what could be wrong?
- When I tested the stove for power the meter showed 230 volts going to one side of the power block on the stove, with 30 volts going to the other side.
- I tested the outlet itself and it showed 120 volts to each side, and the breaker showed the same results.
- What would cause the power to go to one side?
This electrical wiring question came from Chris in New Jersey.
Dave’s Reply:
Thanks for your electrical wiring question Chris.
Troubleshooting an Electric Stove Power Problem
Application: Circuit Power for an Electric Stove.
Skill Level: Intermediate to Advanced – Best performed by a Licensed Electrician.
Tools Required: Basic Electricians Pouch Hand Tools and Voltage Tester.
Estimated Time: Depends on personal level experience, ability to work with tools and troubleshoot the 230 volt circuit and wiring.
Precaution: Identify the Electric Stove circuit at the electric panel, turn it OFF and Tag it with a note before working with the wiring.
Notice: Wiring repairs for a 230 volt electric stove and making the electrical connections should be done according to local and national electrical codes and using approved materials.
The Most Common Problems with an Electric Stove Circuit
IMPORTANT: Troubleshooting and repairing 230 volt circuit requires specialized knowledge and experience.
- Symptoms of a Stove Circuit Problem
- When a burner control is turned into the ON position the power light does not light up.
- The stove burners are not working or not heating normally.
- Circuit voltage readings are not normal.
- Common Causes of a Stove Circuit Problem
- Incorrect installation of the 230 volt circuit.
- Incorrect connections of the stove to the circuit wires.
- Faulty or burnt wire spices at the junction box.
- Faulty or burnt wire connections to a burner control.
- Faulty electric burner element.
- Repairing Burnt Wires of an Electric Stove
- Look for discolored or burnt wire connections.
- Remove the burnt portion of damaged wiring.
- Obtain the appropriate sized splice connector or compatible terminal connector(s) to apply and repair faulty connections.
- Place repaired wires into the original locations and install the appropriate cover.
- Problems with the Main Electric Service Panel
- IMPORTANT: Only qualified electricians should inspect, test or repair electrical panels and components.
- If the stove wiring appears to be normal then there may be a problem with at the panel which supplies the circuit power.
- The circuit breaker should be inspected and tested for normal 230 volt circuit readings. Resetting the circuit breaker from OFF to ON may be required. Faulty circuit breakers should be replaced.
- The electric service panel and components should be inspected and tested for normal 120/240volt readings.
- In some cases the electrical utility provider or company may be required to test and verify the service being provided to the home electrical panel.
More about Wiring an Electric Stove
Wiring a Kitchen Stove or Range
Wiring a Kitchen Range Power Cord
Fully Described Electric Range Installation with a typical 220 Volt electric power cord wiring system. You may find yourself with either a 3-wire or 4-wire electric range. Lets look at how the electric range is wired and what to do if your cord does not match the plug.
House Wiring Circuits and Circuit Breakers
This article looks at common 120 volt and 240 volt house wiring circuits and the circuit breakers that are installed identifying the types and amperage sizes used in most homes.
Electrical Panel Circuit Listing
Understanding Digital Volt Meters
When working on home electrical wiring using voltage meter can play an important part in electrical safety. Electrical testers and voltage meters enable you to identify electrical circuits and help prevent the possibility of accidental electrical shock.
Types of Electrical Testers
The following may also be helpful for you:
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Be Careful and Be Safe - Never Work on Energized Circuits!
Consult your Local Building Department about Permits and Inspections for all Electric Wiring Projects.
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Hi Neil,
As mentioned before, the electrical components of the stove should should first be inspected to determine the fault. Once the fault has been identified then repairs should be made. As with some stoves, a replacement control board may be required, and the information for the specific part can be copied from the existing part, or the information can be obtained from the manual of the specific stove unit you have. Accurately identifying the electrical fault and obtaining the proper replacement parts is essential for a successful repair.
I hope this helps,
Dave
The exact make of stove oven is Defy 521. What is the control board that needs to be replaced.
Thanks in advance
Neil
Hi Neil,
First the oven circuit should be turned off and the circuit components should be inspected to make sure all conforms to NEC code standards. If the electrical circuit wiring is in order then the wiring of oven should be inspected, especially at the area of the temperature control. Depending on the exact make and model of the oven, there may be a problem with the temperature control, or in some cases, a the control board may need to be replaced.
Because this has caused the main breaker to trip off there will most likely be signs of an electric arc or hot scorching at the location of the fault.
IMPORTANT: The oven circuit should remain off until the problem has been identified and the necessary repairs have been made.
Be Safe,
Dave
My oven tripped the main switch after a couple of minutes. I think it does it when the oven became hot.
Please tell me what to do.