How To Use A Multimeter To Test An Oven Element

In this video and article we'll show you how to use a multimeter to check if your fan oven element is faulty.  We know that if your oven isn't heating then it's likely to be your fan oven element that is at fault.  If there are no visual signs on the element then a multimeter can be used for confirmation.

1. How does an oven element work

For an oven element to heat up electricity must flow from one terminal to another.  If there's a break in the circuit due to the element burning out then the element will not heat up.

2. Remove the oven element

The element and the electrical connections must be removed from the oven before testing.  Follow our step by step guide to remove your oven element.

3. Set the multimeter

Turn on the multimeter and set it to the ohms setting that has an audible alarm.  On the multimeter that we're using this is 2000 ohms.

4. Test the oven element

Now place one lead on one of the terminals, and the other lead on the second terminal.  If the element is faulty there will be no continuity and no reading or audible alarm will be heard.  If the element is not faulty then you will see a reading and an audible alarm will sound.  Note that the earth connection, if the element has one, can be ignored for the testing process.