Oven Coils Spark; Causes, Fixing, and Prevention
An oven is a crucial appliance in many households, used for baking, roasting, and cooking various dishes. However, if the oven coils spark, it can be a cause for concern. Sparking oven coils can pose a serious risk of electrical fires, electric shocks, and damage to the oven itself. It is essential to understand the causes of sparking oven coils to take the necessary steps to prevent it from happening.
Causes of sparking oven coils:
- Accumulated grease
- Damaged insulation
- Moisture or humidity
- Loose connections
- Age
In this article, we will explore the main causes of sparking oven coils and the potential dangers they can cause. We will also discuss how to fix and prevent sparking oven coils to ensure your safety and prolong the lifespan of your oven.
What causes sparking oven coils?
As I’ve mentioned at the beginning, there are a lot of possible causes for this problem and it is important for you to know what the causes are before we try to fix the problem.
Accumulated grease:
When food particles and grease accumulate on the oven coils, it can cause a buildup of heat, leading to sparking. The grease acts as a conductor, allowing electricity to jump between the coils and create sparks.
This is particularly common in ovens that are not regularly cleaned, especially those used for roasting or grilling.
Damaged insulation:
The insulation around the oven coils is designed to protect them from electrical contact with other metal parts of the oven. If the insulation is damaged, it can cause the coils to come into contact with other metal components, resulting in sparks.
This can happen due to physical damage to the insulation, wear and tear over time, or exposure to extreme temperatures.
Moisture or humidity:
Moisture or humidity can cause electrical sparks in oven coils, particularly if there is a high concentration of moisture or humidity in the oven.
When the moisture comes into contact with the coils, it can create a conductive path for electricity, leading to sparks. This is particularly common in ovens located in humid environments or those that are not properly sealed.
Loose connections:
Loose connections between the oven coils and other electrical components can cause electrical sparks. The coils need a proper connection to the oven’s power supply to function correctly.
When the connections become loose, it can create a gap in the electrical circuit, leading to sparks. This is particularly common in older ovens, where the connections have become worn over time.
Age:
As ovens age, the electrical components can begin to wear down, leading to sparking. The oven coils are no exception, and as they age, they can become more prone to sparking. Additionally, as the coils age, they may become warped or damaged, leading to sparking.
How to fix sparking oven coils?
Here comes the most important part of the article, and here we discuss how can you fix a sparking coil in your oven. So let’s get into this.
- Turn off the oven
The first step in fixing sparking oven coils is to turn off the oven to prevent any further sparking. This will also help to ensure your safety while working on the oven.
- Clean the oven
The next step is to clean the oven thoroughly, paying particular attention to the oven coils. Use a cleaning solution and a scrub brush or sponge to remove any accumulated grease or food particles from the coils.
- Inspect the oven coils
Inspect the oven coils carefully to check for any signs of damage, such as cracks or warping. Look for any loose connections or signs of moisture or humidity on the coils.
- Replace damaged coils
If you find any damaged coils or connections, you should replace them immediately. You can purchase replacement coils from the manufacturer or a local appliance store. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully when replacing the coils.
- Call a Professional
If you are not comfortable or experienced in working with electrical appliances, it is best to call a professional.
An experienced technician can inspect the oven, identify the cause of the sparking, and replace any damaged components. They can also perform any necessary maintenance to prevent sparking in the future.
By following these steps, you can fix sparking oven coils and ensure the safety of your household. Additionally, performing regular cleaning and maintenance can prevent sparking from occurring in the future.
Preventing sparking oven coils
- Regular cleaning
Regularly cleaning the oven and the oven coils can help prevent the buildup of grease, food particles, and other debris that can lead to sparking.
- Regular inspection
Performing regular inspections of the oven and oven coils can help identify any signs of damage or wear before sparking occurs. Look for any signs of cracks, warping, or loose connections.
- Replacement of damaged coils
If you identify any damaged coils or connections during an inspection, replace them immediately to prevent sparking.
- Follow the manufacturer’s instructions:
Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions when operating and maintaining your oven. This can include recommendations for cleaning, maintenance, and replacement of components.
Electric oven coil replacement; Step by step guide
Here is a step-by-step guide on how to replace an electric oven coil:
Note: Before starting the process, ensure that the oven is unplugged and that the oven has cooled down completely.
Step 01: Remove the faulty coil
- Identify the faulty coil that needs to be replaced.
- Using a screwdriver, remove the screws that are holding the coil in place.
- Gently lift the coil up and out of its socket. If it’s stuck, use pliers to wiggle it out.
Step 02: Install the new coil
- Take the new coil and prepare it by attaching the wires to the terminals.
- Slide the new coil into the socket where the old coil was located. Ensure that the terminals are facing in the correct direction.
- Screw the new coil into place using a screwdriver.
- Reconnect the wires to the new coil, ensuring that they are attached to the correct terminals. Use pliers to ensure the wires are secure.
- Plug the oven back in and turn it on to test the new coil.
Conclusion
In conclusion, sparking oven coils can pose a serious risk of electrical fires, electric shocks, and damage to the oven. It is crucial to understand the causes of sparking and take the necessary steps to fix and prevent it from happening.
Regular cleaning, inspection, and replacement of damaged components, as well as following the manufacturer’s instructions, can help prevent sparking and ensure the safety of your household. We encourage you to take action to fix and prevent sparking oven coils to ensure the safety and longevity of your oven.