Broil Element, Upper Heating Element, Broiler Element, Top Element, Oven Heating Element, Electric Broiler Coil, Sheath Heater

WG02F06038, AP5665850, PS6883840, EAP6883840, 2410831, 3885464

GE, Hotpoint

GEJB645DKWW, JB645RKSS, JB655DKWW, JB655RKSS, JB750DJWW, JB750SJSS, JBS60DKWW, JBS60RKSS, JBS86SPSS, JBS86DPBB, JKS5000SNSS, JKS5000DNBB, JRP28SKSS, JRP28WKWW, JT3000DFWW, JT3000SFSS, JT5000DFWW, JT5000SFSS

HotpointRB525DHWW, RB525DHBB, RB536DPWW, RB536DPBB, RB757DPWW, RB757DPBB, RB790DPWW, RB790DPBB

CRITICAL SAFETY WARNING: This repair involves 240V electrical connections. Always turn off power at the circuit breaker before beginning work to prevent electrical shock. If uncomfortable with electrical work, hire a qualified technician.

1. Turn off the circuit breaker supplying power to the oven at the main electrical panel. CRITICAL: Electric ovens operate on 240V AC—turning off the breaker is essential for safety.
2. Verify power is off using a non-contact voltage tester at the oven control panel.
3. Allow the oven to cool completely if it has been used recently. Wait at least 2 hours.
4. Remove all oven racks from the oven cavity and set aside.
5. Take photos of the broil element installation and mounting position before removal.
6. Locate the broil element at the top of the oven cavity. It is typically secured by 2 mounting screws or brackets at the front.
7. Remove the broil element mounting screws (typically 2 screws) using a Phillips screwdriver or nut driver. The screws are usually located on the front mounting bracket at the top of the oven cavity.
8. Carefully pull the broil element forward approximately 2-3 inches to access the electrical terminals at the rear. Caution: Support the element—it may be heavy and the coil is delicate.
9. Take detailed photos of the wire connections to the element terminals before disconnecting.
10. Disconnect the electrical wires from the element terminals by pulling the spade connectors straight off the 1/4-inch male terminals. Pull connectors straight off—do not pull on wires. Important: Note wire positions for correct reconnection (typically one wire per terminal).
11. Remove the old broil element from the oven cavity and place on a clean work surface.
12. Inspect the old element for visible damage such as breaks, blisters, burn marks, or separation in the element coil. This confirms the diagnosis.
13. Test the old element with a multimeter set to measure resistance (ohms). Touch probes to the two terminals. A functioning 3000-watt element at 240V should read approximately 19-20 ohms. Infinite reading = broken element (open circuit). Also test for shorts to the element sheath—should be infinite resistance (no continuity to metal sheath).
14. Inspect the wire terminals and connectors for corrosion, damage, or burned insulation. Clean or replace damaged components.
15. Inspect the mounting area in the oven cavity for damage or debris. Clean if necessary.
16. Unpack the new WG02F06038 broil element carefully. Handle by the mounting brackets—avoid touching the element coil.
17. Compare the new element to the old one to verify dimensions, terminal positions, terminal type (1/4-inch male spade), and mounting bracket locations match.
18. Inspect the new element for any shipping damage before installation.
19. Test the new element with a multimeter (optional)—should read approximately 19-20 ohms between terminals, infinite resistance to sheath.
20. Insert the new element terminals through the holes in the rear oven wall, pushing the element into position. Important: Ensure the terminals pass through the insulation sleeves or grommets in the rear wall to prevent shorts.
21. Reconnect the electrical wires to the element terminals. Push spade connectors firmly onto the 1/4-inch male terminals until fully seated. CRITICAL: Ensure correct wire connections—reversed connections may damage the element or control board.
22. Verify connections are secure by gently tugging on each wire connector.
23. Position the element flush against the top of the oven cavity, aligning the mounting holes with the bracket.
24. Install the mounting screws and tighten firmly but not excessively. Do not overtighten—this can crack the porcelain oven cavity or damage the element mounting brackets.
25. Verify the element is securely mounted and level, with adequate clearance from oven walls and racks.
26. Reinstall the oven racks in their original positions.
27. Restore power by turning on the circuit breaker.
28. Set the oven to broil mode (high setting) and allow the element to heat for 2-3 minutes.
29. Verify the element glows red evenly across the entire coil. The element should reach full brightness within 3-5 minutes and glow bright red-orange.
30. Check for unusual smells (slight odor is normal from manufacturing oils burning off during first use).
31. Turn off broil mode and allow the element to cool.
32. If the element heats evenly and glows red across the entire coil, the repair is complete.

Safety Notes: Always turn off power at the circuit breaker before working on 240V systems. Allow oven to cool completely before starting work. Handle the element by mounting brackets only—avoid touching the coil. Take photos of wire connections before disconnecting. Test old element with multimeter to confirm failure. Do not overtighten mounting screws. Verify element glows evenly during test. This repair requires moderate mechanical and electrical skills.

1. Always test the broil element with a multimeter before replacement to confirm failure. Measure resistance between terminals—should read approximately 19-20 ohms for a 3000-watt element at 240V. Infinite reading = broken element (open circuit). Very low reading (under 10 ohms) = partial short. Also test for shorts to element sheath—should be infinite resistance.
2. The WG02F06038 is a high-wattage element (3000W) that generates intense heat—correct wire connections are critical. Reversed or incorrect connections may damage the element or control board. The element has two 1/4-inch male spade terminals—ensure female spade connectors are pushed fully onto terminals for secure electrical contact.
3. A broken or damaged broil element typically shows visible signs—look for blisters, breaks, or separation in the element coil. If no visible damage is present, test with a multimeter to confirm electrical failure before replacement. The most common failure mode is an open circuit (break in the heating wire inside the sheath).
4. Broil elements typically last 10-15 years with normal use. Premature failure usually indicates power surge damage, physical damage from cookware contact, or manufacturing defect. Factors that shorten element life include frequent broiling at high temperatures, thermal shock from spills (especially cold liquids on hot element), and corrosion from acidic or salty food spills.
5. When the element is activated, it should glow red evenly across the entire coil within 3-5 minutes. If the element glows in spots or doesn't glow at all, it has failed. Uneven glowing indicates internal breaks in the heating wire. The element should glow bright red-orange at full temperature (500-550°F surface temperature).
6. Always turn off power at the circuit breaker before working on the broil element—240V AC is potentially lethal. Use a non-contact voltage tester to verify power is off before touching any electrical connections. Never work on live electrical circuits. Electric shock from 240V can cause serious injury or death.
7. Handle the new element by the mounting brackets only—avoid touching the element coil. Oils from your hands can cause hot spots and premature element failure. If you touch the coil, clean it with rubbing alcohol and allow to dry completely before use.
8. Inspect wire terminals and connectors for corrosion or damage during replacement. Corroded or loose connections cause poor electrical contact, overheating, arcing, and element failure. Clean corroded terminals with fine sandpaper or replace damaged connectors. Ensure female spade connectors grip terminals tightly.
9. Do not overtighten the mounting screws—this can crack the porcelain oven cavity or damage the element mounting brackets. Tighten screws firmly but not excessively. Hand-tight plus 1/4 turn is sufficient. Overtightening is a common mistake that causes oven cavity damage requiring expensive repairs.
10. If the new element fails immediately or the circuit breaker trips, check for incorrect wire connections or a short circuit in the oven wiring. Reversed connections, damaged wiring, or element sheath contact with metal oven parts can cause element failure or circuit breaker tripping. Verify correct wiring and proper element clearance before replacing the element again.