Red Seal Appliance Service Technician Practice Exam

What are common symptoms of faulty heating elements in electric ranges?

1. Uneven cooking or element not heating at all

2. Excessive smoke and burning smells

3. Sudden power shutdowns

4. Visible cracks or damage on the element

The correct answer is: Uneven cooking or element not heating at all

Uneven cooking or an element not heating at all are indeed common symptoms of faulty heating elements in electric ranges. When a heating element is malfunctioning, it may not reach the desired temperature, leading to inconsistent cooking results. This can manifest as some areas of the cooktop being significantly hotter than others, which affects the efficiency and effectiveness of cooking tasks. If an element fails completely, it may not heat up at all, preventing any cooking from occurring on that burner. Other symptoms can indicate different issues. Excessive smoke and burning smells might suggest that the element is overheating or there is a problem with the electrical connections, but these symptoms are less indicative of just the heating element being faulty. Sudden power shutdowns could be related to broader electrical issues or circuit problems rather than exclusively with the heating element itself. Lastly, visible cracks or damage on the element can indicate a physical problem that may cause it to fail, but it doesn't encompass the broader cooking issues that most users would notice first. Thus, the symptom of uneven cooking or an element not heating highlights a clear and direct impact on the appliance's primary function.