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Although they may appear complex, electric stoves are actually very basic apparatuses concealed in fancy metal cabinetry. Suppliers build them to last a lifetime safely – if they give problems, the cause is almost inevitably a switch or element that has failed. A householder may legally replace components like these, provided the stove is wired via a safety breaker to the switchboard.
If your stove does not have a breaker switch on the kitchen wall do not follow these instructions. Find an Electrician instead.
• Obtain the correct replacement switch from an authorised dealer. Do not be tempted to buy a pirate part.
• Turn off the breaker switch and make sure that the stove is isolated. Tape over the switch so that it cannot be inadvertently turned on again.
• Electric switches on modern stoves are mounted on a panel below the cooking surface. Lever off the control knob and remove this panel which is held in place with screws.
• Remove the screws attaching the offending switch to the panel on the inside, and draw it away. Make a drawing of how the different coloured wires are connected.
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Transfer these wires one by one from the old switch to the new one. Electricians in London like to call this monkey see – monkey do. When done, compare the result with the drawing to make double sure.
• Attach the new switch inside the control panel. Replace the panel after making sure that everything behind it is perfectly connected, and that no wire is in contact with the metal casing. Refit the control knob.
• Make sure all the stove switches are turned off. Turn on the breaker switch on the kitchen wall. Test all the other stove circuits first, and then the switch that you replaced. Everything should be perfect. If not, then there is another problem. You urgently need to get a Professional Electrical Quote.
If at any time you notice anything untoward inside your stove, stop immediately and Find an Electrician on Mr-Skill. Do not take chances with electricity! Electricity has the power to kill.