If your oven is not functioning, it could be due to a blown fuse. To check if the fuse is blown:
- Unplug the oven and use a multimeter to test the fuse’s continuity.
- If the fuse is blown, replace it with a new one of the same rating.
- If the new fuse blows again, try hiring a professional technician, as there may be a more significant problem.
According to a repair guide by PartSelect, a blown oven fuse can be caused by various factors, such as power surges or an overheating oven. I remember clearly the first day my oven’s fuse got burnt. I was in my sitting room when a putrid smell hit my nose. It wasn’t a nice experience. After that incident, I decided to research why an oven’s fuse should burn and learned a lot.
In this article, I will explain the causes of a blown oven fuse in detail. I’ll also share a quick and straightforward guide on replacing a blown fuse and what you can do to prevent further occurrences. Let’s get started!
How to Know that You’re Dealing with a Blown Fuse
As you’ve seen from my experience, a blown oven fuse can cause your oven to stop working altogether, leaving you with the frustration of being unable to cook or bake anything. In this section, we will look at how to know if you have a blown fuse, so you can troubleshoot the issue and get your oven back up and running in no time.
- The fuse looks burnt
- The oven heating elements won’t turn on
- The oven board control display doesn’t work
- The oven door won’t unlock
- The convection won’t turn on
The Fuse Looks Burnt
Your oven most likely uses a thermal fuse. It’s a single-use device to prevent heat overload from damaging the oven and its components. If and when the oven reaches a high enough temperature, the fuse will blow, cutting the power supply and stopping the heating process.
The main problem you might face is figuring out where the fuse is located.
Some ovens also include an electrical fuse. Its purpose is to protect the device from electrical damage and will blow in the event of an electrical overload. Heat and current overload can potentially burn the fuse, giving it a charred appearance. Sometimes the heat can be high enough that the fuse melts. As such, a visual examination is often all you need to diagnose whether the fuse is blown or working fine.
The thermal fuse is usually located at the back of the oven near the top. You can usually access it by removing the back panel of the oven. On the other hand, the electrical fuse is usually located in the main power supply line, behind an access panel. Once you’ve located the fuse, you can check its continuity with a multimeter. If the multimeter registers no continuity, then the fuse has blown and needs to be replaced.
However, if you are uncomfortable handling electronics, you can call a technician to assess the problem.
The Oven Heating Elements Won’t Turn On
In most ovens, the thermal fuse is typically connected to the heating elements and nothing else.
This is because the heating elements are directly responsible for generating the heat. So, if there’s too much heat, cutting power to the heating elements should solve the problem.
If you notice that your heating elements won’t turn on or don’t get hot, it could be a sign that your oven’s thermal fuse is blown. This becomes even more likely if the heating elements stop working following an overheating incident. Likewise, your oven can contain a dedicated electrical fuse for the heating elements, and if it breaks, the elements will stop working.
That said, you can’t always blame a blown fuse if your heating elements stop working. It’s also possible that the fuse is ok, but the elements are faulty. Similarly, issues with the control board, thermostat, or heat sensor can cause the heating elements to cease working.
If your heating elements don’t heat up, you can take this as a clue that your fuse might be blown. But to know for sure, I strongly recommend doing the continuity test.
The Oven Control Board Display Doesn’t Work
Almost all oven control boards have fuses to protect them from power surges and voltage fluctuations. If the display on your oven control board doesn’t work, there’s a good chance that the fuse has blown.
However, before you jump to any conclusions, ensure the power supply to your oven is intact. Check the circuit breaker, power cord, and outlet to ensure no damage or lose connections.
The Oven Door Won’t Unlock
If the oven’s fuse is blown, the door locking mechanism may not work. This is because the oven control board won’t receive the necessary power to operate the locking mechanism. In such cases, you must replace the fuse to get your oven working again.
But what about when the oven door won’t unlock even when the fuse is intact? This could be due to a malfunctioning door latch or an issue with the oven’s control board. In some cases, the door latch may become stuck or jammed, preventing it from releasing the lock. This can be particularly frustrating, especially when you have a hot meal waiting to be served.
If you’re dealing with a malfunctioning door latch, try giving it a gentle nudge with a small object like a toothpick or a flathead screwdriver. Be sure to use gentle force to avoid causing any damage to the latch or the surrounding parts. If this does not work, you may need to replace the latch entirely.
The Convection Fan Won’t Turn On
If your oven has a convection fan, it may not receive any power and therefore, won’t turn on. One way to tackle this problem is to check the oven’s user manual for troubleshooting tips. If you don’t have the manual, you can usually find it online by searching for the make and model of your oven.
If the manual doesn’t offer any helpful advice, you may need to inspect the fan’s wiring and connections. Ensure that the power cord is properly plugged into the outlet and that there are no frayed wires or loose connections. If everything appears to be in order, you may need to replace the fan motor.
How To Replace A Burnt Oven Fuse
Replacing a burnt oven fuse may seem daunting, but with the right tools and knowledge, it can be a quick and easy fix. I’ll show you the step-by-step process of replacing a burnt oven fuse in this section, so you can get back to cooking your favorite meals in no time.
| Step | Description |
| Step 1 | Turn off the power supply to the oven by unplugging it from the electrical outlet or switching off the circuit breaker that supplies power to the oven. |
| Step 2 | Locate the oven fuse. It is usually located near the control panel, on the back of the oven, or under the cooktop. Consult the oven’s manual if unsure where the fuse is located. |
| Step 3 | Use a multimeter to test the fuse. Set the multimeter to resistance mode and touch the two probes to the ends of the fuse. If the multimeter shows an infinite reading, the fuse is blown and needs to be replaced. |
| Step 4 | Remove the blown a fuse by gently pulling it out of its socket. Use a pair of pliers if necessary. |
| Step 5 | Get a replacement fuse with the same amperage rating as the blown one. You can find this information on the metal end caps of the fuse. |
| Step 6 | Insert the new fuse into the socket and push it in gently until it clicks into place. |
| Step 7 | Turn on the power supply to the oven and test it by turning it on. If the oven works, the replacement fuse has solved the problem. If not, consult a professional technician for further assistance. |
| Step 8 | Finally, dispose of the old fuse in a safe and responsible manner. You can check with your local waste management company for guidelines on how to dispose of electronic waste. |
What To Do To Prevent Your Oven Fuse From Blowing
If you want to prevent your oven’s thermal fuse from blowing, you need to make sure the device doesn’t overheat. Now oven overheating can result from any of the following issues:
- The oven is miscalibrated
- The thermostat or thermistor is not working
- The heat sensor is not working
- The cooling fans are not working
- The heating elements are faulty
- The selector switch is malfunctioning
- The control board is malfunctioning
Once you diagnose what’s causing the overheating issue, fixing it should also stop the thermal fuse from blowing.
In conclusion, identifying a blown oven fuse is crucial to ensuring that your oven functions properly. By following the simple steps outlined in this article, you can quickly and easily diagnose whether or not your oven fuse needs to be replaced. Always remember that you should exercise caution when dealing with electrical components and consult a professional if you need help with how to proceed.
FAQs
- What type of fuse does my oven use, and where can I find a replacement?
Your oven fuse may use various types, depending on the make and model. The best way to find out what type of fuse your oven uses is to consult the user manual or contact the manufacturer. Replacement fuses can often be found at hardware stores or online retailers.
- How much does it cost to replace an oven fuse?
An oven fuse replacement can cost anywhere from $10 to $50, depending on the type of fuse and the labor involved in replacing it. If you’re not comfortable replacing the fuse yourself, it’s best to hire a professional to avoid any potential safety risks.
- If I replace the oven fuse and it blows again, what could be the underlying issue?
The underlying issue may be a faulty wiring connection, a malfunctioning heating element, or a defective thermostat. It’s important to have a professional diagnose and fix the issue to avoid further damage or safety risks.
Steve Rajeckas is an HVAC hobbyist with an avid interest in learning innovative ways to keep rooms, buildings, and everything else at the optimal temperature. When he’s not working on new posts for Temperature Master, he can be found reading books or exploring the outdoors.