surface element melted - Whirlpool 465

[weddo]

I tried researching the blog list, but couldn't find anyone with this particular problem. My wife was cooking hamburger last night and the pan started popping and spitting hot metal. We turned the oven off at the circuit breaker and after everything cooled, the pan had a hole in it. The surface element also had a hole in it. Has this ever happened to someone? It's like the surface element shorted or something. I put in a new element tonight, but it looks like the selector switch also shorted out. I can go get one of these, but does anyone know why this happened? I assume it's safe to still use once the new part is in. Do I need to worry about this happening again? Any help or suggestions? THX

[jeff1]

G'day,

Whirlpool 465

Not a model#.

The surface element also had a hole in it. Has this ever happened to someone?

Yes, many times.

It's like the surface element shorted or something

It did, it gets weak in a spot and can blow a hole through the outer element shell...doesn't always happen with a hole but often will.

I put in a new element tonight, but it looks like the selector switch also shorted out

50-50 chance that the switch will become damaged when the element let go.

I assume it's safe to still use once the new part is in

*I* wouldn't use it.

Do I need to worry about this happening again?

Could it happen again, sure...but should you loose any sleep worring about it, no!!

jeff.

[weddo]

Thanks Jeff for such a quick response. I have a new surface element and selector switch and everything seems to work fine. Did the pan melt because we just didn't notice the element going bad? It really surprised me that this would burn a hole into the frying pan.

[jeff1]

Did the pan melt because we just didn't notice the element going bad? It really surprised me that this would burn a hole into the frying pan.

Likely nothing you did or didn't notice...it is rare ( but not unheard of ) to have the pot or pan damaged. More often the element lets go, makes the arc flash and then goes dead.
Some have mentioned noticing an extra brite spot on the element, that is the weak spot starting.

I have a new surface element and selector switch and everything seems to work fine

Good job :)

jeff.