In this post we will document the procedure of replacing the main oven fan element in a Smeg oven. The model number of the appliance we will be working on is a DUSF44X.
Unlike other oven brands, the main oven fan element can be replaced from inside the oven cavity. This eliminates the need to manually handle the appliance furthermore reduces the risk of cuts and damage to property during removal.....happy days!
This article is a general guide of "How to replace an oven element" Of course, we always recommend using the service of a Professional Appliance Engineer however, we do appreciate that those 'competent' to carry out this work safely will take on the task.
All Professional Engineers should carry the appropriate electrical test equipment to prove the safety of an appliance, over and above isolating the equipment at the circuit breaker & cooker switch. We understand that the everyday person is unlikely to own such equipment so, extra caution must be observed at all times. **THINK SAFETY - ELECTRICITY CAN KILL YOU AND OTHERS AROUND YOU THROUGH NEGLEGENT ACTS AND EMISSIONS**
You can buy the correct fan oven element for your Smeg DUS44FX oven direct from us. Follow the link below to our shop https://www.kingdomappliancecare.co.uk/product-page/smeg-oven-fan-element-2700w
Scope of this article
To safely and successful remove and replace the main oven fan element as shown in the image below.
So! Let's get started. I have documented the process using a combination of text and images to make things as clear as possible.
**SAFETY FIRST** Isolate the cooking appliance by switching the double pole cooker switch to the off position.
**SAFETY FIRST** Locate the appropriate circuit breaker in the consumer unit and push the switch downward to the off position. The cooker circuit, like all circuits, should be clearly marked. To be extra safe, the main double pole switch can also be isolated. Again, the switch falls to the off position. Using a voltage tester or multimeter, prove the appliance is dead by testing the incoming voltage at the appliance mains terminal block. This can be found at the back of the appliance.
Open the main oven door to expose the oven rear cover as shown in the next image
This image shows the main oven rear cover. The cover is secured by two screws, one to the left & one to the right. NOTE: Mark the top edge of the cover to ensure no error is made during reassembly. The cover is designed to allow air to flow correctly during the cooking process. If fitted incorrectly it may impact the cooking performance.
Using a pozi/Phillips screwdriver, remove the rear cover screws
Removing the rear cover left hand screw
On successfully removing the rear cover, the fan element can be accessed for removal. The element is secured to the oven cavity with two screws, one in the upper bracket and one in the lower tag.
Test the element resistance using a multimeter. On this auto ranging tester, the setting is on ohms. A healthy element should read approximately 28 ohms (depending on the ambient temperature) as you can see from the meter display, this element is open circuit (it has failed)
To fit the new element, offer the element to the live & neutral wires, and attach the wires to the element connectios. NOTE: It is important to ensure that both connections are tight. Failure to do so may result in overheating at the connection points & premature failure or the element & wiring.
This image shows the distortion to the original element through heat stress & useage.
Reposition the element to the oven cavity and insert the two securing screws.
Reposition the rear cover and insert the two securing screws. NOTE: Remember to ensure the correct orientation of the cover to prevent cooking performance issues.
Further to carrying out the final safety tests using an insulation & continuity tester we can switch the appliance on in the following order. Circuit breaker first then double pole cooker switch. To set the timer/clock, press the 2nd & 3rd buttons from the left hand side at the same time. You will hear a prominent click.
To set the time of day, press the plus & minus buttons until your desired time is reached.
Well done! We can now turn the main oven on to function test our work. Select the main oven function and set the thermostat to the highest temperature setting (250 degrees) During the initial heating up of the new element, you will be aware of an odd smell, this is normal. A period of 'burning off' must take place prior to using the oven for the first time. This smell comes above as a result of contaminants on the new element surface, likely to be there as a result of the manufacturing process. It's good practice to perhaps open an external door or window to allow adequate ventilation (it's not a nice smell)
Allow the appliance to reach full temperature and switch off on the main oven thermostat. It's likely that after this high temperature process, the new element will be completely burnt off.
Hopefully this information is of help to you. We always recommend this type of work is carried out by a professional with the means to prove electrical safety whilst working on the appliance. We do appreciate however that some of us are on a budget which is fair enough. So my final reminder to you is SAFETY FIRST! If you can't make the appliance safe and prove it's safety...CALL A PROFESSIONAL ENGINEER.
To buy the oven element fitted in this repair, follow the link to our online store. We offer standard and NEXT DELIVERY on all of our products (order before 3pm for guaranteed NEXT DAY DELIVERY)
SHOP SMEG OVEN FAN ELEMENTS
