DIY Series 61: Fixing Elba Oven That Causing Power Trip

Elba Oven (Model: EEO-H3616) Power Trip

Symptoms:

• Power Trip when power on with Lower Heating Element Mode.
• Suspect heating element is shorted (caused by moisture) due to oven not in use for long period of time 

Findings:

• Checked the power line (at power plug), no short circuit at N (Neutral) / L (Live) / E (Earth or GND)
• Checked the heating element, detected inner and outer layer of heating element are shorted

Video:

1. Elba Oven is working fine after fixing done

Photos:

1. Elba Oven (Model: EEO-H3616)
2. Wiring diagram of 3-pin plug
3. Checking connectivity of 3-pin plug (unplug oven from power point)
4. Dismantle the metal housing and rubber stand from the oven
5. Checking connectivity of the heating element (lower heating element detected shorted between inner and outer layer)
6. Disconnect GND terminal, power ON and run the oven for 30min at 250C (1st Round: Lower, 2nd Round: Upper + Lower). This test is to prevent Power Trip during power on for repair process. The heating element expected to be back to normal after 30min on high temperature operation, to clear any short circuit due to humidity issue.

• After testing done, power OFF and reconnect back the GND on the 3-pin plug.
• Wait for the oven to cool down and turn ON again for normal operation check.

Tools required:

• Screwdriver, multimeter, glove (the metal housing's edge is very sharp)

Cost involved:

• NIL

Recommendation:

• If the oven is expected not in use for long period of time, try to turn on it once a month just to heat up it without anything inside, to prevent short circuit of heating elements.

Tubular Heating Element [Source: Wikipedia]:

• Tubular or sheathed elements normally comprise a fine coil of resistance wire surrounded by an electrical insulator and a metallic tube-shaped sheath or casing. 
• Insulation is typically a magnesium oxide powder, and the sheath is normally constructed of a copper or steel alloy. 
• To keep moisture out of the hygroscopic insulator, the ends are equipped with beads of insulating material such as ceramic or silicone rubber, or a combination of both. 
• The tube is drawn through a die to compress the powder and maximize heat transmission. 
• These can be a straight rod (as in toaster ovens) or bent to a shape to span an area to be heated (such as in electric stoves, ovens, and coffee makers).