Electric oven not heating
The oven powers up (light/clock may work) but doesn't get hot — pointing at the element, thermostat, or the oven's controls rather than the supply.
Safety first
Ovens are often on a dedicated high-current circuit. Isolate, prove dead, and allow elements to cool. A failed element can also leak to earth.
Isolate, lock out / tag out, and prove dead before working unless a live test is specifically required, authorised, and carried out under proper supervision. Always follow local regulations, your site procedures, and the equipment manufacturer's documentation.
Apprentice mode
Full walk-through — the why, what readings mean, mistakes & safety.
Likely causes
Ranked from most to least likely.
- 1
Failed bake/grill element
Most likelyThe element has gone open circuit (sometimes visibly blistered/broken) and no longer heats.
- 2
Faulty oven thermostat
#2The thermostat isn't calling for heat or has failed.
- 3
Function/selector or control fault
#3The function selector or control board isn't enabling the heating element.
- 4
Supply to the oven lost
Least likelyA tripped circuit or lost supply (less likely if the clock/light work).
Reports are saved on this device to reflect what you actually find.
Testing sequence
Work through one test at a time. Expected reading and what each result means.
On the tools? Job Mode shows one test at a time with thumb-sized buttons — your place and readings carry straight over.
Enter Job ModeConfirm the oven has power (clock/light) and the correct function/temperature is selected.
Powered; a heating function and temperature selected.
Powered and set — test the element and thermostat.
No power → check supply. Wrong function → select a heating mode.
View all expected readings at once
Fault-finding flowchart
The same logic as a decision tree.
- 1start
Oven not heating
→ step 2 - 2decision
Is the oven powered and set to a heating function?
Yes→ step 3No→ step 4 - 3decision
Do the element and thermostat test healthy?
Yes→ step 5No→ step 6 - 4result
No power → check supply; wrong function → select heating mode.
- 5result
Suspect the selector/control board.
- 6result
Open element or faulty thermostat — replace the faulty part.
Common mistakes apprentices make
- Assuming supply when the clock/light prove the oven is powered.
- Not selecting an actual heating function/temperature.
- Replacing the thermostat when the element is open.
- Ignoring an element that's leaking to earth.
When to stop & escalate
Appliance and oven-circuit work is licensed electrical work; many ovens need manufacturer parts/service. A failed element leaking to earth must be replaced.
If you're past your competence, authorisation, or the safe limits of the job — stop and hand it on. There's no fault worth getting hurt over.
Was this guide helpful?
Related faults
Oven trips the power when switched on or heating
Turning the oven on (or selecting heat/grill) trips the safety switch or breaker — usually an element that's failed to earth.
Cooktop element (radiant/coil) not working
One element/zone on an electric (radiant or coil) cooktop isn't heating while others work — pointing at that element, its switch/control, or connection.
No hot water (electric storage system)
An electric storage hot water system has gone cold — no hot water at the taps. Usually the element, thermostat, supply, or (for off-peak) the tariff/timing.
Learn the theory
How the gear and circuits behind this fault actually work.