© Dr. Ray Franco, PhD, PE - 208 Fairways Dr., Vicksburg, MS 39183

Part Numbers and Wattages are often stamped into the rails of range surface burners. To see the numbers, you usually have to use some type of brush. A Google search of the part number will usually reveal the manufacturer.

Surface burner switches control heat from low to high and everywhere in between; hence, they are often referred to as "infinite" switches. The position of the switch can usually be determined from the position of the notch or detent in the plastic cam. The plastic housing and cam are made of a thermoplastic that does not melt. The switch stems and die casting on the back of the steel (2600°F) faceplate are made of plot metal, which melts at approximately 800°F.

Infinite Switch Position via Raised Letter On the top of the plastic cam there are raised letters and numbers. These can be used to determine the position of the cam. When the letter "A" is at the 12 o'clock position with respect to the switch body, the switch is in the "OFF" position. When the the letter "H" is in at the 12' o'clock position to the switch is in the max heat position. There is only 1/8 of a turn between the "OFF" position and the max heat position. Top View of Infinite Switch Cam in the "OFF" Position. Top View of Infinite Switch in the Max Heat Position.

Kenmore / Electrolux (White Consolidated Industries) Range

Model: 790.94173314; SN: VF74502899 - 2017 Week 45. Right Front - Fixed 12 Inch Element- Medium Heat.

580°F - 11.5 Amps - Cycle Timing: 3 sec On; 9 sec Off. Left Front - Dual Element - 6 inch - Medium Heat.

710°F - 5.15 Amps - Cycle Timing: 24 sec On; 26 sec Off. Left Front - Dual Element - 9 inch - Medium Heat.

681°F - 10.8 Amps - Cycle Timing: 20 sec On; 28 sec Off. Left Rear - Fixed 6 Inch Element - Low Heat.

308°F - 5.12 Amps - Cycle Timing: 1 sec On; 40 sec Off. Left Rear - Fixed 6 Inch Element - Low-Medium (2.5) Heat.

513°F - 5.12 Amps - Cycle Timing: 2 sec On; 12 sec Off. Left Rear - Fixed 6 Inch Element - Medium Heat.

897°F - 5.12 Amps - Cycle Timing: 4.5 sec On; 5.5 sec Off. Left Rear - Fixed 6 Inch Element - Medium-High (7.5) Heat.

1107°F - 5.12 Amps - Cycle Timing: 20 sec On; 10 sec Off. Radiant Heating Elements and Thermal Limiters to Prevent Glass Breakage.

Case History F09-067

A new Tappan range was purchased the weekend before Thanksgiving 2009. A kitchen fire occurs three days after the range was installed. The homeowner's daughter (age 15) and son (age 10) were out of school the week of Thanksgiving. Both parents were at work. All of the surface burners except the right rear had covers over them. A cast iron skillet was found on the range. When I examined the scene, all of the debris had been removed from the top of the range, and all that was visible of the infinite switches were the metallic cam follower arms, which were still attached to the wires. The two right infinite switches were found inside the back of the range. The green arrow points to the inner detent of the switch that was "OFF", the red arrow points to the inner detent of the switch that was "ON". If the green arrow is at 12 o'clock (OFF), the red arrow is at 8 o'clock (between Medium and High). The left two infinite switches were found on the floor. One of the two plastic cams was found, but it was not attached to the switch faceplate. This fire was investigated by the local fire department. It is presumed that they discarded the left two switches when they cleared the debris off of the top of the range. None of the plastic switch housings were found.

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New Tappan Electric Range (F09-67).