[Question] Help with hob plate/switch

[Houses4Rent]

Help please

Its not the first time that I find hobs having a temperature regulation problem. Now my own has same problem and I dig a bit deeper. The plates work on some positions of the 6 stage switch, but not on all 6. Is Is that likely to be a switch problem or a problem with the plate itself?

[AndyD]

You call them plate so I assume they're the solid type not the spiral or halogen etc.

The solid plates actually have 3 elements inside them which all internally connected in series. These internal connections and the far ends of the arrangement are wired to the external termination block where there's *4 connection screws (see schematic dwg below). The multi-position switch then connects live and neutral to the various connections on the plate in different sequences resulting in different voltages across different elements which varies the power consumption and the heat output.

If one or more of the elements or the internal connections has failed then you will have certain switch positions resulting in no heat.

It's also possible that the contacts on the switch have failed but far less likely than it being an element problem. The solid plates can't be repaired so isolate the hob (unplug it completely), take a photo of the connections on the faulty plate and remove it. Take it as a sample to Tecsa in paardeneiland and get a new one that's compatible. Not sure what they cost, I haven't bought one for at least 20 years.

*There are some solid stove plates that only have 3 connections but the principal remains the same.



**edit** I think I've see the plates in some of the Hyperama's or maybe Builder Warehouse as well.

[Houses4Rent]

Brilliant AndyD, thank you. I knew about the 4 cables, but not how it works internally. This helps. I have spare plates, should they fail too I know where to get new ones.