Do the element's ever go bad in the sense that when they're on (glowing red) they don't put out as much heat as they should?
Hi BigRich
The elements are like a light bulb, they either work or they don't because they have burnt out.
Mike
if you are thinking you are having a heating element not producing as much heat as it should.. it may be a low voltage issue... the elements are a resister by nature that glows red and produces heat, so lower voltage = lower wattage = less heat,
typically what happens here is that you have a higher load on the circuit the the smoker is on so the voltage to the unit is less lowering the element output or on a long cord producing a voltage drop creating the same issue of the element producing less heat... so find a circuit that does not have a load on it... and / or shorten or remove the cord
hope this helps
Dale
Quote from: BigRich on October 18, 2014, 02:31:10 PM
Do the element's ever go bad in the sense that when they're on (glowing red) they don't put out as much heat as they should?
You can see if the element is OK by checking the resistance. Disconnect the wiring from one end and connect a multimeter to each side. A working 500W element should read around 29 ohms resistance through it.
500W / 120V = 4.17A
120V / 4.17A = 28.78R
Thanks guys.
I keep a spare element...just in case. Home Depot has them for $19, delivered to your local store for free. Great insurance policy. While you are there pick up some WD-40, duct tape and a hammer. You're set for life...OK, Maybe you need to stop somewhere for beer.
Quote from: Pistol Pete on October 21, 2014, 12:53:17 PM
I keep a spare element...just in case. Home Depot has them for $19, delivered to your local store for free. Great insurance policy. While you are there pick up some WD-40, duct tape and a hammer. You're set for life...OK, Maybe you need to stop somewhere for beer.
Home depot sells Bradley elements?
Online only sales. But they ship free to store. They also sell covers (cheapest I've found) and bisquettes (Cabelas is cheaper $15.99 for 48 35.99 for 120)
Link for element http://www.homedepot.com/p/Bradley-Smoker-Replacement-Heat-Element-BTHEAT/205132756