BDS Element

[BigRich]

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?

[Mr Walleye]

Hi BigRich

The elements are like a light bulb, they either work or they don't because they have burnt out.

Mike

[beefmann]

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

[TedEbear]

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

[BigRich]

Thanks guys.

[Pistol Pete]

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.

[GusRobin]

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?

[Pistol Pete]

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