[jtc14]

My White-Westinghouse cooktop has had the terminal blocks of a front 8", 5 turn heating element replaced twice within a year's time. Both times the problem was the same - the terminal block literally melted from excessive heat (?). However, this time, the ends of the cooking element literally disintegrated along with the meltdown of the terminal block. Anyone have any ideas why this is happening and what I can do about it? A new cooking element is now a definite must but what is causing the terminal block to not be able to sustain the current?

[PS Staff - Sheila]

If the element was not fitting tightly in the block this would cause arcing which would melt the block.

Can you please verify your model number?

[jtc14]

I am unable to find the model number anywhere on the electric cooktop but the owner's manual has model numbers KP330W and KP220W on the cover. Unfortunately after I installed any new terminal block, I am unable to determine how solidly the burner ends are inserted into the terminal block receptacles. One basically has to force the burner prongs into the receptacle openings and hope for the best, unless there is a way to verify a tight fight that i am unaware of. It is not possible to insert the burner prongs into the block first and then replace the cooking coils on the cooktop.