An Insulation tester like a megger can show a component failing that a normal multimeter would not show. Here is how to use this useful tester on heating elements.

How can you tell if a heating element is bad?

Touch a probe on the multitester to each screw on the element. If you get no reading, or a maximum reading, the element is bad. Elements do have some resistance, so a reading of 10-16 ohms is normal, with higher ohm readings for 3,500 watt elements and lower readings for 5,500 watt elements.

How do you measure the resistance of a heating element?

Testing A Conventional Element. Know the resistance of the element should be this can be calculated using known values: R = (V x V) / P [Where V is the voltage powering the element, P is the power the element uses and R is the resistance.]