Spacers for fan oven element

[Tim Downie]

Anyone got any good ideas for something that I could use to make up some spacers for my new fan oven element? My one is quite large in diameter

and has only one spacer (built in to the oven at about the 6 o'clock position). Previous elements have failed as the element seems to distort as it ages and when the rings get too close together, a hotspot develops causing the ring to fail.

I'd like to add at least two more spacers ( at the 3 & 9 o'clock positions) to stabilise the element.

Tim

[Bob Minchin]

Maybe use the body of ceramic 'choc block' connectors with the metal parts removed? hold the blocks in place with clips made from dry cleaners hangers or other steel wire. Bob

[fred]

I wonder if it even needs the to be ceramic as the spacer, how about just the hanger wire wound round the element in a tight spiral, coming off straight to the other element then tight spiral again. I think the wire may suffer with heat over time but it should be worth a go. Watch not to nip the element when winding.

[Tim Downie]

I did wonder about using some sort of wire but I wasn't sure a) whether coat hangers are galvanised and b) whether galvanised wire would be a health risk when heated to red heat.

Tim

[fred]

Good point, Zinc is apparently food safe as a countertop but heating may affect that, I see it isn't recommended for prolonged contact with acidic foods in case of absorption. How about copper, got any spare

2.5mm T&E about?

[Bob Minchin]

Once the zinc has gone it will be fine but copper wire will disappear fairly rapidly if taken to red heat often. That said, if the fan shifts enough air then the element should not get that hot. Possibly worth checking regularly to see how well it is lasting. Bob

[Harry Bloomfield]

No need to insulate, the outer metal sheath of the element is grounded anyway. Use a plain steel clip, bracket or wire, but not tight on the element or it will damage it.

[meow2222]

yes, just cut something from sheet steel, eg a food can. The resin coating will smoke off on first use.

NT

[Tim Downie]

In the end I heated a coathanger to red heat to burn off any coatings and to anneal it and then used that to make spacers. It *looks* a lot more secure but I guess it's be a good idea to check on it periodically. I also found that the original single spacer built into the oven had twisted on its mounting removing its ability to steady the element. Only took a moment to fix though.

Fingers crossed this element lasts better than the last one.

Tim