GE JBC16G*R1 infinite heat switch, switched

[JeffShrewsbury]

The infinite heat switch for the 8"eye on our 1992 model range began to heat beyond the position of the infinite heat switch. Looking at the stenciled numbers on all the switches, I noted they were all the same. I deduced that I should be able to take a less used switch, from a 6" eye, and exchange it with the malfunctioning switch.

I photoed both switches' wiring, and wrote the on-switch locations on the wiring insulation, to ensure a correct replacement.

After the switch, the 8" eye doesn't heat well, nor intensely. It is taking a long time to heat to medium heat, (8-10 minutes) and it NEVER heats the eye to glowing-red, at highest, H-setting. 

Did I misinterpret that since all are marked alike, they would heat the same on any other eye, and would be interchangeable?

[evaappliance]

The switch for the six inch eye is less wattage .  It will work but will not work well ,  what yours it doing is what happens when you do that. will have to get a new switch with the same wattage 

[JeffShrewsbury]

Do the lower wattage switches have all the same numbers embossed as the higher wattage switches?

[evaappliance]

Usually the small eye switch shows about 5-7 watts and the large eye shows about 9-11 watts  but there are some stoves that are all the same . Since your stove is old enough that the original switches are not available I can’t verify what you have going on , it’s just the only thing that makes any sense to me With the symptoms you are saying . If it is the same wattage it should get your eye red on high , if it doesn’t , you will have to put a New universal ge switch on it.   

[JeffShrewsbury]

Thank you for the analysis, evaappliance. I was hoping the exchange of switch would be acceptable temp workaround.

I shorted out a new switch, a week ago, by not clarifying where L1 attached (the print for that terminal was printed between the copper terminal and a second silver terminal for what I suppose is a second prong for L2). I also noted 6 terminals, on the new one, not 5, as the old EATON CONTROLS switch. I anticipated a quick and easy plug & play, like working on my cars. It was an expensive lesson, at $69. Spouse was wanting a new range, anyway: I just accelerated the purchase for her. I appreciate the quick responses.

 

[evaappliance]

The new universal switches are garbage anyways, hate that Good replacement parts can’t be bought for your stove, it is so much better than anything you will buy.  The bad thing is that when you miswire  L1 and L2 on one switch it will blow every other switch you turn on