I have a GE spectra JBP24 model. I turned on the oven and in a few minutes noticed a funny light inside. When I opened it up the element was burning. I unplugged the stove and when it cooled down, I went to clean out the baking soda I had poured on to try and get the fire out. I lifted up the element to clean under it and it broke off right in my hand. The whole middle part of it just came off. What on earth could cause this. I have never had any problems with the stove or oven.

i wouldn't say it is "normal", but yes, the bake element in the bottom could have burned out again. it depends too on how often you use the oven. if you use it every day, chances are it will burn out quicker than say someone who only uses it once a week. you can check the element for a burn hole or a blister break. you can also check it for continuity with an ohm meter if you have one. hope this helps.

LOOK FOR SCREW ATTACHING ELEMENT TO BACK OF OVEN INSIDE OVEN, REMOVE SCREWS, SLIP OFF WIRES. MAKE SURE POWER OFF!!!

Unless you had a big spill in your oven, a "fire" in the oven is almost always a result of a burnt out element. Look very closely at the element for a rough spot. Look in the area where you noticed the fire. (that would be where the magnesium inside the element burned) The only easy way to confirm the element is good or bad would be to ohm check it with the power off and at least one wire disconnected from the element. Other than the mess, the fire extinguisher would not cause any damage to the oven.

You can usually tell when the element itself burns out. It might have small holes or bubbles on the coil. Replace the element, if found defective.

It will , also, show no continuity when measured with a meter as well.

Hello Cliff Hendershot,

One USA manual ... said turn off power for 10 minutes
(sounds reasonable after looking up cost of control board)...

USA websites are not responding to your number.
Closest I could get was to a $78 (us dollar) control panel

>> ((IMPORTANT PART ... has a video that shows repair))
http://www.appliancepartspros.com/ge-oven-control-t09-wb27t11312-ap5177950.html

~~

I could NOT get a good READ on your JBP24... page 8
So I attached a JBP19 (below)... Page 12.

The most COMMON reason to FAIL after a cleaning cycle
is your OVEN CONTROL is "off normal"

(You still do not have your MANUAL MODE restored).

Normal = "AUTOMATIC" LIGHT Off (NOT LIT)

Check your "oven controls"

else

Oven elements do break during routine use...
Check both roast & bake elements for continuity.

GE JBP19 Owner Manual Usingthe Oven

Carnac the Magnificent

Take the 2 screws out of the back wall of the oven (inside) holding the element on. Then pull the element out and it will expose the wires and terminals (2). Unplug the 2 wires and plug them on the new element and mount the element back in the oven and your fixed. (make sure to turn the power off to the oven before you start unpluging wires.

You do not list a full model number. Typically a JBP78_____ uses a WB44X10013 bake element. Disconnect power to range. Take out two 1/4 inch hex head screws holding element in at back of oven. Pull element out a few inches into oven. Disconnect wires. Reverse to install. Not too hard if it is an exposed element. A bit more involved on ranges with "hidden" bake elements (which are under the floor of the oven).

I have a GE Spectra stove. The top element over heated and broke in half.

It is very common for elements to "catch fire" when they fail. It is really electical arching. But to answer your question you shouldnt be concerned if it ever happens to the bottom element immediatly kill the breaker it will stop instantly. dont use a fire extinguisher as it wont stop the arching. And most ovens do use the upper broil element for baking for very short intervals like 10secs on every minute or so to brown the top of product. Some models (especially older builder line ) do not