Flair Speed Heat Switch

[Andrea Sender]

Hello:

The speed heat function on our Flair RCIB-645-2 stove does not work anymore.
The red light to the left of the dial won't go off, and if you move the dial
at all, the burner becomes red hot in an instant. A stove repairman (who had
experience with the Flair) came out and thought he had the correct
replacement switch, but once he took the stove apart he said the switch did
not fit and refused to help anymore.

Can anyone tell me the correct part number for this switch? I found one made
by Robertshaw 5500-228 & 229 Frigidaire Replacements. The instruction sheet
says this particular switch "will standardize the replacement of the
Frigidaire 'speed heat' infinite controls built after 1959 by converting it
to a standard cooking unit without the 'speed heat' feature." Is this switch
even meant for the Flair? Is there a better option that would maintain speed
heat function? Help!

(and I read about the fuse - I will check that out too.)

Thank you,
Andi

[Mark Day]

Speed heat switches are rare to find, in most cases the speed heat burner is converted over to a Infinite heat burner. Which means that you give up the rapid heat up. The compromise is ok

 The Robertshaw 5500-228  would be the 120 volt infinite heat control, if the burner is switched over to 240 volts then the control is Robertshaw 5500-229.

I believe the the original controls were made by Robertshaw or Ranco. ther should be a name on the control that can be crossed over

 

Depending on the switch that is being replaced, here is the run down.

 

kit #9957097 switch #9950917

Transfer wires from B to 1, R to 4, L1 to 3, W to 5, P to 2, T ape off the lead and terminal that was on L2 on the Speed Heat switch and secure away from the switch.

The way the original switch worked was the element was the element is a 118 volt element and it would be Flashed with 236 volts for a short period for a quick heat and then switch to 118 volts.

The conversion makes it an infinite heat element that only sees 118 volts and never 236 voltes.

The element can be changed to the regular 6 " element and the wiring will change. The lead W that is on 5 will be tapped off and the L2 wire will go on terminal 5

The Speed heat is only 2 wire to the element. Some my be 3 wire. if it is a 3 wire the it can be converted. 

All 3 wires go to the switch.

Remember the original switch is setup so that  236 volts will go to it to warm the element up ( the term is called FLASHING it  ) and then it drops to 118 volts.

Check the wiring at the control and the part number on the switch, please turn the power off first.

I can walk you through this, check the switch part number first and lets go from there.

 

Mark Day

Here is the run down.

kit #9957097 switch #9950917

Transfer wires from B to1, R to 4, L1 to 3, W to 5, P to 2, T ape off the lead and terminal that was on L2 on the Speed Heat switch and secure away from the switch.

The way the original switch worked was the element was the element is a 118 volt element and it would be Flashed with 236 volts for a short period for a quick heat and then switch to 118 volts.

The conversion makes it an infinite heat element that only sees 118 volts and never 236 voltes.

The element can be changed to the regular 6 " element and the wiring will change. The lead W that is on 5 will be tapped off and the L2 wire will go on terminal 5

Does that answer it for you?

Thanks

Mark Day


>>> Andrea Sender <ase...@roadrunner.com> 3/7/2010 4:37 PM >>>

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[Andrea Sender]

Mark:

Thank you so much for the comprehensive info and speedy response. I will let you know the outcome.

Thanks again,
Andi

[Jerry Behm]

Hi Andrea, I bought a vintage speed heat switch for my RCIB-645.  However could not use it since my range had been converted to the infinite switch.  I attached a picture of the switch and original box.  Would be willing to sell it to you.