Mssr. Thompson you can determine if the element burned out by using
an inexpensive volt/ohm meter in the ohms mode. With the power off to the heater, and the wires disconnected from the elements’ electrical terminals, check for continuity. If there is no reading, the element is open, throw it away. If there is continuity between either terminal and the metal of the body of the element, it is shorted and also needs to be discarded. If you get a reading between the two
terminals , it is safe to assume
that the element is ok.
An easier way to check the element is while it is still on
the heater. If the appropriate voltage is being applied to the terminls on the element, and it is not heating, it is defective and should be replaced.
Care must be excercised while you
are working on any electrical equipment because of the ever present possibility of electrocution.
Akmed