If the red light on your oven turns off and then comes back on while cooking, it is likely related to the oven's heating system and how it regulates temperature during the cooking process. Here are a few possible explanations for this behavior:
Temperature regulation: Many ovens use a system of cycles to regulate the cooking temperature. When you set the oven to a specific temperature, it will heat up until it reaches that temperature and then turn off the heating element. Once the temperature drops slightly below the desired level, the heating element turns back on to bring it back up to the set temperature. This cycling process helps maintain a relatively consistent temperature inside the oven while cooking.
Thermostat operation: Ovens are equipped with a thermostat, a temperature-sensitive switch that controls the heating element. When the oven reaches the set temperature, the thermostat signals the heating element to turn off. As the oven cools slightly below the set temperature, the thermostat reactivates the heating element.
Preheating: The initial turn-off and on cycle might occur during the preheating phase. The oven preheats to the desired temperature before you place the food inside. During preheating, the red light may turn off temporarily when the oven reaches the target temperature, and it will turn back on as needed to maintain that temperature during cooking.
Convection ovens: If you have a convection oven, the red light may cycle off and on more frequently as the fan inside circulates the hot air, distributing heat evenly throughout the oven cavity. Convection ovens often have more precise temperature control, resulting in more frequent cycling of the heating element.
The red light on the oven is usually an indicator of when the heating element is active. As it turns off and on during the cooking process, it's part of the normal operation to maintain the desired cooking temperature. If the oven seems to be malfunctioning or you notice significant fluctuations in temperature, it might be worth having it checked by a qualified technician to ensure proper functioning and accurate temperature regulation.