Description
Product Description
Restore dependable defrost performance in your refrigerator with this genuine OEM heater assembly, model WR51X443. This component is manufactured for GE-brand refrigerators and certain affiliated units. It features two quartz-tube heater elements (≈10½″ long each) and a pre-wired harness with a term-stats connection, helping to prevent frost buildup on the evaporator coil and maintain efficient cooling. mccombssupply.com+2GE Appliance Parts+2
Because defrost systems vary by model year, liner type and refrigerant configuration, please check with your maintenance technician prior to ordering to verify exact fit and compatibility.
Features & Benefits
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OEM quality replacement: Built to the original specification for GE refrigerator defrost systems. GE Appliance Parts+1
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Dual quartz-tube design: Two heating tubes (~10½″ each) allow efficient melt of frost/ice buildup on the evaporator coil. mccombssupply.com
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Pre-wired harness with thermostat: Simplifies installation by including the wiring and term-stat clip required for proper defrost termination. mccombssupply.com
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Prevents performance issues: Helps avoid symptoms like frost on coils, poor cooling, increased energy consumption, and overly long run times.
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Cost-effective repair vs full system replacement: An efficient way to restore defrost function without replacing major refrigeration components.
Common Symptoms That Indicate Replacement Is Needed
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Frost or ice accumulation on the evaporator coil, visible if you remove the rear panel.
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The refrigerator runs continuously or longer than usual but struggles to maintain proper cold temperatures.
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Freezer compartment is colder than the fresh-food side or items are freezing unexpectedly (indicating defrost cycle failure).
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Thermostat or timer appears to run but defrost heater never energises (testable by technician).
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Water pooling in the refrigerator at base or backing up in drain pan (melt water not draining properly due to blocked defrost).
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Temperature swings: freezer very cold, fresh-food side warm, or inconsistent temperature zones.
Compatible Models (Partial List)
This heater assembly is used in a variety of GE/Hotpoint-affiliated refrigerators. Examples of compatibility include:
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GE refrigerators that list WR51X443 in their parts list. GE Appliances+1
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Hotpoint models where the replacement kit is specified as WR51X443 or its equivalent. mccombssupply.com
(This list is not exhaustive—always confirm your model number, liner type, and original heater part number with your technician.)
Cross Reference
This part (WR51X443) is also referenced in or replaces the following numbers:
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AP2071465 Amazon+1
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PS303934 mccombssupply.com
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ERWR51X443 Snap Supply+1
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5304429582 Snap Supply
Compatibility Notes
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Ensure your refrigerator uses a defrost heater assembly of similar tube-type construction, and that length, wattage, mounting clips and wiring match your original part.
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Because defrost control involves multiple components (heater, thermostat, timer/control board), installing a new heater may not fully resolve poor cooling if other components are faulty—ask the technician to check the full defrost system.
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This part includes heater tubes and wiring harness, but not necessarily additional brackets or insulation that may have been specific to some older models.
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Verify voltage and specification (typically 115 V) are correct for your model. Snap Supply
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Have your technician review whether the refrigerant type, liner width, and evaporator configuration in your unit match what the part was designed for—especially in units with updated refrigerants like R600a or other newer systems. GE Appliance Parts