Home DIYer here.
What type of connector is this, and how do I remove it?
Electrical – What type of connector is this, and how to remove it
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It's a push-in wire connector, like these from Ideal.
The wire should come out without too much difficulty; grip the connector firmly in one hand, then pull the wire with the other.
The instructions for the Ideal connectors that I linked to say:
7. In order to remove a wire, pull and twist the wire back and forth.
Since you're installing a new light fixture, this is also relevant:
6. Connector is reusable on solid wires of the same wire gauge or larger. If reusing connector, cut and re-strip conductor.
It is a Ceramic Insulator for heat protection - the wires go to the heating element.
EDIT 5-8-2017
As per Ed Beals comment (Thanks for the FYI) - I will make some explanation here .
Heating elements are exactly that they heat up as the electricity flows through them, they have different ratings of wattage consequently also heat output, How hot they get. Because of this there needs to be a method of protecting the wiring of the circuit from the transference of this heat.
The heat transferring via the wire into the insulation can melt or make brittle the insulation and thereby create a potential fire hazard and or electrocution hazard. Ceramic Insulators are used to dissipate the heat and prevent this transference that would cause the insulation of the wires to melt or become brittle.
Over time the heat will cause these ceramic insulators to break down - constant heating and cooling causing them to crack and become brittle and break. You need to use them in the replacement of your part and in connecting the wires to the heating element - unless you would like to risk the lives of the occupants of the home to fire.
I should also add that sometimes the heating element itself has this component - and therefore a new element would need to be purchased.
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Best Answer
That right there is a crimp connector. Few ways to remove one, mostly you want to avoid damaging wire and losing length. It's a compressed ring.
First thing I'd try is side cutters. Cut between the wires and once one side of the ring is removed you should be able to bend it out of the way. That one looks particularly easy to cut this way.
If side cutters don't work, I'd evaluate whether I can afford to lose wire length. If it's not an issue, cut the wires where they enter the crimp. If it is an issue, I'd use a rotary tool with a thin disc to make the necessary cuts with minimal risk. If you put any significant gouge in the copper, it should be cut back to the gouge so you're only using good wire.