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  • Heating Element Blown... Again?!?!

    So I have a Verona Espres 1 Group (also called La Rocca Espres).

    A couple of months ago the element seemed to die. Lights on but no heat. Tested element and no continuity. Replaced element and discovered arcing on the pressurestat terminals, so replaced with a similar model spare that I had lying around. All was well for around a month or two until tonight, machine was on all fine and then at some point element has failed again. Lights on pump works residual heat but not further heating and no pressure. Heating light remains on but nothing happening, same as previously. I haven't tested continuity, but I'm going to bet it has failed again.

    I really need to know what else in the machine is causing this! I can't be buying elements every 2 months!

    Any suggestions? From my research I havent found anyone else with repeatedly blown elements. Machine was fine for many years before this.

    Thanks in advance. Will post again once confirmed whether continuity in the element.

    Adam

    Click image for larger version

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    Attached Files

  • #2
    Maybe it's carbon built-up on pressurestat terminals. If element is ok I would check there next.
    solution might include a SSR to take the load off the contacts.

    Comment


    • #3
      Have you checked your Boiler Water Level control?
      It may be that the water level in the boiler is allowed to become too low and exposes the element...

      Mal.

      Comment


      • #4
        Thanks, as I mentioned I replaced the pressurestat between the previous failure and this one, so I think it unlikely to be the pressurestat. Happy to be corrected if I've misunderstood what you're saying.
        cheers

        Comment


        • #5
          No, the p/stat controls the steam pressure within the boiler.
          There will be a separate black box that controls the water level in the boiler. This is what I'm referring to...

          Mal.

          Comment


          • #6
            thanks Mal. Boiler seems to always fill okay when I draw water. The probe is movable in height but do you think it could be that the probe has been pushed in too far and thus the level is too low?

            I dont think there has been particular change in the probe level over the years that it was working until now, but I suppose it could have been knocked and I didnt realise.

            By the way, the old element did not explode or anything. Looked pretty normal when removed but for the element being swollen/thickened.

            Thanks for your help!

            Comment


            • Dimal
              Dimal commented
              Editing a comment
              You just may have been unlucky with the replacement element. When you tighten the new element in place, you need to be a little careful not to overtighten it as it is possible to fracture the seal and allow moisture ingress. Other than water level, there's not much else that can cause an element to fail early.
              Out of interest, was the first replacement element you 'had on hand' a new unit or previously used?
              When you refilled the boiler after replacing the element, did you leave it disconnected until such time as the boiler had filled? If it was connected before the boiler filled, it would have been exposed to air for some time and overheated.

            • adam4jc
              adam4jc commented
              Editing a comment
              Thanks Mal.

              I replaced with a brand new element. The pressurestat was one I had spare. I turned the machine on to power without heat via the button provided until the boiler had filled when the new element went in.

          • #7
            Originally posted by Dimal View Post
            No, the p/stat controls the steam pressure within the boiler.
            There will be a separate black box that controls the water level in the boiler. This is what I'm referring to...

            Mal.
            Thanks Mal, I was replying to the earlier comment by jackster.

            Comment


            • #8
              We will know more when you test your element...
              Urinating into the wind until then

              Comment


              • #9
                So I've tested the element and there is no continuity between the terminals. Worryingly there is continuity between the left terminal and the body of the element!! Seems like the internal wire has made contact with the external shield?

                (This was not the case with the previous element and so there is probably no correlation between the 2 failures).

                Visually there is nothing wrong with the coil - no exploded parts etc and I have felt inside the boiler for where the probe sits at the lowest possible level and there is good clearance above the element so no issues with being exposed to air.
                Click image for larger version

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                There does appear to be a residue on/near the poles/terminals. I dont remember if that was there when I installed the element or not!
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                Do you think I am just unlucky with a defective product?

                Thanks again!
                Adam
                Attached Files

                Comment


                • Dimal
                  Dimal commented
                  Editing a comment
                  The element appears to sound from the outside in that photo and the terminals look Ok too but always difficult to assess via online photos. If you're sure that everything else is Ok with the machine, it might be worthwhile contacting the element supplier and see if they will entertain a free replacement.

                • adam4jc
                  adam4jc commented
                  Editing a comment
                  thanks Mal. I've sent them a few emails and called but they're being a bit reluctant to respond. I'll do some more hassling next week and see if I can get a result

              • #10
                Could try taking it back..
                id say defective too.
                Maybe check your earth also. That should have tripped your RCD afaik

                Comment


                • adam4jc
                  adam4jc commented
                  Editing a comment
                  yes I am a little concerned too that it didnt trip! I definitely touched the machine and I'm not dead so somehow the power must have been isolated from the machine. Very weird, and will definitely check the earth as well. Thanks

              • #11
                Originally posted by Dimal View Post
                Have you checked your Boiler Water Level control?
                It may be that the water level in the boiler is allowed to become too low and exposes the element...

                Mal.
                I think Mal's onto something. Your water level probe may not be reading correctly and exposing the element. Once you've repaired it, remove the probe & shine a torch into the boiler to confirm water level.

                Evan.

                Comment


                • adam4jc
                  adam4jc commented
                  Editing a comment
                  Thanks for your suggestion. However I can confirm the probe is/was working correctly. When I moved the probe to a higher level to test, the fill started automatically and turned off when it reached the probe, so it is in good working order.

              • #12
                I'm not sure is this would kill it or not, but is it possible a 120V element was purchased for a 240V machine?

                Comment


                • adam4jc
                  adam4jc commented
                  Editing a comment
                  The element was purchased from an Australian supplier and is 1700W/240V

              • #13
                Don't want to start a new thread but my Isomac Tea has blow 3 since April. The first was nearly 10 years old, second 6 weeks and the one today about 4 weeks old. This is not fun anymore.

                So possible causes could be;
                • faulty replacement heating elements, not likely.
                • Water level sensor.
                • Old wiring?
                • Anything else?

                Comment


                • ev
                  ev commented
                  Editing a comment
                  Have you replaced the pressurestat in the last year or so? Arcing contacts wouldn't do the element any favours I reckon.

                  Evan.

              • #14
                Pressure stat was changed maybe two years ago. Want I haven't checked is the water level sensor. Not sure how, I'll have a google and check it out this weekend.

                Comment


                • ev
                  ev commented
                  Editing a comment
                  Shine a torch in from the top of the boiler & check that the water level is above the element.
                  Don't assume that the pressurestat is ok if it's two years old. I wouldn't know if a bad one can damage an element but as I said, it can't be good for it.

              • #15
                Guess what. My 2nd replacement element died today. After just over a month in the machine. I cant believe it.

                We need to get to the bottom of this. We can't keep buying elements!

                Its really frustrating when I have 90% of a $3.5k machine that is fantastic, and a heating element that dies every couple of months.

                Comment

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