by bruceb » Thu Nov 22, 2007 11:35 am
There are many things that can happen to any electrical appliance that will cause a short circuit. In espresso machines a deteriorated heating element in the boiler will take in water, causing it to short. This is, however, only one possibility. The mains plug and cord may be damaged, a wire may have come off the mains switch and be touching metal, the coil in a solenoid valve may have developed a short and on and on.
If you are going to do the diagnostic work yourself you will be successful much sooner if you have an ohm meter. Otherwise you will have to start disconnecting things and then plugging in the machine and see if the fuse blows or whatever. This is certainly counterproductive. If you don't know how to use an ohm meter and have little understanding of electricity it is undoubtedly best to have a professional do the work.
ALWAYS MAKE CERTAIN THE MACHINE IS NOT PLUGGED IN TO THE MAINS WHEN YOU OPEN IT AND WORK ON IT! ALWAYS! Getting a 230VAC shock is not only unpleasant, it can ruin your whole afternoon if it stops your heart from beating.
Perhaps you can tell us exactly what happens when you plug in and turn on the machine. Does the house fuse (or circuit breaker) blow immediately? Does the machine make any noise? Do you (or did you ) you see smoke or smell burning insulation? Does this just happen when you turn on the machine or already when you plug it in?
Three Francesconi (CMA) espresso machines - Rossi, San Marco, LaCimbali, Faema and 2 Mazzer Major grinders- CoffeeTech Maggionlino, Hottop, Alpenröst and HW Precision roasters. I decided I needed a bit of a change so I roasted some Monsooned Malabar. That was a change!