Pop, sparks and no coffee!

[leecb]

Got woken up by "im indoors" shrieking this morning as the coffee machine wouldn't work!
It had blown the circuit breaker and when I put a new fuse in it did the same thing again with a loud pop and sparks flying.
Let me tell you fur was flying when I made him go up in the loft and get the old trusty Pavoni (which needless to say doesn't have all these modern new-fangled bits to go wrong although I must say it doesn't quite make such good coffee either) and he slipped down the ladder as he was still half asleep. Still it was funny and no harm done except to his dignity!

Any ideas?

[espressomattic]

Nothing to do with me. ...No really it wasn't!

Hope it will be OK though

[CakeBoy]

Sorry to hear that Leigh. Scott or Rob could probably offer up some suggestions.

[leecb]

Looks like I'll be off to Wellingborough this week
Still, at least the old Pavoni still works!

[Bombcup]

If you're in Wellingborough make sure to take the time to visit this picturesque town's abundant tourist attractions. I strongly recommend visiting Wilkinson's and the lovely Total petrol station...

[leecb]

well the anticipation should make the long drive more bearable, thanks mate!

[bruceb]

Does the fuse (or circuit breaker) blow when you plug it in or when you try to turn it on? If it is when you plug it in it may just be the wiring in the mains plug

[leecb]

The fuse seemed OK, tried another and it popped etc when I switched it on, blew the CB and saw a spark out the top (with the cover off).

[bruceb]

Mmmpf, sounds like a short circuit in the machine for sure. Possibly the heating element corroded through and shorting internally. You haven't been corresponding with Mitty have you? Have you!?

[leecb]

Oh CR*P that must be what caused it!
Surely it couldn't be the element- it is only three years old?!?
I think it's probably the pressurestat that has blown.
Not too technically minded tho' so will have to seek assistance.

[Machine_Repair_Man]

possibly more inclined to the element, however the pressure stat can give up... if the contacts have had a hard time in the past...
but check the element first...

[leecb]

Well it turned out to be the limit-stat and I have managed with some help and lots of sellotape, to replace it!
Apparently it is not uncommon on the Andreja as the vaccuum breaker spits water very close to the limit stat.
Thanks for the replies guys and I don't blame my personal correspondence with Mitty- really I don't!!!

[canta_brian]

Sorry to bump such an old thread but...
I have just moved into a house which has been recently rewired and my expobar leva would appear to either have a fault, or be too much for wimpy new wiring to handle as the circuit breaker pops after a few seconds of boiler being on. Now I had no probs in my old house however the machine has just spent 6 months in storage.
Could it have developed a fault?
Do I need to get a bigger fuse on the circuit that control the kitchen power points?
Is this sort of thing common?
Oh and how can I empty the boiler if I can't get it to boil?

Sorry about all the questions. Any help gratefully received, however I am still waiting a phone connection so I might not respond until I get to "work" tomorrow!

[phil2spill]

Hi Brian,

have you tried plugging it in on a different circuit breaker circuit in your house or elsewehere? This should tell you whether it's the CB that's the problem. (Any power socket circuit should handle a domestic espresso machine as long as you don't have other high power appliances on at the same time.)

If it trips another breaker, then the fault is in your Leva.

The fact that it doesn't trip immediately suggests a thermal effect. Perhaps a fault in the heater element that only causes a short when it heats up.

HTH!

[canta_brian]

I got a bit lucky and found a sparky with an Izzo Alex who understands my pain. Sounds like he can move my circuit to the side of the board that doesn't mind whatever problem my machine has. I will let you know how I get on.