Replacing Thermal Fuse on Coffee Maker - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / repair

author: mindcavity
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: May 15, 2016, 05:19:22 pm
content: Hi all,Been a big fan of the site for a long time, but this is my first post.Recently, we had someone plug in our West Bend 55 cup coffee urn without any water in it and it appears that it blew the thermal fuse (at least that's what I believe it is) mounted directly to the heating element.Here's a link to the component from the manufacturer's site:http://www.intercontrol.de/en/control-technology/products/fixed-set-point/product-combination/161-491-discomelt-plus/and here's the datasheet:http://www.intercontrol.de/fileadmin/page_content_regelungstechnik/download/produkt/kombinationsprodukt/en/161491_en.pdfProblem is... I can't find anyone that will sell me an exact replacement.It appears this component is a combo of two other parts.One seems to act as a thermostat, opening the circuit when a desired temperature is reached and then closes when it cools. The other looks like a thermal fuse that blows at a max temp (this the one that tripped open).Any suggestions for the part, either purchasing the exact component or a suitable replacement? I looked for a bit and could find parts that mostly match the specs for the fuse portion (will not exceed 250 C), but they were not mechanically nor physically very similar. Bit worried about the proper heat transfer to the new part if it's not mounted identically and obviously the safety factors.Thanks so much for any suggestions or help and sorry if there's something obvious I'm missing.--Vincent

author: The_Penguin
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: May 25, 2016, 01:48:59 am
content: That brings back memories... About a 1000 years ago (or late 70's really) I worked as a (very) junior tech for Philips. Being low man on the totem pole I did mostly appliances, and rarely got to work on TVs and stereos...We ALWAYS replaced the thermostat when replacing a thermal fuse, as theoretically the only reason the fuse would blow is if the thermostat did not open when the temp reached its opening point, which was somewhat lower than the fuse temp.Can't help you with a source of parts, but couldn't resist a nostalgic reply.

author: richnormand
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: May 25, 2016, 02:04:56 am
content: @The_PenguinYes, agree strongly with what you said!At the lab where I worked (mid 90s) a "tech" decided to bypass the thermal fuse after it failed on the coffee maker. His argument was "the thermostat would take care of things till the replacement came". The very next day the thermostat stuck again and the whole thing caught fire.... and destroyed the counter and stuff.So... if the last ditch safety effort (thermal fuse) goes, do replace the thermostat and also suspect the heating coil resistance or a short to ground particularly with a three prong plug. Or... just get a new coffee maker.

author: mzacharias
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: May 27, 2016, 07:21:38 pm
content: Got one for my Bunn coffee maker on eBay.

author: CatalinaWOW
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 27, 2016, 09:19:33 pm
content: Put the comments together and you will realize that the mounting is not ultimately critical. I have repaired a number of brands and the OEM mounting is often shaky. It doesn't take much coupling to prevent a fire, which is what this fuze needs to do.I find the parts to repair them at appliance supply stores. The guys that sell refrigerator gaskets, stove parts and the like. Or scavenged from sad units found at the second hand stores.