There is a label on the inside of my elektra t1 that says maximum line pressure 4 bars and max working pressure 2 bars. What does this mean? I assume that the inlet pressure is the static reading of the machines pressure gauge at rest, which my machine says 2.5 bar. I turned down my inline regulator to produce this static reading but now when I let water through the machine the gauge on the water line reads 17-18 psi. Is the working pressure the reading I should get from my water line regulator? I definitely don't want to choke the machine of water but it appears that this machine specifically requires low line pressure. I would appreciate the input. Thanks

I believe max inlet pressure or line pressure is the maximum pressure for the water in the water source as it enters the machine. If it is too high, you need to install a regulator where the water enters the machine. You cannot simply open valve partway- the flow is reduced but the pressure remains.

Max working pressure is the max setting you should use for the boiler.

If I remember correctly there are 3 lines on the label for pressure (or two lines with one having a range of 2-4). One is minimum water input, a max water input and the third the max boiler pressure. The line pressure is 2-4 bar. As long as your mains fall between those numbers you are good. I have my A3 mains regulated to 2.5 bar on the machine gauge. The pressure reading on your regulator will be higher because there is no restriction from the machines pump, reduced line sizes in the system hydraulics, etc... The third pressure reading is 2,5 if I remember correctly. That is your boiler max pressure. After 2.5 bar, the pressure release valve on top of the boiler will blow. The A3/T1 does not need a high boiler pressure due to the size of the boiler. I run my machine at 1 bar top of cycle and could cut it down to 0.8 before you noticed a large impact on steaming performance. I use to run my two group at 0.8 top of cycle and it would still steam like a locomotive.

So let me get this straight, I can set my inlet/line pressure based on the static reading of my Elektra pressure gauge? Right now it is between 2.0 and 2.5... My question is why does my actual water line pressure regulator gauge read 15psi when I am brewing a shot? Would your guess be that the gauge itself is not accurate? The elektra is running fine.

I would guess (?) the pressure drop is caused by downstream filters or a pressure regulator that offer enough resistance to water flow that the inlet pressure drops from ~2 bar to ~1 bar. The working pressure is specified as the necessary pressure to avoid pump cavitation; I noted a problem with that during the review due to the 1/4" inlet tubing. Switching to 3/8" line avoided it. The ~1 bar you're measuring is probably sufficient, but if it drops any lower, I would consider installing an accumulator between the espresso machine and water source.

For those who are curious, below is a photo of the label mentioned in the earlier post:


From Buyer's Guide to the Elektra A3

When your machine is drawing water, the gauge on the pressure regulator will drop. As long as it does not bottom out you are OK. You are measuring static pressure not flow pressure, that is normal and my regulator gauge does the same thing. It is important to remember to draw some water through the machine when you make an adjustment on the regulator so you bleed out the static line pressure and get an accurate reading. Yes you can set the line pressure using the gauge on the machine. As long as your pressure does not go over 4 bar. I found 2.5-3 to be about optimal for my machine. My regulator is fed from a ¾ inch mains then steps down to a 3/8 inch to the machine. If your flow/pressure is too low, the machine will cavitate and make an ugly gurgling/growling/labored sound as the pump starves for water.

Thanks for everyone's help. I was simply double checking that my pressure was high enough because I would hate to ruin this incredible machine! So glad I got the elektra t1. Also another big thanks to Nasi at coffeshopsolutions and fortuna for hooking me up with this machine!