Hello all,

I'm currently rebuilding a CMA Formula EPU-1. This is effectively a Wega Nova EPU-1 (not Mini, it's 18" wide with a 5 liter boiler). I'm at the point of putting it back together after first disassembling it completely, powder-coating the frame and panels (they were a bit rusted), chrome plating the group (it was pretty badly scratched), and citric-acid bathing the boiler and piping.

The decision I now have to make is whether to replace the wiring or not. The wiring, branded Siltherm, is in reasonably good shape and is of good quality, silicone sheathed as it is, so I don't absolutely have to change it, although I would feel better doing so as the machine is at least 15 years old. The problem I have is that I can't find any retailers that sell silicone sheathed wire in the variety of colours that I need and in small quantities. The best I've been able to find are distributors that only sell 1000 foot lengths. eBay has been no help at all in terms of the quality of the wire on offer, unrated and mostly for radio-controlled toy chargers, and the limited colors (blue, black, red).

Does anyone know of a supplier of silicone wiring for espresso machines? I would need a variety of colours in both 12AWG and 16AWG thicknesses and in 10-20 foot lengths per color.

Automotive engine lead wire (SXL or XLP cross-linked-polyethylene) that can withstand continuous 125 C temperatures is a possible substitute but this pales in comparison to silicone's 150 to 200 C temperature handling. Has anyone used SXL in an HX machine with no ill effects? Thanks for any help.

Jerry

P.S. This is a cross-post to one on CoffeeGeek (http://www.coffeegeek.com/forums/espres ... ods/427668).

Something like product 7304K131 through 7304K134, Teflon-insulated wire from McMaster-Carr, should do it. They have other insulations available, but Teflon is a good high-temperature one. Just be careful not to pull it tight around anything, because Teflon insulation can cold-flow over time. Others are available, but this can be had in four colors, and some of the others are only black and white. McMaster-Carr also cuts to desired length, so you don't have to buy 100' of it.

Best,
David

David:
I hadn't the slightest idea what cold-flowing was until your mention drove me to look it up. I didn't find anything explicitly relating to teflon or wiring, but from what I've been able to find I believe you mean the deformation of the teflon insulation over time and because of regular, i.e. within spec, physical stress.

I assume this means that the teflon will get pushed to the side, baring the conductor. This is probably why all of the wiring inside the EPU-1 is silicone insulated and also sheathed, mostly in bunches, mind you, in glass-fiber braid coated in what seems like silicone as well. This sheathing probably also helps to keep the wires from straining against sharp corners and edges thereby minimizing cold-flow.

Have you experienced good results from teflon-insulated wire?

Jerry

Eric,

I, honestly, hadn't thought of contacting C.M.A. directly. I'll send them an email and see what happens! I did try a local distributor of Wegas and they didn't carry the wiring harnesses or plain wire. They did indicate that they could pull wiring from parts machines, but that would defeat the purpose of installing new wiring.

Jerry

jerryf wrote:Have you experienced good results from teflon-insulated wire?

I have, but it's always been tied or bundled or installed with careful service loops so that it wasn't pulled across sharp corners. You don't have to be paranoid, just a little careful.

Best,
David