Hard to tell exactly, but looks like the retaining nut for the bolt that presses on the switch lever has backed off, probably allowing the screw to back out as well.

There are 3 wires connected, 2 black and 1 violet.
The middle one looks like it's been over heated.

If you lift off the platform, power should go out. If not, bad switch.

I took the platform off completely, still did not cut off the power.

Grr, double post.

If the machine stays on when the platform is lifted check to see that the lever has room to move- that is, remove the reservoir platform and BE SURE that the switch "clicks" as you depress the operating lever, and make sure it clicks again when you release it. If it does then the switch sounds like it is fused in the closed position and the machine should not be used until it is replaced. If you forget to fiul the reservoir even once you risk damaging the heating element.

If it is not clicking when in the "up" position (and in that position it should have a little bit of freeplay), you may need to loosen its mounting screws and lower it a bit so that the lever has free range of motion. After that, it is critical to reset the screw on the bottom of the platform so that the machine turns off before the reservoir is empty. Stefano or Jim can assist you with that adjustment, if necessary.

The reservoir is setting next to the machine. Keep an eye on the water level and it's perfectly safe to use.

cafeIKE wrote:The reservoir is setting next to the machine. Keep an eye on the water level and it's perfectly safe to use....

...if the outer case is replaced.

Randy G. wrote:If the machine stays on when the platform is lifted check to see that the lever has room to move- that is, remove the reservoir platform and BE SURE that the switch "clicks" as you depress the operating lever, and make sure it clicks again when you release it. If it does then the switch sounds like it is fused in the closed position and the machine should not be used until it is replaced. If you forget to fiul the reservoir even once you risk damaging the heating element.

If it is not clicking when in the "up" position (and in that position it should have a little bit of freeplay), you may need to loosen its mounting screws and lower it a bit so that the lever has free range of motion. After that, it is critical to reset the screw on the bottom of the platform so that the machine turns off before the reservoir is empty. Stefano or Jim can assist you with that adjustment, if necessary.

Just getting back to this now (holiday and a vacation away derailed further attempts to fix).

Removed the reservoir platform (the part with the springs & the screw that connects with the switch). The lever has free movement, but makes no clicks. With the platform removed, the top of the lever nearly touches the black rubber disc. Using my finger I can move it up and down, but there are no clicking noises, and nothing happens. Boiler continues to heat normally.

There's a pretty wide range of motion - nearly an inch between the lever's bottom position (when a full reservoir is sitting on the platform) and the top (reservoir platform removed).

(Note: machine worked normally for the last year (in this respect at least...))