Boiler heater repair on Saeco Vapore (aka Starbucks Barista)

[kroser]

My units trips my GFCI outlet and I've verified the problem is indeed my machine and the problem goes away when I remove the leads going to the heater element in the boiler.

My query is to find out if anyone else has encountered this problem and whether replacing the heating element itself fixed the problem. I've repaired this unit previously and getting the boiler out and open is not the issue. I'm just trying to best diagnose what part(s) are actually at fault.

Can anyone help?

[peacecup]

I think you can test the heating element for resistence, but I'm no expert...

PC

[kroser]

I think you can test the heating element for resistence, but I'm no expert...

PC

I think the issue is that the heating element corrodes allowing current to pass from the heating element through the water to the ground leads on the boiler case. That current trips the GFCI breaker. If I plug the unit into a non-GFCI breaker it still works. It's this minute (and possibly life threatening) leakage current that's the problem.

By the way, I am not continuing use of this unit with a non-GFCI breaker. I believe the unit is now dangerous or will be soon.