Watch out for that aluminum backed boiler insulation!!

[cannonfodder]

Here is an eye opener. I recently insulated the boiler on my machine using some foil backed ceramic insulation. It works wonderfully for insulation.

A few days ago I powered up my machine, but after a few moments, I noticed that it was not heating. Great, something else that is broken! I pulled the machine and disassembled expecting to find a blown heating coil, burnt electronics or some other disaster. After a bit of quick diagnostic, I ruled out most everything, then I checked the thermal fuse, which should have been my first check. To my horror, I found this!!



Apparently, the foil backing was close enough to the connector that I got some arcing. Burnt the connector to a crisp and blew the thermal fuse. I replaced the fuse and connector, then put some insulating electrical tape around all of the electronic fittings to prevent it from happening anywhere else.

[stumo]

Bummer on your machine burning up. Thank goodness no fire.

stumo

[wmfamily]

Hmmm...That looks familiar. The machine that I just bought used had looks the same. I don't know if it happened when the fuse blew or after but the owner had taken the fuse out and replaced it with a piece of wire. Ahhhh!!

[cannonfodder]

Wire bad, fuse good. That is like sticking pennies in you home fuse box to replace a burnt fuse. Yes, homes use to have a fuse panel instead of breakers.

Thermal fuses are relatively easy to come by. Most appliance repair stores have them; you can even get them from RadioShack in a pinch.