Hi all,
Great forum here, have been reading for quite a while but now I need some help-please.
I've been looking for a lever for more than a few years and I just managed to get one off Ebay this week. And it was right here in Phoenix. It's a 220 volt brass/copper EP-8 of undetermined age. The serial number is gone and I measured the grouphead filter to be a 49mm.

Does this machine have a thermostat? There is "an object" in the middle of the element that I don't recognize as a pressurestat so I guess it is the thermo. Also, what would be entailed if I decide to convert over to 110volt? I'm thinking for the moment to leave the voltage alone. In the meantime, I'm ordering a portafilter, base, drip tray and sight glass and hope to have it going by next week.

Thanks for the help.
Tom

I think getting a transformer that can handle the wattage makes more sense. I have one for my 220v Caravel and it's great to have the thing working as intended.

As I understand it, to truly convert (rather than just put up with slow heat times and possible non-functioning of other electric parts) you have to replace the element and possibly other parts to work on 110, and this, if it can be done at all, is likely to be expensive.

You could get away with replacing only the heating element since the only other electrical elements are the lights. They'll just be a bit dim at 110V. That's one the beauties of levers - they're simple.

FWIW the light on my Caravel did not work until I put the machine on the transformer. Fluke? Something to do with a bulb intended to last a long time? I haven't a clue.

I got a Todd Systems SU-19 step up transformer.

Heating element
cord ( for US plug)
get also a new heating element gasket

My transformer is a 7 Star (the one Orphan Espresso sells).

I've had excellent results using the transformer supplied by Orphan Espresso on my Caravel.

Tom@Steve'sEspresso wrote:Also, what would be entailed if I decide to convert over to 110volt?

If you're planning on using the thing in your kitchen, and not moving around with it a bunch, I'd stick with the 220V. It's not that difficult (unless you're renting) to get it, and occasionally you can find it where the dryer, the oven, the water heater or the (but rarely) dishwasher plug in. If you want to travel with it, all bets are off. Go with the 110V...

Find a outlet that has three-phase, and use one of the phases as neutral and one as hot, and hey presto, 220V, or at least if I've understood US wiring correctly. Someone how as actually seen a US power outlet might wanna chime in before you do anything...