March 31, 2014

How to Reset Rancilio Silvia Thermal Fuse

1. Unplug the machine and allow to cool (if necessary)

2. Remove the water tank

3. Remove the top plate.

4. There are three thermostats, two on the top and one on the side of the boiler. Locate the thermostat on the side of the boiler; notice that there is a red button on the top of this thermostat. Press this button straight into the thermostat from the tip.

5. Replace the top plate, insert the water tank.

6. Plug in the machine, open the steam valve (with a vessel beneath the wand), turn it on, and immediately activate the coffee switch to ensure the boiler fills with water.

The machine needs to be reset when the boiler overheats. The boiler overheats usually if the internal water level is not maintained. To attempt to prevent the heating element from burning out, the thermostat kills power to the element. The Silvia (and other espresso machines with similar technology) employ an internal heating element which is immersed in the boiler water. When you brew espresso or dispense hot water, the pump pushes out hot boiler water with tank water, keeping the boiler full. When you steam/froth milk, the water level drops as steam is released, but the boiler is not refilled.

 *DO NOT* let your Rancilio Silvia operate without water!