Lock the element plug all the way in
The element plug has to go fully in and twist to lock. A plug that's only part-way in can overheat and melt the connection. It takes five seconds to get right.
Always switch the controller off before you plug in or unplug the element. If the controller is plugged into the wall, unplug it before you work on the plug.
1. Check the mating face
The element's plug end is sealed with epoxy to keep water out. Sometimes a little of that epoxy bleeds onto the mating face: the flat surface around the base of the three prongs, where the plug seats. Even a small bump stops the plug going all the way on. Check it each time you connect, and if you see any, carefully scrape it flat with a box cutter or utility knife. Remove only the epoxy; don't cut into the prongs or the plastic around them.
2. Push it straight in, all the way
Line up the plug and push it straight in as far as it goes. It's stiff the first few times, so push firmly.
3. Twist to lock
Turn the plug clockwise until it stops and locks. If it won't turn, it isn't in far enough: go back to step 1.
Check before every brew
- The plug sits flush against the element, with no gap and no metal showing.
- It doesn't pull off.
- If the plug or the element connection ever feels hot, smells, or looks discoloured, switch off, unplug the controller from the wall, and contact us before you brew again.
- Never use a plug or element that has melted.
Why this matters
A twist-lock plug only makes full contact when it's pushed all the way in and turned to lock. If it stops short, the current flows through a smaller contact area, the connection heats up, and over a brew day that heat can soften and melt the plug and the element connection. This applies to every element we sell: the 5500 W 240 V and 1650 W 120 V elements on the Unibräu, BräuPro and HERMS.