Morphy Richards Power Steam Elite Iron. Damaged flex cable easy fix.

Written By: Paul

Comments: 2

Difficulty

Easy

Steps

Time Required

45 minutes

Introduction

Here we have a used Steam Generator Iron been in use for several years with no problems at all. Like any electrical product that moves a lot the mains cable suffers constant to and fro movement, in this case, during ironing. This action work hardens the multi core individual wires in the cable. You will notice the mains plug and the steam generator mainly sits still in use, only the heated iron moves during use causing the fractures in the leads and failure.

PLEASE NOTE

The iron sole plate must be Grounded at all times by the Earth Conductor wire running through the cable from the three pin wall plug to the iron sole plate. Test regularly. Very prone to fail and possible shock hazard.

Tools

Step 1

Check ALL your irons electrical earth protection to the Earth pin on the mains plug.
Remove mains plug from socket at all times.

Step 2

Take photographs as you work for reference later.
Remove two tri screws to remove inspection cover.

Step 3

Loosen seven of the eight screws (green), leaving the upper left one still connected (red) on the connector block, blue, green/yellow, brown, and black. You will put these back in the exact same location later so make note.
Remove the one screw (pink) to move aside the white connector block revealing the mains cable securing clamp and remove the two Philips screws, not shown.

Step 4

With small pliers locate water tube and squeeze locking ring around small chromed tube (orange), near sole plate and carefully slide away and remove silicon hose from chromed tube.

Step 5

Unclip the main cable guide from the hinge (yellow). The back cover can be allowed to travel down the cable, out of the way. Remove the cable guide noting orientation with water tube The cable is now out and free.

Step 6

Carefully grip each wire to see if it has already been broken with a tug, in my case several wires had failed, and stretched when pulled. Note the strain relief mark on the mains cable as you need this distance when reassembled (so as not to be too short or too long.

Step 7

Cut back 180mm (seven inches) of the outer cotton covering, along with the factory fitted heat shrink, to find new undamaged fresh wires. As you cut back you will need to reapply new heat shrink tube to make a smart job. (Black insulation tape if available)
Reassemble in reverse and order. Put on the wire end ferrules if you have them and connect all wires into connector block as they were, and water tube having cut back as required, refit small hose clamp.