Your Steam Generator Iron Is Not Working Properly

A steam iron enables you to iron even the most stubborn creases out of your clothes. It is the production of steam in combination with the hot iron of the soleplate that enables your iron to perform its function. Over time, your steam iron may stop working, and we are here to explain what the possible causes of this could be.

THE POTENTIAL CAUSES FOR THIS FAULT :

• The power supply is defective

• The electric cord is worn out

• The power cord has broken

• The start/stop switch is defective

• The safety thermostat is faulty

• The adjustable thermostat is defective

WARNING
Before you do anything to your appliance, make sure you disconnect it from the power supply.
There is a risk of receiving an electric shock.

The power supply is defective

The first thing you should do before anything else is to check that your steam iron is properly plugged into the electricity supply and that power is definitely getting to the iron. To check this, plug another appliance or a light into the plug socket. If the socket is in a good state and it is definitely receiving power, check the state of the steam iron's power cord and look for any potential breaks in it. If it is damaged, replace it immediately.

The electric cord is worn out

Your steam iron's electric power cord is designed to convey electricity into the iron. It is composed of three electric wires and a plug. It is covered with cotton insulation. This may have broken somewhere or may have worn out with use. If this is the case, you must replace it.

The power cord has broken

Your steam iron's power cord provides the connection between the iron's soleplate and the steam tank and is composed of both an electric wire for powering the iron and a little hose allowing the steam to pass to the soleplate. The power cord is therefore vital for the appliance's overall function. With wear, this cord can get broken in places. In such cases, the steam will no longer be able to get to the soleplate, meaning the cord must be replaced.

Purchase an iron power cord

The start/stop switch is defective

Most steam irons have a start/stop switch. With use, false contacts may get created or the steam iron stops working completely. If this is the case, it may be that the switch is defective. You can check it using a multimeter but this will mean completely dismantling your appliance.

The safety thermostat is faulty

The safety thermostat cuts the electricity to the steam iron's heating element if it overheats. Overheating is usually caused by a build-up of limescale clogging up the heating tubes. You can check the safety thermostat as it is usually attached to the heating element. You can use a multimeter set to the ohmmeter setting. You just need to place the meter's two tips onto both of the thermostat's terminals to check that there is continuity (you should get a reading). If this isn't the case then the thermostat is defective and needs replacing.

The adjustable thermostat is defective

The adjustable thermostat enables you to set the temperature at the appropriate level for the clothes you want to iron and to produce steam. If the adjustable thermostat is defective, the steam iron will not work because the appliance will no longer receive heat or power. You can check the adjustable thermostat using a multimeter in ohmmeter mode. You can place both tips of the meter onto both of the thermostat's terminals (check you have disconnected all the connectors before you do this). It should have continuity. If it doesn't, you will need to replace it.