Loose Wire Needs a Connection

[rp2813]

I picked up an all-stainless Regal 30-cup coffee urn at Salvation Army today.  The "serve" light doesn't work and upon taking a closer look, I found a wire that has detached itself.  I can't find any evidence of where it was connected before. 

 

You can see the loose wire hanging off toward the side of the base.   Can anyone advise on where the loose end of this wire belongs?  The way it's molded seems to indicate it's not far from where it belongs, but the circuitry isn't clear to me.

 

[rp2813]

Here's a shot of the urn.  I haven't cleaned it up yet.  All components are stainless.  A much higher quality machine than the all aluminum Universal I recently found at an estate sale and the exact style I've been looking for.

 

[vintagekitchen]

There should be 2 tiny wires/prongs sticking out of the end of the lightbulb, side by side. There should be one wire attached to each of the wires coming from the lightbulb. You may be able to solder it back, if the wire didn't break off even with the glass of the bulb. If it cannot be reattached, your options are to replace the bulb with a new one that can be attached, or cap off the wire to prevent shock and use the it without the light.

 

[rp2813]

There are two terminals on the bulb and a wire is currently connected to one of them, as can be seen in the photo.  I'll take a closer look at how that wire is connected and see if the loose one can be re-attached.  If not, I'll try to locate a new bulb. 

 

Thanks very much for the information.

 

[vintagekitchen]

Anytime. We have to help each other out to keep our vintage treasures going. Especially since all the small appliance repair places are long gone now.

 

[tomturbomatic]

I have had one of those urns since the early 70s and you are right, the quality is very good.

 

[rp2813]

I checked the bulb and it appears the wires are fused to it, as if the bulb was manufactured with both of them hanging off of it.  I doubt soldering will be possible, but I have nothing to lose by trying.   I have been unable to locate a replacement bulb on line so may resort to harvesting the one from my Universal if the two are interchangeable.

[this post was last edited: 7/18/2012-15:19]

 

[gansky1]

I have this same pot, Ralph. If you need a picture of the wiring & bulb intact, just let me know and I'll be glad to send or post one.

 

[cadman]

Ralph, that bulb is an NE-2 neon indicator and typically would never need to be replaced (unless of course the wire has broken off!) which is why the leads are integral to the lamp.

If I'm thinking this through, the thermostat is wired across the leads such that when it opens (coffee ready to serve) the heating element acts as the current limiting resistor.

See my link for a replacement that should work. -Cory

http://www.ebay.com/itm/NE-2-NEON-BULB-LOT-OF-5-Sencore-B-K-replacement-/110914343444

 

[rp2813]

Cory, thanks very much for the link.  I gave up searching after I couldn't come up with any more terms that provided different results from the useless ones I was getting.  The length of the leads on the ebay item is shorter than what I have, but I can make it work.

 

Greg, thanks for the offer of a photo.  I can see where the problem is with my bulb, although I need a magnifying glass to do so.  Soldering was futile.  There's no wire hanging off the bulb so the solder can't adhere to it.