Norelco 12 HB5150 power cord swap

[funktionalart]

Hey all--Curious if any of you have ever done an electrical cord replacement on one of these machines? I've owned many of these over the decades and EVERY single one of them has that issue with the cord/plug becoming so hot it's a scary proposition to use them regularly. Heat is so much that the plug end feels like it's going to start melting…

Now, I know how to change a cord, but I don't want to risk damaging the case if an updated cord and plug is not going to fare any better than the original…I'd probably be using these machines more often if I had a model with on/off switch--until then, looking forward to hearing what, if anything, any of you guys might have done to remedy this problem.

Cheers~
A

 

[rp2813]

It's easy to access the guts on these.  I've had my sister's Chemex Automated, which employs the same design, apart a couple of times to repair broken or rusted connections.  In fact, she's bringing it up with here in a couple of weeks for yet another issue.  The nice thing about the Chemex ones is that they do have an on/off switch.  

 

You will likely find the cause for the hot cord once you get in there.  I think it's two or four screws to remove from the bottom, perhaps a couple at the top, and then the entire black part comes off.

 

Also, be sure it's not the outlet that's bad.  Hot cords indicate a bad connection somewhere, which generates heat.  If it's a loose fit when you plug it in, the outlet could be to blame.

 

[funktionalart]

No loose fit...

Thx Ralph--I'm only concerned with opening it up if it's a needless job. The thing works just fine, I just know that every machine like this I've owned, no matter where I've lived, has done this.

Now this IS the 1500w version (as have been most of my others)…the lower wattage models I've had (I think 1250 or 1275w) did NOT give me grief with super hot cords...

My mom bought one of these 1500w Norelcos new when I was a teen, and quit using it shortly after due to the same hot cord issue. I just wondered how common this is--and figured it must be if I've experienced it with at least 8 units! Yeah…the Chemex version is on my (and everyone else's) wish list….!

 

[thomasortega]

Hot cord and plug is normal with this model.

It looks strange and even dangerous but it's not. You don't need to worry about it.

 

[philcobendixduo]

I have that coffee maker....

....but it's called "Dial-a-Brew which must have come AFTER the model you show.
Mine has had the cord taped in one place with electrical tape for YEARS due to accidental contact with the electric stove burner. I still have some Norelco filters for it, too! I don't drink coffee so it's only used when I have guests that do.
I've never noticed the cord getting hot but then again, I've never felt it when it was operating!

 

[cfz2882]

replacement plug

I have had the hot plug problem develop with various space heaters and toaster ovens over the years-I think some of the strands get broken in the plug with use-I have fixed mine by cutting off the bad plug and replacing with one of those round hardware store style replacements where the wires attach with screws-no more heating plug My ~early 1980s moulinex "Moulin-air" toaster oven will soon get this repair.

 

[funktionalart]

So, I guess I fixed it...

Removed the modern insulate/polarized plug from a 1000w machine I didn't care about and put it in the Norelco (pre-1978 non-polarized plug)….and although the cord is somewhat warm, it isn't HOT. Nor is the new plug. I'm happy. Maybe now I will use it more frequently instead of it just being countertop eye-candy

 

[rp2813]

I wasn't aware of the variations in power consumption on these.  I got a really early and barely used Norelco 10 at an estate sale a few years ago and it eventually found a home with Nate.  I wonder if it's a 1500w model.  It's the same size and uses the same carafe as the later Norelco 12 ones, but it has the first generation carafe with the solid black collar/band.

 

Just to satisfy my curiosity, I'm going to check the rating on the Chemex when it's up here.

 

[retro-man]

I have had a number of small appliances that this has happened with, the majority of time it is the molded plug that causes the issue. Not sure if they cheapened out and used a smaller rated one but usually replacing with a proper rated heavier duty solves the problem. Have had his happen with window a/c units also.

Jon

 

[polkanut]

With all of the Norelco Dial-A-Brew machines we've had the plugs get a bit warm.  Never really had any worries about it though.  My wife and I each use one on a daily basis. 

 

[funktionalart]

Thanks everyone~

As mentioned above, I did the change last night. I don't normally panic over things like this, but in this case it was a must~the original plug and first few inches of the cord were seriously heating to the point of liquefaction--there was just no way I could leave it like that. Especially considering that the only way to turn these off is to pull the plug--which was FAR too hot to grab hold of! Spooky stuff….

 

[rp2813]

There was a discussion a while back about no switch on these early automatic drip models.  It occurred to me that switches were rarely if ever found on percolators, which were the dominant brewing method up until automatic drip hit the market, and that Norelco saw no need for a switch either.

 

I can't remember if the early Mr. Coffee brewers had a switch, but I think maybe they did.  Dave had one when I first met him.  I do remember that it was a gravity system that would brew with cold water into a carafe on a cold warming plate if not switched on or plugged in.