Electric Kettle Not Turning On: Fixed

For many of us, a cup of coffee kickstarts our day, but a sluggish electric kettle can put a damper on things.

When your kettle refuses to heat up or turn on, it’s not doing its job. Let’s explore a few simple ways to tackle this issue.

If your electric kettle fails to start heating up after a short while, consider the following:

 

– Check the power supply connection

– Inspect the power cable

– Ensure the kettle isn’t set to dry-boil

– Clean the contacts

– Descale the kettle

 

How to Fix Electric Kettle Not Turning On

 

Any hindrance to your pre-work cup of green tea or coffee demands a swift resolution. Here’s how to tackle an electric kettle that’s unwilling to heat up or turn on.

 

Check the power supply connection

 

Examining the connection to the power supply is the first step in resolving issues with your electric kettle. This helps identify whether the problem lies with the kettle itself or its power source.

 

Here’s how to go about it:

 

1. Plug another appliance, such as an electric blender or a juicer, into the same socket or mains used for the kettle.
2. Switch on the juicer or blender. If it operates, the power source is not the problem.

 

To proceed with the fixing process:

 

1. Fill the electric kettle with clean water.
2. Plug the kettle back into its socket, ensuring the power cable is connected securely.
3. Turn on the kettle and observe if it begins heating the water. If not, the issue lies with the kettle, leading us to the next fix.

 

Inspect the power cable

 

When your electric kettle refuses to heat up, it’s likely that the culprit is its power cable. Take a moment to ensure it’s not faulty.

While examining the power cord, keep an eye out for signs of wear and tear, such as bends in the wire, exposed live wires, or a damaged plastic casing.

If you detect any of these issues or other signs of damage, we strongly advise discontinuing its use immediately to prevent electric shocks and fire hazards.

Thankfully, power cords for electric kettles can be easily replaced without causing a dent in your pocket.

 

Ensure the kettle isn’t set to dry-boil

 

Certain electric kettles are equipped with a safety feature known as “dry-boil” protection. This feature automatically switches off the kettle when there’s insufficient water or it’s empty.

This safeguard prolongs the life of your kettle by preventing damage to the heating elements when accidentally switched on without water.

To check if your electric kettle has this feature, refer to your owner’s manual. If it does, here’s how to reset it:

1. Lift the kettle from its base.
2. Fill its chamber with cold water.
3. Place the kettle back on its base, plug it in, and switch it on.

 

Clean the contacts

 

Over time, the contact point of your electric kettle can accumulate dirt and become clogged due to prolonged usage without maintenance.

If the kettle fails to make good contact with its base, it may not heat when turned on. Follow these steps to fix the issue:

1. Grab a piece of abrasive paper or sandpaper.
2. Disconnect the appliance from its power source.
3. Detach the kettle from its base and carefully inspect its contacts.
4. Gently rub around the contacts at the base of the kettle with the sandpaper to remove any grit or debris.
5. Reconnect the kettle to its power source and switch it on.

 

Descale the kettle

 

An electric kettle that refuses to turn on or heat up might be grappling with limescale, especially in regions with hard water. Regular descaling not only resolves heating issues but also extends the lifespan of your appliance.

 

Here’s how to descale your electric kettle:

1. Fill the kettle with a mixture of water and vinegar, then let it boil.
2. After boiling for a few moments, pour out the water and thoroughly rinse the kettle.
3. In case your kettle can’t turn on or heat up, follow these steps:

 

1. Pour a mixture of water and vinegar into the kettle.
2. Allow the kettle to soak overnight with the mixture.
3. The next day, empty the solution and rinse the kettle properly to eliminate the vinegar odor.

If your kettle is heavily scaled, you might need to repeat these steps until every trace of limescale is banished.

 

Now, how often should you descale the kettle?

 

If you use the kettle no more than five times a day in a location with soft water, descale once every three months.

For areas with hard water, descaling should occur once a month.

If you use your kettle more than five times daily, consider descaling more frequently – perhaps weekly or bi-weekly.

 

Last Words

 

For most, the day takes off to a flying start with a piping hot cup of tea or coffee. If a malfunctioning electric kettle is hindering your enjoyment, consider the tips discussed in this post.

These suggestions will guide you in bringing your electric kettle back to its default operational state.

However, if you find yourself with an aging electric kettle model, it might be worth contemplating a replacement to avoid frequent repairs.