Berry Magicoal electric fire - UK Vintage Radio Repair and Restoration Discussion Forum

Vintage_RC · 29th Jan 2021, 5:30 pm

A friend of mine has an old Berry Magicoal electric fire in his workshop. It has three heating bars and two switches that control them. One of the switches has failed, I have advised him of a suitable Arcolectric replacement and he has two on order. There is a bridging link between the switches (see photo), the question is how to remove it without damaging the claws. I think any attempt to prise it off will result in damage and it may be necessary to remove the switches from the panel, smash the bodies and saw through the switch terminals below the joiner and push it off downwards. Has anyone got a better idea or can a replacement joiner be sourced?

newlite4 · 29th Jan 2021, 6:03 pm

I would be inclined to either simply replace the joiner by soldering a wire link between the two terminals or make up a short wire link with a Lucar connector on each end. It may just be possible to hook the joining bar off each terminal bit by bit using a dental pick or similar instrument.
Neil

dglcomp · 29th Jan 2021, 6:08 pm

These are available for making easy wire links, https://uk.rs-online.com/web/p/spade...ctors/0534367/ Should be fine for the current involved as they are fine in our carpet cleaner at work and that has two ~1kW motors

Herald1360 · 29th Jan 2021, 6:19 pm

If you want a made up link with a couple of those RS piggy back crimp connectors to try for the cost of postage (large letter) PM me!

Vintage_RC · 29th Jan 2021, 8:18 pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by dglcomp

These are available for making easy wire links, https://uk.rs-online.com/web/p/spade...ctors/0534367/ Should be fine for the current involved as they are fine in our carpet cleaner at work and that has two ~1kW motors

Thanks, I like this idea - I will suggest it to my friend

llama · 31st Jan 2021, 10:20 am

I read a tip years ago on how to remove barb type fixings. It involves some nylon (fishing?) thread which you thread in and out so it's below each of the barbs. You'd need 4 loops to remove that link. Then pull upwards evenly so the nylon tends to unhook the sharp bit from the spade terminal.
Graham

29th Jan 2021, 5:30 pm	#1
Vintage_RC Heptode Join Date: Sep 2018 Location: Twickenham, London, UK. Posts: 538	Berry Magicoal electric fire A friend of mine has an old Berry Magicoal electric fire in his workshop. It has three heating bars and two switches that control them. One of the switches has failed, I have advised him of a suitable Arcolectric replacement and he has two on order. There is a bridging link between the switches (see photo), the question is how to remove it without damaging the claws. I think any attempt to prise it off will result in damage and it may be necessary to remove the switches from the panel, smash the bodies and saw through the switch terminals below the joiner and push it off downwards. Has anyone got a better idea or can a replacement joiner be sourced? Attached Thumbnails __________________ Alan G6PUB, BVWS

29th Jan 2021, 6:03 pm	#2
newlite4 Octode Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Bath, Somerset, UK. Posts: 1,805	Re: Berry Magicoal electric fire I would be inclined to either simply replace the joiner by soldering a wire link between the two terminals or make up a short wire link with a Lucar connector on each end. It may just be possible to hook the joining bar off each terminal bit by bit using a dental pick or similar instrument. Neil __________________ preserving the recent past, for the distant future.

29th Jan 2021, 6:08 pm	#3
dglcomp Heptode Join Date: Jul 2016 Location: Portland, Dorset, UK. Posts: 874	Re: Berry Magicoal electric fire These are available for making easy wire links, https://uk.rs-online.com/web/p/spade...ctors/0534367/ Should be fine for the current involved as they are fine in our carpet cleaner at work and that has two ~1kW motors

29th Jan 2021, 6:19 pm	#4
Herald1360 Dekatron Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Leominster, Herefordshire, UK. Posts: 16,535	Re: Berry Magicoal electric fire If you want a made up link with a couple of those RS piggy back crimp connectors to try for the cost of postage (large letter) PM me! __________________ ....__________ ....\|____\|\|__\|__\_____ .=.\| _---\__\|__\|_---_\|. .........O..Chris....O

31st Jan 2021, 10:20 am	#6
llama Octode Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: St Osyth, Nr Clacton, Essex, UK. Posts: 1,482	Re: Berry Magicoal electric fire I read a tip years ago on how to remove barb type fixings. It involves some nylon (fishing?) thread which you thread in and out so it's below each of the barbs. You'd need 4 loops to remove that link. Then pull upwards evenly so the nylon tends to unhook the sharp bit from the spade terminal. Graham __________________ Half my stuff is junk - trouble is, I don't know which half!