Electric Kettle Switch Not Working: What Should You Do?

But don't worry. There's no need to toss out your beloved electric kettle just yet! With a few simple repairs, you can have it heating water again in no time.

In this article, we'll explore some initial checks you can do to identify the issue and then guide you through the steps to repair your electric kettle's switch.

Get ready to reclaim your morning routine and enjoy your favorite hot beverage once again!

4 Actions to Perform When the Electric Kettle Switch is Not Working

If you find yourself with an electric kettle with a defective switch, there are a few things you do to save it!

We'll go through some easy but effective fixes that may save you from buying a new one.

However, we highly suggest you contact a professional if you're not confident about doing repairs independently.

Initial Checks

When an electric kettle's switch is not working, there are some initial checks we suggest you do before attempting any repairs:

Firstly, ensure that the kettle is correctly plugged in and the outlet is functioning properly.
Check the lid to ensure it is adequately secured, and only fill the kettle to its maximum capacity.

If none of these is the problem, the kettle's switch may be the culprit.

To check, make sure the kettle is not connected to any outlet, and remove all the screws that hold the base of the kettle in place.
Inspect the switch, wires, and contacts for any signs of damage or wear and tear. If any components are damaged, replace them or repair them.
If there are no visible issues, test the switch using a multimeter to see if it is not very accurate.

If the kettle is still under warranty*, contact the manufacturer for assistance, and they will get it fixed for you.

Note

Check the owner's manual before repairing the appliance yourself, as you may void the warranty by opening it up.

1. Faulty Thermostat Fix

If you have determined that this is your issue, the first step to fixing it is making sure you don't plug in the electric kettle and remove any screws holding it together.

Then, look for the thermostat, usually located near the bottom of the kettle.

Check if the wires are securely connected to the contacts, and if not, use a screwdriver to fix them. If the contacts are worn out, you may need to replace them.

Contacts are the metal parts that make an electrical connection to allow the flow of electricity.
They are usually made of copper or brass and are used to connect the heating element and the thermostat to the power source.

If the thermostat is beyond repair, it may need to be replaced entirely. Refer to the manual or contact a professional to have it fixed.

2. Internal Wiring Issue Fix

This is a tricky problem to have, but it's solvable!

Again, unplug the electric kettle and unscrew the screws on the bottom of the kettle first. Then remove the plastic cover to access the internal wiring.

Check for a loose or disconnected wire and use a screwdriver to reattach or replace them. If there is any damage to the wires, replace them entirely.

Once the wiring is fixed, screw the cover back on, plug the electric kettle in, and test the switch. If the light comes on and the kettle heats up, the problem is solved.

3. Burnt Out Heating Element Fix

Repairing a burnt-out heating element of an electric kettle requires disassembling the kettle by removing all screws and disconnecting wires.

Then, the heater can be removed and replaced with a new one. The contacts should be checked and cleaned before connecting the new heater.

After reassembling the kettle, it can be plugged in to test whether the heat function works.

Ensure it will not come into contact with any plastic components, especially if it touches the water.

4. Defective Switch Fix

To repair a defective switch on an electric kettle, the first step is to disconnect the kettle from its outlet and remove any screws or clips holding the housing in place.

Once the housing is removed, locate the switch and examine it for damage or debris. If there is debris, clean it out with a soft brush.

Check the contacts of the switch to see if they are misaligned or worn down, and adjust or replace them if necessary.

If the contacts are in good condition, test the switch with a multimeter to ensure it works properly. You may need a new electric kettle if the switch is still defective.

Why is the Electric Kettle Switch Not Working Properly?

To understand why most kettles have this problem, read about how kettles work first.

Also, plugging the kettle and continuing to use it if the switch isn't working is a NO-NO. We recommend you identify the issue first and then try to fix it if you don't want it replaced.

In most cases, getting a new kettle is more cost-effective than trying to repair it, especially if it's outside the warranty period.

Faulty Switch

The power switch may stop working due to overuse or damage. It seems simple enough, but it can prevent the kettle from turning on.

Replacing the kettle switch is often a viable solution, though a replacement may be hard to come by.

Broken Power Cord

If the power cord is damaged or has broken wires, the kettle won't receive electricity or turn on.

It's essential to check for any visible signs of damage, such as exposed wires. Practice caution and make sure you unplug the device from the power outlet before handling it.

Faulty Heating Element

The heating element can be affected by frequent use, damage, or buildup of limescale, which can result in the kettle not heating up and the switch not being able to work properly.

If this is where the issue lies, you can check the suggested appliance fixes above.

Overheating Safety Feature

Some kettles come with automatic shutdown systems that turn the kettle off if it overheats or when the contents reach boiling point.

With regular use of the appliance, these automatic kettle switches can malfunction and cause problems when you're boiling water.

Limescale Buildup

If you live in a hard water area, it's likely for the kettle to accumulate limescale (which also affects the thermostat), resulting in the thermal switch not working.

Regular cleaning using white vinegar or other descaling agents can help avoid these unwanted substances.

Electrical Issues

In rare cases, issues with the electrical wiring or circuitry in the kettle can cause the switch to malfunction and cut off the power supply.

Repairing or replacing the kettle may be necessary in these cases. Again, be careful when dealing with the wire of any electrical appliances.

How Do You Maintain Electric Kettles?

To maintain your electric kettle and ensure that it lasts longer, there are a few simple steps we suggest you take:

Always ensure that the kettle is filled to the correct level before you boil water. Only fill the kettle with the amount of water you need.
Ensure the lid is properly closed and the switch is in the "off" position before you plug it in and boil the kettle.
Clean the kettle regularly.* Use a small brush to clean the inside of the kettle, especially around the heating element, which can become dirty with mineral deposits over time.
Do not leave the device plugged in when the water has finished boiling, and the kettle is not in use.

If your kettle requires repair or replacement, make sure to contact the manufacturer or an authorized repair center.

Note

To minimize the need to replace the appliance, be sure to read our complete guide on how to clean your electric kettle.

Electric Kettle Switch Problem FAQs

Need more information about your electric kettle switch? Keep reading!

An electric kettle can switch off for a few reasons.

The thermostat or internal sensor may detect the desired heated water temperature. In some cases, the kettle shutdown system can activate as boil-over protection and prevention.

The kettle’s shutdown system also activates if it detects a malfunction or if there is a problem with the power supply.

Common problems of electric kettles include issues with the heater, thermostat or thermal switch, circuit breaker, or power supply.

Limescale can affect the kettle’s efficiency and lifespan. Faulty or loose contacts and damaged plastic components can also lead to malfunctions.

Sometimes, the kettle may not heat water to the desired temperature or shut off automatically when the water reaches boiling point.

Other problems can include lid, power cord, or plug issues.

Regular maintenance and cleaning can help prevent some of these problems. Still, there may be a need to replace the electric kettle in more severe cases.

Browse our list of the best electric kettles to enjoy your daily tea or coffee with minimal issues.

Conclusion

In conclusion, a faulty electric kettle switch can be a frustrating problem to deal with, but it's not the end of the world.

With a little bit of troubleshooting and basic electrical knowledge, it's possible to fix the problem yourself!

Remember to check the power supply and internal components first, as these are often the culprits behind a malfunctioning electric kettle button.

If all else fails, it may be time to replace the switch entirely or seek the help of a professional electrician.