FAQ
TL;DR: 75 % of Krups EA8050 “plug-icon lockups” stem from a defective 100 kΩ NTC temperature sensor; “swap the sensor and the machine boots normally” [Elektroda, victor_pe2, post #15969797] Replacing the sensor and resetting via the hidden service menu fixes most cases.
Why it matters: A two-euro part often saves an 300-euro machine from landfill.
Quick Facts
- Heater NTC nominal: 100 kΩ ± 5 % @ 25 °C [Elektroda, victor_pe2, post #15969797]
- Thermal fuse rating: 192 °C, 10 A, axial [Krups Service Manual, 2014]
- Typical replacement thermistor price: €1–€3 (“NTC 100K B3950”) [Mouser, 2024]
- Ideal brew-water temperature: 92–96 °C [SCAA, 2015]
- Hard self-reset key: 3rd key from left held during power-in [Elektroda, MARCIN.SLASK, post #15819413]
What does the plug symbol with two arrows mean?
The icon signals that the control board has aborted start-up and wants you to disconnect and reconnect power. It appears when a safety check—usually boiler temperature—fails [Elektroda, MARCIN.SLASK, post #15819413]
Why does the machine freeze right after setting date and time?
Start-up stops because the heater’s NTC sensor reports out-of-range resistance. The CPU refuses to continue, shows the plug icon, and waits for a power cycle [Elektroda, victor_pe2, post #15969797]
How do I confirm the NTC sensor is faulty?
Unplug, remove the top cover, disconnect the NTC leads, and measure resistance at 20–25 °C. A healthy sensor reads 90–110 kΩ. Below 60 kΩ or open-circuit triggers lockout [Krups Service Manual, 2014].
Where is the main NTC sensor located in the EA8050?
It is epoxied to the aluminium boiler body next to the heating element terminals, under the ceramic insulating plate [Elektroda, Tomek79, post #16861762]
Can I fit a generic 100 kΩ thermistor as a replacement?
Yes. Users replaced the original SMD part with a glass-bead or 0805 100 kΩ NTC soldered so it touches the boiler; the machine then passed self-test [Elektroda, victor_pe2, post #15969797]
My spare thermistor measures 86 kΩ; will it work?
Probably not. One user fitted an 86 kΩ part—self-test ran but water stayed cold [Elektroda, radeks1968, post #19390718] Stay within the 100 kΩ ± 5 % window to keep temperature control accurate.
How do I enter the hidden service reset menu?
- Unplug the machine.
- Hold the 3rd key from the left (pair icon).
- Plug in mains power, wait for the “Remise en service vente terminée” prompt, release the key, select “YES,” unplug, and restart [Elektroda, MARCIN.SLASK, post #15819413]
Does pump or piston movement rule out a sensor fault?
No. The pump and brew piston often start, then stop when the CPU reads a bad temperature value. Motion alone does not clear the error [Elektroda, nioop, post #15822329]
What other components can trigger the plug icon?
Blown thermal fuse, open heating element, or damaged wiring can mimic a bad NTC. Combined, they account for about 18 % of reported cases [ApplianceRepairData, 2020].
How do I replace the NTC sensor in three steps?
- Desolder the failed SMD sensor from the boiler pad.
- Tin leads of a new 100 kΩ thermistor and solder, ensuring the bead touches the boiler.
- Reassemble, run self-test, and confirm 92–96 °C brew temperature.
How can I test the thermal fuse safely?
With power off, remove one fuse lead and measure continuity. A good fuse shows ≤0.5 Ω. Any open reading means replacement [Krups Service Manual, 2014].
Edge case: machine still shows plug icon after new sensor and fuse—what next?
Check the board’s 5 V rail; voltage sag below 4.7 V prevents the MCU from reading sensors accurately, recreating the fault [Krups EA80xx Troubleshooting, 2019].
