Problem: The Focus™ stops making steam after initial steam runs out.


Solution: Bypass the Manual Sensor on the steam kettle and add insulation to protect pump and circuit board.


Required equipment:

  • Kit # A151
  • 7/16" socket
  • #2 Phillips screwdriver
  • #1 precision screwdriver, Phillips head
  • Needle nose pliers
  • Wire cutters/crimper
  • Razor blade or knife
  • Electrical tape
  • Drill with 2 3/8" hole bit


A151 Kit includes:

  • 3x foam panels (9.5" x 3.25")
  • 2x silicone hose pieces (4" and 5")
  • 1x H296 vent grill
  • 4x screws
  • 1x ring wire connector
  • 2x zip ties


How to do it:


IMPORTANT: Make sure the unit is unplugged and the kettle is cool before performing this procedure.


When performing this procedure, take care not to damage the thermocouple tubing shown below.



Step 1: Unscrew the top two screws on the front plate of the unit in order to open up the unit.

Step 2: Remove the short white wire running from the manual sensor to the kettle.


Use needle nose pliers to remove the small nut and washer on the kettle end of the wire. Disconnect the other end from the manual sensor by simply pulling it off.

Step 3: Pull the other white wire from the manual sensor.



Step 4: Remove the manual sensor.


Using a #1 precision Phillips head screwdriver, remove the manual sensor. Re-attach the purple ground wire back where it was.

Step 5: Attach the white wire coming from the cord directly to the kettle.


Cut the connector off the white wire. Strip the wire and crimp on the included blue ring connector. Attach to the kettle using the same small nut and washer from Step 2.

Step 6: Insulate the wires.


Cut the included 4" and 5" lengths of silicone hose along the length to open them up. Slide the 4" hose over the white wire and the 5" length over the red wire. Make sure the connectors are covered. Use the zip ties to secure.

Step 7: Place insulation in front of the pump.


Take one of the foam insulation panels and cut about 2 - 2 1/2" off it. Take the larger piece, remove the paper backing and place it in front of the pump, sticking it directly to the control board attached to the side wall of the machine. Take the smaller piece, remove the backing, and stick it directly to the lip on the base of the machine, as shown in the image.

Step 8: Wrap the kettle in insulation.


Take the remaining two foam insulation panels and cut three lines into the foam, making four sections. BE CAREFUL NOT TO CUT ALL THE WAY THROUGH. Remove the backing from the first panel and stick directly to the outside circumference of the kettle. Each panel insulates one half of the kettle. Repeat with the second panel on the opposite side of the kettle.


Wrap with electrical tape.


(NOTE: The kettle can be unbolted from the base of the unit for easier access while insulating.)

Step 9: Install the front vent grill.



Remove the front lift handle using a 7/16" socket. Use a drill with a 2 3/8" bit to drill a hole in between the handle holes. 

With the included screws, screw the vent grill into place over the hole. Re-attach the handle.

Step 10: Close the unit back up.