Abstract: A steam-responsive switch for use in an electrical water boiling appliance comprises a main body (12) from which extends a tubular portion (13) having at or near its leading end a heat responsive bimetal (16) extending across the mouth thereof which changes shape above a predetermined temperature defining a chamber behind the member and at the opposite face of the main body (12) an electrical contact pair, the bimetal (16) engaging on its rear face a slidable pushrod (20) which extends through the main body (12) in a sealed manner to act on the electrical contact pair, the tubular portion having a steam/air vent (64) at one side thereof adjacent the rear face of the bimetal (16).

Abstract: An electrical connector for providing an electrical connection between the body of a cordless electrical appliance and a base which in use is connected to an electrical supply has a male connector part (10), and a female connector part (12), the female connector part (12) comprising recesses (28, 26, 24) into which electrical contacts (30, 42, 52) extend, and the male connector part comprising electrical contacts (60, 62, 64) for engaging the contacts within the recesses of the female connector, allowing engagement of the male and female connector parts over 3600 of relative rotational orientation, wherein the female connector part (12) is provided with an isolating switch or switches connected to the electrical contacts having movable switch actuators (40, 50) extending into an annular recess (22) on the connector and disposed spaced from each other, and wherein the male connector part is provided with an annular surface arranged to protrude into said recess to engage the actuators and close said switches se

Abstract: A combined control unit/connector for a cordless electrical water heating appliance for connection in use to a heating element thereof is disclosed, comprising a housing, thermally sensitive control unit for switching of said heating element and a protrusion extending vertically from directly beneath the housing on which are disposed electrical contacts for making connection to a separate base.