Collection: TCO Thermal Fuses and Thermal Cut-outs for Home Appliances

TCO thermal cut-outs (Thermal Cut-Out) and thermal fuses are single-use safety devices that interrupt the electrical circuit of an appliance when the internal temperature exceeds a preset critical threshold. They are found in coffee machines, steam irons, steam cleaners, deep fryers, griddles, air fryers, hair straighteners, and dryers. Once it has tripped, the TCO cannot be reset: it must be replaced with a spare part having the same trip temperature and electrical characteristics.

TCO thermal cut-out Ceramic thermal fuse TCO 318°C TCO 240°C Coffee machine TCO Steam iron thermal fuse Deep fryer TCO De'Longhi Polti Rowenta GHD Ariete Didiesse

Can't find the right TCO for your model? Contact us with the brand, model, and the temperature printed on the original thermal fuse: we'll check the compatibility for you.

TCOs and thermal fuses for appliances: compatibility, types, selection guide and FAQ
⚠️ Be careful when replacing. The TCO must always be replaced with a spare part having the same trip temperature (°C) and electrical values as the original. A TCO with a higher temperature may not trip in time; one with a lower temperature would cause interruptions during normal use. If in doubt, contact us before purchasing.

Main applications in our catalog

The category includes original and compatible TCOs, thermal fuses, and thermostat+TCO kits for a wide range of appliances. The most common applications are listed below by brand and type.

De'Longhi — Coffee machines
Lattissima EN660 EN690 · Primadonna · Perfecta ESAM · Specialista · Rivelia EXAM440 EXAM441
TCO 192°C, 318°C and other temperatures for boiler and thermal circuit
De'Longhi — Deep fryers
RotoFry F28533 · F871 · F1000 · F3823 · MultiFry FH13 · F26 PRO and compatible models
TCO 170°C, 192°C, 206°C for heating element thermal protection
De'Longhi — Ironing systems
Stirella · CareStyle IS · PRO1460 · PRO VVX and compatible models
TCO 308°C for boiler and steam iron plate
Polti — Ironing systems
Vaporella Forever 610 630 650 670 675 685 Eco · Intelligent · Forever Pro · Instant VI50
Single and double TCO (204°C, 240°C, 260°C, 318°C) often paired with a thermostat
Polti — Steam cleaners and mops
Vaporetto Unico · La Vaporella · MCV20 · FAV30 · Next XM · 3 Clean · Lecoaspira FAV
TCO and thermostat+TCO kit 240°C, 245°C, 318°C for steam boiler
Rowenta / Tefal — Griddles
Optigrill GR712 · GR722 · GC706 · GC716 and compatible models
TCO 240°C for cooking plate thermal protection
GHD — Hair straighteners
GHD series IV straighteners and compatible models
Safety TCO for heating element protection
Micromic — Universal ceramic TCOs
TY80 10A 250V burners · code 155731 · 155431066K
Generic ceramic TCOs 229°C, 260°C, 318°C for irons, boilers and various applications

Types of TCOs and thermal fuses

Ceramic TCO (ceramic body thermal fuse)

The most common form in small appliances. The ceramic body encloses a fusible element that opens when the rated temperature is reached. They are available in generic (Micromic/Campini) and original brand versions. The main parameter is the trip temperature in °C, followed by the rated current (A) and voltage (V).

TCO + thermostat kit

In many Polti ironing systems and some irons, the TCO and thermostat are mounted in series on the same support and sold as a kit. The thermostat is the resettable component that regulates the operating temperature; the TCO is the single-use component that trips only in case of abnormal overheating. Replacing only the TCO without checking the thermostat may not solve the problem if both are faulty.

Double TCO

Some appliances mount two TCOs with different temperatures on the same circuit (e.g. 245°C + 318°C in Polti steam cleaners). The first trips in case of moderate overheating, the second as an absolute emergency protection. In these cases, both TCOs must be replaced if one of them has tripped, or check which of the two has opened before proceeding.

How to read TCO data

To identify the correct spare part, it is essential to check from the original thermal fuse:

  • Trip temperature in °C — printed on the TCO body or listed in the technical documentation (e.g. 192°C, 240°C, 318°C)
  • Rated current in Amperes (e.g. 10A, 15A)
  • Rated voltage (e.g. 250V)
  • Physical dimensions of the body (length and diameter in mm)
  • Brand and model of the appliance to check the compatibility of the specific spare part

A close-up photo of the original TCO (with legible data) and the appliance model plate allows for an accurate check before purchasing.

Most common problems and solutions

☕Coffee machine does not heat up or produce steam → Boiler TCO tripped or opened
👗Iron or steam cleaner does not produce steam → TCO or thermostat on the boiler faulty
🍟Deep fryer does not heat the oil → Safety TCO on the heating element tripped
🥩Griddle does not heat up → TCO on the heating plate opened due to overheating
💇Hair straightener does not reach the temperature → Safety TCO of the heating element tripped
🔁TCO opens again after replacement → abnormal overheating to diagnose (faulty thermostat, limescale, blocked fan)

FAQ — Frequently Asked Questions

What is a TCO and how does it differ from a thermostat?

The TCO (Thermal Cut-Out) is a single-use thermal fuse: once the rated temperature is reached, it permanently interrupts the circuit and cannot be reset. The thermostat, on the other hand, is a resettable component that opens and closes cyclically to regulate the operating temperature. In ironing systems, they often work in series on the same circuit.

Can I use a TCO with a slightly different temperature from the original?

No. The trip temperature must exactly match the original. A TCO with a higher temperature may not activate in case of overheating, leaving the appliance exposed to damage or risks. One with a lower temperature would trip during normal operation, preventing the appliance from reaching the operating temperature.

Can the TCO be reset or bypassed?

No. The TCO is a single-use component designed to be replaced after every trip. Bypassing the TCO is a dangerous practice that removes a fundamental safety protection of the appliance and is never recommended.

If the TCO has opened, does it mean there is another fault?

Not necessarily. A TCO can also trip due to prolonged use, limescale buildup that reduces boiler efficiency, or insufficient ventilation. However, if the TCO opens again immediately after replacement, there is likely an upstream fault — defective thermostat, short-circuited heating element, or severe incrustation — to diagnose before proceeding again.

Are generic Micromic ceramic TCOs compatible with all appliances?

They may be compatible if the temperature, current, voltage, and physical dimensions match the original. Generic ceramic TCOs (e.g. Micromic/ex Campini TY80) are often used as universal spare parts for irons, boilers, and similar applications, provided the parameters are identical to the component being replaced.

How do I know if the problem is the TCO and not the thermostat or the heating element?

With a multimeter set to continuity measurement: an intact TCO must have continuity (closed circuit); a tripped TCO will show open (no continuity). The thermostat should be tested cold: it must show closed. If both are open, both must be replaced. If neither the TCO nor the thermostat is open, the fault is elsewhere (heating element, board, etc.).

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