If the sensor on your COWEET shot timer needs replacing, you can keep the existing cable and replace just the sensor head. There is no need to route a whole new cable through the machine.
This guide is for the two-wire, non-polarized replacement sensor compatible with your COWEET timer. Each old wire connects to one new wire; either way round is fine.
Before you start: Switch off and unplug the espresso machine and disconnect any separate timer power supply. Let the machine cool completely. Only cut the timer's sensor cable. If you cannot identify it confidently or safely access it, ask an espresso-machine technician.
What you need
- A compatible replacement sensor head
- Wire cutters and a wire stripper
- Heat-shrink tubing or suitable insulated wire connectors matched to the sensor wire size
- If using heat-shrink tubing: a suitable heat source, such as a heat gun or lighter
- Tools for your chosen wire-splicing method (see the video below)
- Cable ties
1. Remove the old sensor
Take a photo of the sensor's position on the brewing solenoid before removing its cable tie. Cut off the old sensor head, keeping as much of the existing cable as practical. Check that the remaining cable is undamaged.
2. Prepare the new sensor
Leave enough cable to make the joins comfortably and mount the sensor without tension. The replacement cable can be left longer if convenient. Carefully expose the two insulated wires on both cable ends. If using heat-shrink tubing, slide one piece onto each of the two individual wires before joining them. Move the tubes back from the working area. If using connectors instead, prepare the wires according to the connector instructions. Strip only the insulation needed for your chosen splice.
3. Join and insulate the wires
The steps below show the heat-shrink method. Suitable insulated wire connectors are also an option; follow their installation instructions and keep the two connections separate.
- Make two separate joins. Connect one existing wire to one new sensor wire, then connect the two remaining wires. There is no positive or negative on this sensor, so either pairing works. Use a secure wire-splicing method, as shown in the video below, and gently tug each join to check that it holds. Ordinary heat-shrink tubing provides insulation; it does not connect the wires or hold a loose splice together.
- Cover each join. Slide each tube over its splice so all bare copper is covered and the tube overlaps the intact wire insulation on both sides. Keep the two joins separate.
- Heat evenly. With all power still disconnected, gently heat each tube until it fits snugly, following the tubing instructions. A heat gun is convenient; a lighter can also provide heat. If using a lighter, keep the flame away from the tubing and wires, use the heat above it, and keep it moving to avoid scorching or melting the insulation. Work clear of the machine's internal components and flammable materials. Let the tubing cool before handling.
- Let it cool and check. Make sure no copper is exposed and the joins cannot touch. Secure the cable so the splices do not carry any pulling force.
Wire-splicing video reference: How To Connect or Splice Wires Together — 10 Methods. This general guide covers wire-splicing methods and using heat-shrink tubing to insulate the joins.
4. Secure and test
Mount the new sensor in the original position on the outside of the brewing solenoid and secure it with a cable tie. Keep the cable and splices away from hot surfaces, sharp edges and electrical terminals, leaving a little slack.
Refit the panels without trapping the cable, then restore power and run a short water-only brew. Check that the timer starts and stops with brewing. If it does not respond, switch off, unplug and let the machine cool before checking the splices or adjusting the sensor position.
Need a mounting reference? See our Linea Micra shot timer guide or Linea Mini paddle timer guide. The Micra guide also covers sensor positioning when the top panel affects detection.