Baraldi Vent Hood power switch

[ghaynes755]

So last night I went to turn off the fan on the Baraldi Vent Hood and the slider fell back into the switch assembly. Heard that this is a popular failure but couldn't find the post here on the forums.

I've got a replacement coming from Colonial, warranty but if you want an extra they are $100 or so.

In the meantime is there any way to do a temporary repair on the switch, even if it means dropping the hood? Maybe install an alternative, more robust set of switches?

Thanks

[AnnArborBob]

We had the same problem and Airstream fixed it under warranty.

I can't believe that the switch alone costs $100!!! Wait until you see it! What a rip off!

If this happened to me while not under warranty, I'd probably rig a different switch under the hood and cover the hole with a piece of plastic or metal as the OEM switch is prone to fail and will do so again, I guarantee it.

[ghaynes755]

Bob, so what was the repair? I see a total replacement unit at AirStreamSupply. Basically the dual switch unit and cables. Someone wrote a review and sounds like a straight forward pull and replace. Colonial said there was a clip that needed to be replaced. So not sure what to expect.

BARALDI SWITCH ASSEMBLY

[AnnArborBob]

Originally Posted by ghaynes755

Bob, so what was the repair?

Mine was under warranty and I was at the factory so I didn't see the actual repair and can't help you with the process. Go to the manufacturer's web site and see if there is a Youtube video.

[ghaynes755]

Baraldi doesn't seem to have a website. Airstream does not have a manual, at least that they can share. Exchanged emails with Airstream Supply and they don't have a manual either. Anyone know a web address for Baraldi? Only one I found on the forum was for the US distributor from 2009 (aerycorp.com) and it is dead and company no longer appears to be in business.

[ghaynes755]

A bit of an update. The Baraldi does have a website at Cappe Baraldi | Official Site. The Aery Corp is now the BCI Group and their phone number is (574) 975-0730. BCI was going to check on a manual and I have put in a request for the same from Baraldi. If I get something I will post it here.

[BoldAdventure]

Mine broke too, and I'm well out of warranty. From the discussion, paying $105 just ticks me off. So I'm living with a broken switch.

[ghaynes755]

Ok an update. The company is VCI Group.

I took a few minutes and went out to the trailer to look at the setup. I dropped the air filter and could see the back side of the switch unit. From the back using a mirror I didn't see that the front plate or switch assembly was screwed in to anything.

The fan side of the front panel was loose so I lifted it and found that it was a simple plastic stud prong inserted into the switch assembly. I gently pulled the other side out and now the front panel with the sliders was loose and the switch assembly was sitting inside the hood.

The fan slider had popped out of the tracks that hold it in place. Likely by inadvertently pushing on the slider it popped loose and then pushed the switch assembly back releasing the stud prong on that side.

Snapped the slider back in. Got a long flat blade screw driver and went through the filter opening so that I could push on the back of the switch assembly while I snapped the front place back in on both sides. Aligned the switch openings to the switches and pressed back into place.

Photos below show the front panel piece, studs and sliders. Other photo shows the switch assembly in the hood. The square orange bits are the actual on/off switches. The front panel sliders simply fit over the switches.

So and easy fix. 5-10 minutes. Repair is easy if the prongs have not been damaged.

[rocco52]

Thanks for the info. Mine broke on my 2 month old 25FB. On mine one of the posts actually had broken off. AS is sending me a new one. I think mine broke because it was so hard to slide the switches back and forth. I plan on greasing the track on the new one before I install it. What type of grease do you think would be best? Dielectric or silicone based?

[ghaynes755]

I don't think grease would help. The tracks are not all that robust and there is no binding. The slider could be improved if the part you 'grab' just stuck out a bit further. Sounds like it somewhat common that folks reach to slide it, unable to get a good 'grip', push in as they try to get it to move and poof, they have pushed in and pushed the slider into the switch and dislodged the switch assembly.

I can see how a post might break off. I was lucky. Overall an elegant "Italian" design but not very practical in daily use .

[AnnArborBob]

Thanks for the follow up Gary!

[VRSCDX]

I think this switch assembly is made of cheap brittle plastic. I have a 2015 AS, bought used that was unused. 3rd person to push the range hood switch broke it. I mean it should withstand normal pressure. It pushed the switches back into the housing. the plastic cover trim has 2 tabs. One broke off. It is quite aggravating. I've clicked on the links above. Cannot find the part number or place to buy it. But then again, I'm thinking of a couple SS toggle switches. Has anybody found a work around to this?

[Zybane]

$100 switch for an entire hood that cost less than $15 to make, ahahah

[Native143]

An update. The Baraldi Hood Switch Assembly 512210-103 is available for $65 on various sites.