{
  "id": "ec685-drip-tray",
  "version": "2.0.0",
  "title": "Empty and clean the drip tray",
  "deviceFamily": "coffee",
  "intent": "Maintenance",
  "summary": "Read the red float, remove the cool tray level, and confirm the grille and optional mug tray are back in place.",
  "modelApplicability": [
    "ec685-international"
  ],
  "modelDetails": [
    {
      "id": "ec685-international",
      "family": "coffee",
      "brand": "De’Longhi",
      "series": "Dedica",
      "label": "Dedica EC685 / EC685 EX:4 · International manual",
      "region": "English International manual 57132C8997_01_0626; regional nameplate must match",
      "componentVersion": "Three buttons, steam dial, removable frother and tabbed perforated filter as pictured in this manual",
      "manual": "dedica-manual",
      "help": "With the machine cool, empty and unplugged, check the underside nameplate for EC685 or EC685 EX:4. Compare the frother and tabbed filter with the linked manual. The support page is on a US domain but its download is English International. Use the manual supplied for your regional appliance; no US voltage or electrical compatibility is inferred.",
      "exclusions": [
        "EC680",
        "Dedica Arte EC885",
        "Maestro EC950",
        "Modified steam wand",
        "Different filter design",
        "Regional instructions that differ from this manual"
      ],
      "recognitionSource": "dedica-support"
    }
  ],
  "exclusions": [
    "EC680",
    "Dedica Arte EC885",
    "Maestro EC950",
    "Modified steam wand",
    "Different filter design",
    "Regional instructions that differ from this manual"
  ],
  "prerequisites": [
    "Confirm the nameplate and your regional manual before connecting the appliance. The English International download on a US support page does not establish US electrical compatibility.",
    "For handling or external cleaning: stop delivery, switch off, unplug and wait until the appliance and removable parts are cool. Follow the separate powered steps only after reassembly."
  ],
  "tools": [
    "Soft cloth"
  ],
  "materials": [
    "Water for the optional removable mug or glass tray"
  ],
  "checks": [
    {
      "id": "safety",
      "prompt": "Is the appliance undamaged, with delivery stopped and parts cool and unplugged for any hands-on work?",
      "sourceId": "dedica-manual",
      "sourceLocator": "p10 §11; p14 §14",
      "options": [
        {
          "id": "yes",
          "label": "Yes",
          "next": "manual-match",
          "advice": "Keep hands clear of outlets during the specific powered water or steam steps below."
        },
        {
          "id": "no",
          "label": "No",
          "next": "service",
          "advice": "Stop for a damaged cord, burning smell, liquid leaking from the appliance body, all lights flashing while the machine does not work, or a holder that remains hot or pressurized. Disconnect when safe and contact De’Longhi Customer Services. Keep the casing, boiler and internal steam circuit closed."
        },
        {
          "id": "unsure",
          "label": "Not sure",
          "next": "prepared",
          "advice": "Save a preparation record and compare the matching manual before continuing."
        }
      ]
    },
    {
      "id": "manual-match",
      "prompt": "Does your EC685 or EC685 EX:4 match English International manual 57132C8997_01_0626, including the three buttons, original frother and tabbed filter?",
      "sourceId": "dedica-support",
      "sourceLocator": "Support center: English (International) Instructions for use; manual pp3,6 §1",
      "options": [
        {
          "id": "yes",
          "label": "Yes",
          "next": "check-1",
          "advice": "Continue only with the controls and parts pictured in this manual."
        },
        {
          "id": "no",
          "label": "No",
          "next": "prepared",
          "advice": "Find the manual supplied for your region and component version. This guide cannot confirm a different version."
        },
        {
          "id": "unsure",
          "label": "Not sure",
          "next": "prepared",
          "advice": "Save a preparation record and compare the matching manual before continuing."
        }
      ]
    },
    {
      "id": "check-1",
      "prompt": "Can you identify the red level indicator in the original drip tray?",
      "sourceId": "dedica-manual",
      "sourceLocator": "p10 §11.1; figs20–21",
      "options": [
        {
          "id": "yes",
          "label": "Yes",
          "next": "check-2",
          "advice": "Empty before it starts to protrude through the cup grille."
        },
        {
          "id": "no",
          "label": "No",
          "next": "prepared",
          "advice": "Compare figures20–21 before pulling or pressing an unfamiliar part."
        },
        {
          "id": "unsure",
          "label": "Not sure",
          "next": "prepared",
          "advice": "Save a preparation record and compare the matching manual before continuing."
        }
      ]
    },
    {
      "id": "check-2",
      "prompt": "Is the appliance cool and unplugged, and can the tray slide out without force?",
      "sourceId": "dedica-manual",
      "sourceLocator": "p10 §11; §11.1",
      "options": [
        {
          "id": "yes",
          "label": "Yes",
          "next": "steps",
          "advice": "Keep the tray level as you remove it."
        },
        {
          "id": "no",
          "label": "No",
          "next": "prepared",
          "advice": "Wait for cooling; seek support if the tray remains stuck."
        },
        {
          "id": "unsure",
          "label": "Not sure",
          "next": "prepared",
          "advice": "Save a preparation record and compare the matching manual before continuing."
        }
      ]
    }
  ],
  "branches": [
    {
      "checkId": "safety",
      "optionId": "yes",
      "next": "manual-match"
    },
    {
      "checkId": "safety",
      "optionId": "no",
      "next": "service"
    },
    {
      "checkId": "safety",
      "optionId": "unsure",
      "next": "prepared"
    },
    {
      "checkId": "manual-match",
      "optionId": "yes",
      "next": "check-1"
    },
    {
      "checkId": "manual-match",
      "optionId": "no",
      "next": "prepared"
    },
    {
      "checkId": "manual-match",
      "optionId": "unsure",
      "next": "prepared"
    },
    {
      "checkId": "check-1",
      "optionId": "yes",
      "next": "check-2"
    },
    {
      "checkId": "check-1",
      "optionId": "no",
      "next": "prepared"
    },
    {
      "checkId": "check-1",
      "optionId": "unsure",
      "next": "prepared"
    },
    {
      "checkId": "check-2",
      "optionId": "yes",
      "next": "steps"
    },
    {
      "checkId": "check-2",
      "optionId": "no",
      "next": "prepared"
    },
    {
      "checkId": "check-2",
      "optionId": "unsure",
      "next": "prepared"
    }
  ],
  "steps": [
    {
      "title": "Read the float before moving the tray",
      "text": "Record whether the red indicator is below the grille or reaching it. Empty promptly before the indicator protrudes.",
      "observation": "The float position explains the immediate emptying need; a leak from the casing is a separate stop condition.",
      "sourceId": "dedica-manual",
      "sourceLocator": "p10 §11.1",
      "requiredFields": [
        "float-position"
      ],
      "id": "step-1"
    },
    {
      "title": "Remove the tray level",
      "text": "With the appliance cool and unplugged, slide out the drip tray while keeping the collected water level.",
      "observation": "The tray withdraws normally without spilling or prying.",
      "sourceId": "dedica-manual",
      "sourceLocator": "p10 §11.1 step1; fig21",
      "requiredFields": [],
      "id": "step-2"
    },
    {
      "title": "Lift the grille and empty",
      "text": "Remove the cup grille and pour out the collected water. Clean the drip tray with a soft cloth.",
      "observation": "No standing water or loose residue remains in the tray.",
      "sourceId": "dedica-manual",
      "sourceLocator": "p10 §11.1 step2",
      "requiredFields": [],
      "id": "step-3"
    },
    {
      "title": "Clean the optional lower tray",
      "text": "If your machine has the removable mug or glass tray A10, extract it, clean it with water, dry it and put it back. Record whether it is fitted.",
      "observation": "Only the removable tray pictured for your machine is taken out; no machine part goes in a dishwasher.",
      "sourceId": "dedica-manual",
      "sourceLocator": "p10 §11.1 step2; §11",
      "requiredFields": [
        "mug-tray"
      ],
      "id": "step-4"
    },
    {
      "title": "Reassemble and check the float",
      "text": "Refit the cup grille and slide the drip tray back fully. Check that the emptied tray’s float is down and the grille rests correctly.",
      "observation": "The tray and grille sit securely in their normal positions.",
      "sourceId": "dedica-manual",
      "sourceLocator": "p10 §11.1 steps2–3",
      "requiredFields": [
        "tray-seated"
      ],
      "id": "step-5"
    },
    {
      "title": "Distinguish a recurring leak",
      "text": "Wipe any spill from the counter. If later water is traced to the appliance body rather than an overfull tray, stop use and request support.",
      "observation": "Record a clean, dry placement; tray cleaning does not resolve a casing leak.",
      "sourceId": "dedica-manual",
      "sourceLocator": "p10 §11.1 overflow caution; §11 electrical cleaning safety",
      "requiredFields": [],
      "id": "step-6"
    }
  ],
  "outcomeChecks": [
    {
      "id": "outcome-1",
      "text": "The tray is empty, its float is down and the grille is securely fitted.",
      "sourceId": "dedica-manual",
      "sourceLocator": "p10 §11.1; figs20–21"
    },
    {
      "id": "outcome-2",
      "text": "The optional mug tray is dry and replaced, or its absence is recorded.",
      "sourceId": "dedica-manual",
      "sourceLocator": "p10 §11.1; figs20–21"
    }
  ],
  "stopConditions": [
    "Stop for a damaged cord, burning smell, liquid leaking from the appliance body, all lights flashing while the machine does not work, or a holder that remains hot or pressurized. Disconnect when safe and contact De’Longhi Customer Services. Keep the casing, boiler and internal steam circuit closed."
  ],
  "sources": [
    {
      "id": "dedica-manual",
      "title": "De’Longhi EC685 / EC685 EX:4 instructions (57132C8997_01_0626)",
      "url": "https://library.delonghigroup.com/assetbank-delonghi/action/directLinkImage?assetId=296204&download=true",
      "checkedAt": "2026-10-13",
      "use": "Sections 2–4, 7–8, 11–14: exact-version archived manual reviewed for setup, cleaning, descaling, rinses and troubleshooting",
      "license": "Manufacturer copyright. Original workflow based on manual facts; PDF not redistributed.",
      "region": "English International",
      "locator": "p10 §11.1; figs20–21"
    },
    {
      "id": "dedica-support",
      "title": "Dedica Style EC685.TB EX:4 support center",
      "url": "https://www.delonghi.com/en-us/s/EC685.TB%20EX%3A4",
      "checkedAt": "2026-10-13",
      "use": "Official entry to the English International manual, not proof of US electrical specifications",
      "license": "Linked only.",
      "region": "English International",
      "locator": "EC685.TB EX:4 → English (International) → Instructions for use, 57132C8997_01_0626"
    }
  ],
  "assets": [
    {
      "path": "/assets/coffee/drip-tray.svg",
      "title": "Drip tray and red level indicator",
      "alt": "The red float rises toward the cup grille as the tray fills. Remove the cool tray level, lift off the grille and empty before the float protrudes.",
      "kind": "Original schematic of user-accessible parts or control sequence; not to scale",
      "sourceId": "dedica-manual",
      "sourceLocator": "See the individual task steps for the corresponding manual figures and sections."
    }
  ],
  "relatedIds": [
    "ec685-after-care"
  ],
  "specs": [],
  "updatedAt": "2026-10-13",
  "estimatedDuration": null,
  "group": "ec685-water",
  "locator": "p10 §11.1; figs20–21",
  "recordFields": [
    {
      "id": "float-position",
      "label": "Float before emptying",
      "type": "select",
      "required": true,
      "dependsOnStep": "step-1",
      "options": [
        {
          "value": "below",
          "label": "Below the grille"
        },
        {
          "value": "at-grille",
          "label": "At the grille or protruding"
        }
      ]
    },
    {
      "id": "mug-tray",
      "label": "Mug or glass tray",
      "type": "select",
      "required": true,
      "dependsOnStep": "step-4",
      "options": [
        {
          "value": "cleaned",
          "label": "Fitted, cleaned and dried"
        },
        {
          "value": "absent",
          "label": "Not fitted on this machine"
        }
      ]
    },
    {
      "id": "tray-seated",
      "label": "The grille and empty tray are securely seated",
      "type": "checkbox",
      "required": true,
      "dependsOnStep": "step-5"
    }
  ],
  "consumables": [
    {
      "name": "Soft cloth",
      "specification": "Dampen for the exterior; use a clean cloth to dry removable parts.",
      "fit": "External surfaces and removable parts named in the task.",
      "exclude": "Solvents, abrasive cleaners, alcohol, dishwasher cleaning or immersing the appliance.",
      "sourceId": "dedica-manual",
      "sourceLocator": "p10 §11 and §11.4"
    },
    {
      "name": "Fresh clean water",
      "specification": "Fill the tank no higher than MAX.",
      "fit": "EC685 / EC685 EX:4 matching this manual.",
      "exclude": "Do not operate with an empty tank or with the tank removed.",
      "sourceId": "dedica-manual",
      "sourceLocator": "p6 §2"
    }
  ],
  "maintenance": {
    "trigger": "The red indicator approaches the cup grille or the tray needs cleaning.",
    "intervalText": "Empty and clean before the red indicator begins to protrude; no fixed number of days is specified.",
    "basis": "manufacturer",
    "sourceId": "dedica-manual",
    "sourceLocator": "p10 §11.1"
  },
  "outcomes": [
    "The tray is empty, its float is down and the grille is securely fitted.",
    "The optional mug tray is dry and replaced, or its absence is recorded."
  ],
  "fitChecks": [
    {
      "id": "manual",
      "label": "Manual and region",
      "accepted": "international-57132",
      "options": [
        {
          "value": "",
          "label": "Choose the version you can confirm"
        },
        {
          "value": "international-57132",
          "label": "EC685 / EX:4: English International 57132C8997_01_0626 matches my appliance"
        },
        {
          "value": "different",
          "label": "My manual revision, region or model differs"
        },
        {
          "value": "unknown",
          "label": "I am not sure"
        }
      ],
      "help": "The US support-domain link serves an English International manual. It does not establish US electrical compatibility."
    },
    {
      "id": "parts",
      "label": "Controls and removable parts",
      "accepted": "original",
      "options": [
        {
          "value": "",
          "label": "Choose the version you can confirm"
        },
        {
          "value": "original",
          "label": "Original three buttons, steam dial, removable frother and tabbed filter insert"
        },
        {
          "value": "modified",
          "label": "Modified steam wand or different filter"
        },
        {
          "value": "other",
          "label": "EC680, EC885, EC950 or other controls"
        },
        {
          "value": "unknown",
          "label": "I am not sure"
        }
      ],
      "help": "Compare the removable parts and control illustrations before following a cleaning sequence."
    }
  ]
}