The claw is driven by an electromagnetic coil that energises every time the grab button is pressed. Each activation generates heat. Under normal play the coil gets a short break between players, which lets it cool down. Without that break, heat builds up and the coil can eventually overheat and fail.
How long does the coil need to cool down?
Around 20–30 seconds between plays is enough under normal conditions. In coin- or token-operated mode this happens naturally: one player collects their prize, the next steps up, inserts a coin, positions the claw, then presses the button. That sequence almost always gives the coil the rest it needs.
Is free play bad for the machine?
Not on its own — but it removes the natural pause between plays. Without the coin-insert step, a bad behaving user can trigger the claw over and over in a very short time period with no gap, heating the coil far faster than it can cool. While it is uncommon and hard to do and a player must abuse the machine beyond normal intended use, this is the most common cause of coil failure in the field.
What should I do if I run the machine on free play?
Always keep your machine attended. An attendent is mandatory per T&C ; machines must always be supervised while they are powered. An attendant maintains a normal flow of players and prevents one person from repeatedly bouncing the claw or misusing the machine without pause. If the machine is unattended on free play, you may risk operations beyond normal intended use and eventually overheating or damaging the coil.