Groen VRC-3E Installation Manual

OPERATORMANUAL

IMPORTANTINFORMATION,KEEPFOROPERATOR

This manual provides information for:

MODELSVRC-3E
&VRC-6E

Domestic

VORTEX100®

CONNECTIONLESS

STEAMER

· Self Contained

· Electric Heated

· Capacity: VRC-3E=3 Steamer Pans Per Cavity
VRC-6E=6 Steamer Pans Per Cavity

THISMANUALMUSTBERETAINEDFORFUTUREREFERENCE.
READ, UNDERSTAND AND FOLLOW THE INSTRUCTIONS AND
WARNINGSCONTAINEDINTHISMANUAL.

FORYOURSAFETY

Do not store or use gasoline or other flammable vapors
and liquids in the vicinity of this or any other appliance.

NOTIFYCARRIEROFDAMAGEATONCE

Itistheresponsibilityoftheconsigneetoinspectthecontaineruponreceiptof
sameandtodeterminethepossibilityofanydamage,includingconcealeddam-
age.Unified Brandssuggests that if you aresuspiciousofdamagetomakea
notationonthedeliveryreceipt.Itwillbetheresponsibilityoftheconsigneetofile
aclaimwiththecarrier.Werecommendthatyoudosoatonce.

ManufactureService/Questions888-994-7636.

Information contained in this document is known to be current and accurate at the time
of printing/creation. Unified Brands recommends referencing our product line websites,
unifiedbrands.net, for the most updated product information and specifications.

PART NUMBER 148673, REV. M (06/15)

PART NUMBER 148673, REV. G (09/07)

IMPORTANT - READ FIRST - IMPORTANT

WARNING: WHEN YOU OPEN THE DOOR, STAY AWAY FROM STEAM COMING OUT OF THE UNIT.

STEAM CAN CAUSE BURNS.

WARNING: BEFORE CLEANING THE OUTSIDE OF THE STEAMER, DISCONNECT THE ELECTRIC

POWER SUPPLY. KEEP WATER AND CLEANING SOLUTIONS OUT OF CONTROLS AND
ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS. NEVER HOSE OR STEAM CLEAN ANY PART OF THE UNIT.

WARNING: ALLOW COOKING CHAMBER TO COOL BEFORE CLEANING.

WARNING: DO NOT MOVE THE UNIT WITH WATER IN THE CAVITY OR DRAIN PAN.

WARNING: ALLOW WATER IN DRAIN PAN TO COOL BEFORE EMPTYING.

WARNING: DO NOT PUT HANDS OR TOOLS INTO THE COOKING CHAMBER UNTIL THE FAN HAS

STOPPED T

URNING.

WARNING: DO NOT OPERATE THE UNIT UNLESS THE REMOVABLE RIGHT SIDE PANEL HAS BEEN

RETURNED TO ITS PROPER LOCATION.

WARNING: USE OF ANY REPLACEMENT PARTS OTHER THAN THOSE SUPPLIED BY GROEN OR THEIR

AUTHORIZED DISTRIBUTOR VOIDS ALL WARRANTIES AND CAN RESULT IN BODILY
INJURY TO THE OPERATOR AND DAMAGE THE EQUIPMENT. SERVICE BY OTHER THAN
FACTORY-AUTHORIZED PERSONNEL WILL VOID ALL WARRANTIES.

WARNING: HIGH VOLTAGE EXISTS INSIDE CONTROL COMPARTMENTS. DISCONNECT FROM BRANCH

CIRCUIT BEFORE SERVICING. FAILURE TO DO SO CAN RESULT IN SERIOUS INJURY OR
DEATH.

WARNING: DO NOT USE CHEMICALS OTHER THAN MILD DETERGENTS TO CLEAN THE COOKING

CHAMBER

.

WARNING: CAREFULLY READ THE OPERATION INSTRUCTION LABEL BEFORE OPERATION OF THE

UNIT.

WARNING: DO NOT USE REVERSE OSMOSIS (RO) OR DISTILLED WATER IN THE STEAMER.

CAUT

ION: SHIPPING STRAPS ARE UNDER TENSION AND CAN SNAP BACK WHEN CUT.

CAUTION: DO NOT INSTALL UNITS WITHIN 2 INCHES OF A HEAT SOURCE SUCH AS A BRAISING PAN,

DEEP FRYER, CHAR BROILER OR KETTLE.

NOTICE: DO NOT USE ANY DE-GREASER THAT CONTAINS POTASSIUM HYDROXIDE OR SODIUM

HYDROXIDE OR THAT IS ALKALINE.

OM-VRC-3E/VRC-6E

2 OM-VRC-3E/VRC-6E 148673 REV. G

148673 REV. G OM-VRC-3E/VRC-6E 3

Table of Contents

OPERATOR WARNINGS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

REFERENCES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

EQUIPMENT DESCRIPTION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

INSPECTION AND UNPACKING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

INSTALLATION AND START-UP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-6

OPERATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-9

CLEANING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

MAINTENANCE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

TROUBLESHOOTING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

DRAIN KIT

INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

.

DRAIN KIT DIAGRAM

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

.

RACKS, PAN INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

SERVICE LOG . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

References

UNDERWRITERS LABORATORIES, INC.
333 Pfingsten Road
Northbrook, Illinois 60062

NFPA/70 The National Electrical Code

NATIONAL SANITATION FOUNDATION
3475 Plymouth Road
Ann Arbor, Michigan 4

8106

NATIONAL FIRE PROTECTION ASSOCIATION
60 Batterymarch Park
Quincy, Massachusetts 02269

Website Address: www.groen.com

12

13

14

15

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

WARRANTY PROTECTION

16-17

OM-VRC-3E/VRC-6E

Table of Contents

OPERATOR WARNINGS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

REFERENCES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

EQUIPMENT DESCRIPTION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

INSPECTION AND UNPACKING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

INSTALLATION AND START-UP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-6

OPERATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-9

CLEANING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

MAINTENANCE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

TROUBLESHOOTING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

DRAIN KIT

INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

.

DRAIN KIT DIAGRAM

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

.

RACKS, PAN INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

SERVICE LOG . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

References

UNDERWRITERS LABORATORIES, INC.
333 Pfingsten Road
Northbrook, Illinois 60062

NFPA/70 The National Electrical Code

NATIONAL SANITATION FOUNDATION
3475 Plymouth Road
Ann Arbor, Michigan 4

8106

NATIONAL FIRE PROTECTION ASSOCIATION
60 Batterymarch Park
Quincy, Massachusetts 02269

Website Address: www.groen.com

12

13

14

15

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

WARRANTY PROTECTION

16-17

OM-VRC-3E/VRC-6E

Table of Contents

OPERATOR WARNINGS ......................................................................................................................................... 2

REFERENCES ......................................................................................................................................................... 3

EQUIPMENT DESCRIPTION ................................................................................................................................... 4

INSPECTION AND UNPACKING ............................................................................................................................ 4

INSTALLATION AND STARTUP ..........................................................................................................................5-6

OPERATION .........................................................................................................................................................8-9

CLEANING ............................................................................................................................................................. 10

MAINTENANCE ..................................................................................................................................................... 11

TROUBLESHOOTING ........................................................................................................................................... 11

DRAIN KIT INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS ...................................................................................................... 12

DRAIN KIT DIAGRAM ........................................................................................................................................... 13

RACKS, PAN INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS ................................................................................................... 14

PARTS LIST ...................................................................................................................................................... 15-16

WIRING DIAGRAM ................................................................................................................................................ 17

ELEMENT WIRING DIAGRAM ......................................................................................................................... 18-20

SERVICE LOG ....................................................................................................................................................... 21

WARRANTY PROTECTION ............................................................................................................................. 22-23

NSF INTERNATIONAL
789 N. Dixboro Rd.
P.O. Box 130140
Ann Arbor, Michigan 48113-0140

Equipment Description

Your Groen VRC-3E or VRC-6E Vortex
Connectionless Steamer is designed to give years
of service. It has a stainless steel cavity (cooking
chamber) which is served by an inside water
reservoir which is electrically heated. A powerful
blower circulates the steam in the cavity to increase
heating efficiency.

The cavity holds up to three (VRC-3E) or six (VRC­6E) steam table pans (12" x 20" x 2½" deep). An 18
gauge stainless steel case encloses the cavity and
the contr

ol compartment that houses electrical
components. Door hinges are reversible (the door
may be set to open from the left or right). Operating
Controls are on the front panel.

VRC-3E and VRC-6E steamers are equipped with
fully electronic controls. These units are readily
identified by their unique control panels. A rocker
switch is used to turn the unit on and off.

WARNING
DISCONNECT ELECTRICAL POWER BEFORE
CHANGING FUSES. FAILURE TO DO SO WILL
CAUSE ELECTRICAL SHOCK OR DEATH.

The VRC-3E holds three standard 12"x 20"x 2

-1/2"

or two 12"x20"x4" steamer pans.

The VRC-6E holds up to six standard
12"x20"x2-1/2" or four 12"x20x4" steamer pans.

Inspection and Unpacking

The Steamer will be delivered completely assembled
in a heavy shipping carton strapped to a skid. On
receipt, inspect carton carefully for exterior damage.
If damage is evident, notify the local carrier
immediately and file a damage claim. Groen
assumes no liability for damage incurred in transit.
Reconfirm that the voltage at the loc

ation is

compatible with the steamer you received.

CAUTION
SHIPPING STRAPS ARE UNDER TENSION AND
CAN SNAP BACK WHEN CUT.

Carefully cut the straps and detach the sides of the
carton from the skid. Pull the carton up off the unit.
Be careful to avoid personal injury or equipment
damage from staples which might be left in the carton
walls.

CAUTION
THE VRC-3E WEIGHS 150 POUNDS (68 KG).
THE VRC-6E WEIGHS 170 POUNDS (77 KG).
YOU SHOULD GET HELP AS NEEDED TO LIFT
THIS WEIGHT SAFELY.

Write down the model number, se

rial number and
installation date. Keep this information for reference.
Space for these entries is provided at the top of the
Service Log in the back of this manual.

When starting installation, check packing materials
to make sure loose parts such as the drain pan and drip
tray are not discarded with this material.

OM-VRC-3E/VRC-6E

4 OM-VRC-3E/VRC-6E 148673 REV. G

WARNING
GROUNDING INSTRUCTIONS: THIS APPLIANCE MUST BE CONNECTED TO A GROUNDED
METALLIC, PERMANENT WIRING SYSTEM, OR AN EQUIPMENT GROUNDING
CONDUCTOR MUST BE RUN WITH THE CIRCUIT CONDUCTORS AND CONNECTED TO
THE EQUIPMENT GROUNDING TERMINAL ON THE STATION.

Installation and Start-Up

CAUTION
DO NOT INSTALL THE UNIT WITHIN 2 INCHES OF A HEAT SOURCE (SUCH AS A BRAISING PAN, DEEP FAT
FRYER, CHARBROILER OR KETTLE).

Electrical Supply Connection - Observe all local, national, or other applicable codes.

Three phase models of the Vortex™ Connectionless
Steamer are supplied with a cord set ready to be
connected to a power supply. See the chart below
for the correct matching receptacle (not s upplied with
the unit).

Single phase models are designed to be directly
connected (hard wired) to the electrical supply a

nd
allow sufficient loop in the flexible conduit to facilitate
inspection, servicing, and cleaning.

Branch Circuit Protection

Each Steamer, including individual units of stacked
models, should have its own branch circuit protection
and ground wire. Current and power demands for
each unit are as shown below.

ELECTRICAL SUPPLY CONNECTIONS

FIELD WIRING TABLE - USE COPPER WIRE ONLY - INSULATION RATING (90ºC)

VOLTAGE

(60 Hz Only)

KW RATED CURRENT DEMAND

VRC-3E VRC-6E VRC-3E VRC-6E

208 3 PHASE 25 Amps

240 3 PHASE 17 Am

ps 22 Amps

480 3 PHASE 1 Amps

PLUG AND RECEPTACLE CHART

VOLTS PHASE PLUG RECEPTACLE

9KW 10KW 9KW 10KW

208 3 15-30P 15-50P 15-30R 15-50R

240 3 15-30P 15-50P 15-30R 15-50R

480 3 L16-30P L16-30P L16-30R L16-30R

208 1 ---- ---- ---- ----

240 1 ---- ---- ---- ----

OM-VRC-3E/VRC-6E

6.8 KW

6.8 KW

6.8 KW

9 KW

9 KW

9 KW

19 Amps

9 Amps 1

148673 REV. G OM-VRC-3E/VRC-6E 5

Water Connection(s) - Units Manual Filled

No

Water Connection(s) - Units with Autofill

Make sure that the incoming water connection is made
with a 3/4” .H. COLD water hose. Rigid pipe is not
required. The water pressure should be between 30 and
60 PSIG. Higher pressures will require the use of a
pressure regulator. Make sure that all connections are
tight with no leaks - no matter how small.

Drain Line Installation - Units with Autofill
or Units with Drain Kit

The drain line should not be less than:
1 - 1/2” - for single units
2” (6E) - for double stacked units
The

re must be a 2” air gap to the (non­pressureized) building drain. Make sure that the
drain is sloped AWAY and DOWN from the
steamer and that there are no obstructions in the
line. Failure to observe these requirements may
cause a water trap in the drain line and produce
enough back pressure to prevent proper cavity
draining - resulting in condensate water leaking
from the door. Drain line must NOT be made of
plastic pipe. It must be able to wi

thstand

boiling water.

water connection is needed. The water will be
poured directly into the water cavity reservoir. Avoid
the use of any chemically treated water specifically
filtered water.

Drain Connection

The Vortex™ Connectionless Steamer should be
manually drained to the bottom containment pan
supplied by the factory. If the unit is connected to a
drain, do not connect more than two units to one
drain line or pressure from one unit will effect the
second unit.

Stacking Units Instructions

Remove drain containment pan from the bottom of
unit(s). Unscrew to remove adjustable legs from
base of Vortex unit(s). Unfasten nuts and bolts on
stand platform(s). Place Vortex unit(s) on stand
platform. Align the (4) leg holes with the holes in the
platform. Secure Vortex unit(s) to stand platform(s)
using bolts and washers provided in step 2 as shown
in detail “A” of figure 1 on page 7.

For double stack units only:

By loosening the left screw and removing the right
screw provided, moun

t steam exhaust bracket
assembly to the back panel of the top Vortex unit as
shown in detail “B” of Figure 1 on page 7. Attach the
steam exhaust hose from the bottom Vortex unit’s
steam outlet tube to the top Vortex unit’s steam
exhaust bracket assembly using hose clamps
provided as shown in figure 2 on page 7. (Note:
Steam exhaust hose may need to be cut to fit.)

Steam Vent Assembly Instructions

Remove steam diverter assembly from
literature bag which can be found inside of unit.
Slide loose end

as shown over unit steam outlet,
tighten worm gear clamp with flat head screw driver.
Be sure steam outlet is pointing in the upward
position. (Shown below)

OM-VRC-3E/VRC-6E

WARNING
DO NOT USE REVERSE OSMOSIS (RO) OR
DISTILLED WATER IN THE STEAMER.

POWER CORD

CONTAINMENT PAN

TO DIVERT STEAM OUTLET
ATTACH THIS STEAM DIVERTER
ASSEMBLY
TO THE UNIT EXHAUSTTUBE .

UNIT STEAM OUTLET

6 OM-VRC-3E/VRC-6E 148673 REV. G

Double Stack Assembly Diagram

7

OM-VRC-3E/VRC-6E

FIGURE 1

FIGURE 2

DOUBLE STACK

STEAM EXHAUST

HOSE P/N: 141505

DOUBLE STACK STAND

P/N: 142363

HOSE CLAMPS

P/N: 073259

B

DETAIL B

SCALE 1 : 1

10-32 SCREW

P/N: 004173

DOUBLE STACK STEAM

EXHAUST BRACKET ASSEMBLY

P/N: 143243

HOSE CLAMPS

P/N: 073259

A

DETAIL A

SCALE 1 : 2

3/8-16 CAP SCREW

TO SECURE UNIT

TO STAND. P/N:

005449 TYP. (8)

PLCS.

148673 REV. G OM-VRC-3E/VRC-6E 7

Open/Close Handle

Operation

WARNING
ANY POTENTIAL USER OF THE EQUIPMENT MUST BE TRAINED IN SAFE AND CORRECT OPERATING
PROCEDURES.

A. Controls

Operator controls are on the front right of the unit.

The VRC-3E and VRC-6E control panels have the
following touch pads and indicator lights:

! The ON/OFF rocker switch gets the

Vortex™ ready for use, or shuts it off.

! The HOLD indicator light shows that the

cavity is at holding temperature.

! The TIMED indicator light stays on

when the timer is operating.

! The ADD WATER indicator light is lit when

it’s time to add water.

! The open and closed position of the

drain valve allows the unit to be filled
with water or drained.

!

!

The ready indicator light indicate the
unit has achieved the ready temperature.

Temperature gauge indicates internal
temperature of cavity.

! Hour meter records cumulative hours of

operation.

! T

! The FAULT display shows the

current fault.

he HI TEMP (error code 6) indicator
comes on when the bottom of the water
reservoir becomes too hot.

OM-VRC-3E/VRC-6E

TIME display

TIMER knob

MANUAL button and indicator

TIMED button and indicator

HOLD button and indicator

CANCEL button and indicator

FAULT display

ON/OFF rocker switch

Temperature gauge

Hour meter

8 OM-VRC-3E/VRC-6E 148673 REV. G