Ice-O-Matic ICEU 035 Service Manual

TABLE OF CONTENTS PAGE

GENERAL INFORMATION AND INSTALLATION 1
Introduction 1

Unpacking and inspection 1
Location and levelling 1
Electrical connection 2
Water supply and drain connection 2
Final check list 3
Installation practice 3

OPERATING INSTRUCTION 4
Start up 4

Operational checks 4

a)

OPERATING PRINCIPLES 6
Freezing cycle 6

Harvest cycle 6

CLEANING INSTRUCTIONS OF WATER SYSTEM 9

b)

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

c)

18A 18W

Electric voltage 230/50/1

-10 ÷ +10%
Condensation Air Water
Bin capacity (kg) 6,5
Net weight (kg) 30
Cubes per cycle 15
Compressor power HP 1/5
Running amps 2,2
Start amps 9
Power (Watts) 310
Power cons. in 24 hrs (Kwh) N/A
Wire size (mm2) 3 x 1,5
Water consumption (lt/hr) N/A
Refrig. charge R 134 A (gr) N/A
Refrigerant metering device Capillary tube

Water: 15°C (60°F)

457 (18)

B

C

597 (23 1/2)

OPERATING PRESSURES

Discharge pressure Suction pressure

334 (13 1/8)

18

A

Freezing cycle End of freezing cycle

Air cooled 7÷11 bar 0÷0.1 bar

Water cooled 8.5÷10 bar 0÷0.1 bar

100÷155 psig 0÷1.5 psig

120÷140 psig 0÷1.5 psig

WIRING DIAGRAM

AIR & WATER COOLED

d)

11

230/50-60/1

B - WHITE
N - BLACK
A - BLUE
M - BROWN
GV - YELLOW GREEN

12

1

2

5

7

9 3

12

10

8

6 4

9

3

2

10

8 7 5 6

11

4

A

JUST FOR WATER COOLED UNIT

1 TERMINAL BOARD
2 EVAPORATOR THERMOSTAT
3 BIN THERMOSTAT
4 COMPRESSOR

5 WATER PUMP
6 FAN MOTOR
7 WATER SOL. VALVE
8 HOT. GAS VALVE

JUST FOR AIR COOLED UNIT

B

9 HI TEMP. THERMOSTAT
10 FILLING SWITCH
11 PRESSURE CTRL
12 COND. WATER SOL. VALVE

Page 1

GENERAL INFORMATION
AND INSTALLATION

A. INTRODUCTION

This Cuber is quality designed, engineered and
manufactured.
Its ice making system is thoroughly tested
providing the utmost in flexibility to fit the needs
of a particular user.
This ice maker has been engineered to our own
rigid safety and performence standards.

NOTE.

built into this icemaker, it is important that
installation and maintenance be conducted
in the manner outlined in this manual.

B. UNPACKING AND INSPECTION

1. Visually inspect the exterior of the packing
and skid. Any severe damage noted should be
reported to the delivering carrier and a concealed
damage claim form filled in subjet to inspection of
the contents with the carrier’s representative
present.

2. a) Cut and remove the plastic strip securing
the carton box to the skid.

remove the polystyre protection sheet.
corners and then remove the carton.

3. Remove the front and the rear panels of the
unit and inspect for any concealed damage.
Notify carrier of your claim for the concealed
damage as stated in step 1 above.

4. Open the bin door and remove all internal
support packing and masking tape.

To retain the safety and performance

b) Cut open the top of the carton and
c) Pull out the polystyre posts from the

7. See data plate on the rear side of the unit
and check that local main voltage corresponds
with the voltage specified on it.

CAUTION. Incorrect voltage supplied to
the icemaker will void your parts
replacement program.

8. Remove the manufacturer’s registration
card from the inside of the User Manual and fill­in all parts including: Model and Serial Number
taken from the data plate.
Forward the completed self-addressed
registration card to the factory.

C. LOCATION AND LEVELLING

WARNING. This Ice Cuber is designed for
indoor installation only. Extended periods
of operation at temperatures exceeding
the following limitations will constitute
misuse under the terms of the
Manufacturer’s Limited Warranty
resulting in LOSS of warranty coverage.

1. Position the unit in the selected permanent
location.
Criteria for selection of location include:

a) Minimum room temperature 10°C (50°F)

and maximum room temperature 40°C (100°F).

b) Water inlet temperatures: minimum 5°C

(40°F) and maximum 35°C (90°F).

c) Well ventilated location for air cooled
models. Clean the air cooled condenser at
frequent intervals.

d) Service access: adequate space must
be left for all service connections through the rear
of the ice maker. A minimum clearance of 15 cm
(6") must be left at the sides of the unit for routing
cooling air drawn into and exhausted out of the
compartment to maintain proper condensing
operation of air cooled models.

5. Check that refrigerant lines do not rub
against or touch other lines or surfaces, and that
the fan blade moves freely.

6. Use clean damp cloth to wipe the surfaces
inside the storage bin and the outside of the
cabinet.

NOTE.

With the unit in “built-in” conditions,
the ice production is gradually reduced in
respect to the levels shown in the graph, up
to a maximum of 10% at room temperatures
higher than 32°C.

The daily ice-making capacity is directly
related to the condenser air inlet temperatu­re, water temperature and age of the machine.

To keep your CUBER at peak performance
levels, periodic maintenance checks must
be carried out as indicated on Cleaning
Section of this manual.

2. Level the unit in both the left to right and
front to rear directions.

Page 2

D. ELECTRICAL CONNECTIONS

See data plate for current requirements to
determine wire size to be used on electrical
connections. All icemakers require a solid earth

wire.

The ice machine is supplied from the factory
completely pre-wired and require only electrical
power connections to wire cord provided on the
back of the unit.
Make sure that the ice machine is connected to
its own circuit and individually fused (see data
plate for fuse size).
The maximum allowable voltage variation should
not exceed -10% and +10% of the data plate
rating. Low voltage can cause faulty functioning
and may be responsible for serious damage to
the overload switch and motor windings.

NOTE.

All external wiring should conform to
national, state and local standards and
regulations.
Check voltage on the line and the ice maker’s
data plate before connecting the unit.

E. WATER SUPPLY AND DRAIN

CONNECTIONS

General

When choosing the water supply for the ice cuber
consideration should be given to:

a) Length of run
b) Water clarity and purity
c) Adequate water supply pressure

Since water is the most important single ingredient
in producting ice you cannot emphasize too
much the three items listed above.
Low water pressure, below 1 bar may cause
malfunction of the ice maker unit.
Water containing excessive minerals will tend to
produce cloudy coloured ice cubes, plus scale
built-up on parts of the water system.

Water supply

Connect the 3/4" male fitting of the solenoid
water inlet valve, using the flexible hose supplied,
to the cold water supply line with regular plumbing
fitting and a shut-off valve installed in an
accessible position between the water supply
line and the unit.

Water drain

The recommended drain tube is a plastic or
flexible tube with 18 mm (3/4") I.D. runs to an
open trapped and vented drain. When the drain
is a long run, allow 3 cm pitch per meter (1/4"
pitch per foot).

A vertical open vent, at the unit drain connection,
is also required for proper sump drainage.

NOTE.

The water supply and the water drain
must be installed to conform with the local
code. In some case a licensed plumber and/
or a plumbing permit is required.

Page 3

F. FINAL CHECK LIST

1. Is the unit in a room where ambient
temperatures are within a minimum of 10°C
(50°F) even in winter months?

2. Is there at least a 15 cm (6") clearance
around the unit for proper air circulation?

3. Is the unit level? (IMPORTANT)

4. Have all the electrical and plumbing
connections been made, and is the water supply
shut-off valve open?

5. Has the voltage been tested and checked
against the data plate rating?

6. Has the water supply pressure been
checked to ensure a water pressure of at least

G. INSTALLATION PRACTICE

1 bar (14 psi).

7. Check all refrigerant lines and conduit lines
to guard against vibrations and possible failure.

8. Have the bin liner and cabinet been wiped
clean?

9. Has the owner/user been given the User
Manual and been instructed on the importance of
periodic maintenance checks?

10. Has the Manufacturer’s registration card
been filled in properly? Check for correct model
and serial number against the serial plate and
mail the registration card to the factory.

11. Has the owner been given the name and
the phone number of the authorized Service
Agency serving him?

1. Hand shut-off valve

2. Water filter

3. Water supply line (flexible hose)

4. 3/4" male fitting

5. Vented drain

6. Open trapped vented drain

7. Drain fitting

8. Main switch

9. Power line

WARNING. This icemaker is not designed for outdoor installation and will not function in
ambient temperatures below 10°C (50°F) or above 40°C (100°F).
This icemaker will malfunction with water temperatures below 5°C (40°F) or above 35°C
(90°F).

Page 4

OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS

START UP

After having correctly installed the ice maker and
completed the plumbing and electrical
connections, perform the following “Start-up” pro­cedure.

A. Remove the unit front panel and locate the
cleaning switch on the control box.

B. Set the cleaning switch in the cleaning
position (II). This will close the electrical circuit to
the water inlet valve and to the hot gas valve.

C. Switch ON the power line disconnect
switch. Unit will start up in water filling phase
mode.
During this phase the components energized
are:

WATER INLET SOLENOID VALVE
HOT GAS SOLENOID VALVE

The Water pump and the Fan motor are also in
operation.

C. The ice making process takes place
thereby, with the water sprayed into the molds
that gets gradually refrigerated by the heat
exchanged with the refrigerant flowing into the
evaporator serpentine.

D. When the evaporator temperature reaches
a preset value the evaporator thermostat or cube
size control changes its contacts; the freezing
cycle ends and starts the defrost or harvest
cycle.

E. Check, during the first defrost/harvest
cycle, that the incoming water flows correctly
into the sump reservoir in order to re-fill it and
the surplus overflows through the overflow drain
tube.

F. Check the texture of ice cubes just
released. Right size must have a small depression
(about 5-6 mm) in their crown.

If not, wait for the second defrost/harvest cycle
before performing any adjustment.

D. Let unit stay in water filling phase mode for
about three/four minutes till water is coming out
from the drain hose, then move the cleaning
switch to the operation position (I).

NOTE.

During the defrost cycle, the water
inlet solenoid valve is energized. The water
flows through the valve to the back side of the
evaporator platen and then down to fill up the
icemaker sump tank for the next freezing
cycle.

OPERATIONAL CHECKS

A. The unit now starts its first freezing cycle

with the following components in operation:

COMPRESSOR
WATER PUMP
FAN MOTOR in air cooled version

G. If required the length of the freezing cycle

can be modified by turning the knob of the cube
size control or evaporator thermostat located in
front of the control box until the desired size is
achieved.

• If the temperatu­re of the room in
which the machine
is place is below
20°C, the cubes
will tend to be
partly hollowed
out (see fig. on
right).

• If, on the other
hand, the room
temperature is
above 30°C the
cubes produced
will have a jagged
rim of ice around
the crown.

B. Check to see through the ice discharge

opening that the spray system is correctly seated
and that the water jets uniformely reach the
interior of the inverted cup molds; also make sure
that the plastic curtain is hanging freely and there
is not excessive water spilling through it.

If it is thought necessary, the above situations
can be rectified by, in the first case, turning the
control knob (as little or as much as is required)
clockwise and, in the second case, turning the
knob to the right counterclockwise.

Page 5

It should, however, be remembered that if the
room temperature returns later to the 20 ÷ 30°C
range, the knob indicator must once again be
turned to point to the dot (see fig. below).

If the ice cubes are shallow and cloudy, it is
possible that the ice maker runs short of water
during the end of the freezing cycle or, the quality
of the supplied water requires the use of an
appropriate water filter or conditioner.

H. At the end of the defrost or harvest cycle
hold a handful of ice cubes against the bulb of the
storage bin thermostat; the icemaker switch OFF
in about one-two minutes.
Take out the ice from the storage bin thermostat.
The ice maker should restart automatically in
three-four minutes.

NOTE.

The bin thermostat is factory set at

1°C (35°F) OUT and 4°C (39°F) IN.

I. Re-fit the unit front panel then instruct the
owner/user on the general operation of the ice
machine and about the cleaning and care it
requires.

Page 6

PRINCIPLE OF OPERATION

How it works

In the ice makers the water used to make the ice
is kept constantly in circulation by a water pump
which primes it to the spray system nozzles from
where it is diverted into the inverted cup molds of
the evaporator (Fig. A).
A small quantity of the sprayed water freezes into
ice; the rest of it cascades by gravity into the
sump assembly below for recirculation.

FREEZING CYCLE (Fig. B)
The hot gas refrigerant discharged out from the

compressor reaches the condenser where, being
cooled down, condenses into liquid. Flowing into
the liquid line it passes through the drier/filter,
then it goes all the way through the capillary tube
where it looses its pressure.
Next the refrigerant enters into the evaporator
serpentine (which has a larger diameter then the
capillary tube) and starts to boil off; this reaction
is emphasized by the heat transferred by the
sprayed water.
The refrigerant then increases in volume and
changes entirely into vapor.
The vapor refrigerant then passes through the
suction accumulator (used to prevent that any
small amount of liquid refrigerant may reach the
compressor) and through the suction line. In both
the accumulator and the suction line it exchanges
heat with the refrigerant flowing into the capillary
tube (warmer), before to be sucked in the
compressor and to be recirculated as hot
compressed refrigerant gas.
The freezing cycle is controlled by only the
evaporator thermostat which has its bulb in contact
with the evaporator serpentine.

The electrical components in operation during
the freezing cycle are:

COMPRESSOR
WATER PUMP
FAN MOTOR (in air cooled version)

On air cooled versions the refrigerant head
pressure is gradually reduced from a value of
approx. 11 bars (155 psig) at the beginning of
the freezing cycle with the unit at 21°C (70°F)
ambient temperature, to a minimun value of
approx. 7 bars (100 psig) just at the end of the
freezing cycle few seconds before the starting of
the defrost cycle.
The declining of the pressure is relied to the
reduction of the evaporating pressure, caused
by the progressive growth of the ice thickness
into the inverted cup molds and to the flow of air
drown through the air cooled condenser by the
fan motor. The above values are in relation as
well to the ambient temperature of the ice maker
site and they are subject to rise with the increase
of this temperature.

On water cooled versions the refrigerant head
pressure ranges between 8.5 and 10 bars
(120÷140 psig) being controlled by an automatic
hi pressure control that energizes a water solenoid
valve located on the water line to the condenser,
which rates the cooling water to the condenser.

At starting of freezing cycle the refrigerant suction
or lo-pressure lowers rapidly to 1.0 bar - 14 psig
then it declines gradually - in relation with the
growing of the ice thickness - to reach, at the end
of the cycle, approx. 0÷0.1 bar - 0÷1.5 psig.
The total length of the freezing cycle ranges from
23 to 25 minutes.

DEFROST OR HARVEST CYCLE (Fig. D)
The temperature of the evaporator thermostat, in

contact with the evaporator serpentine, drops to
a pre-set value it changes its electrical contacts
energizing the herebelow shown components.

COMPRESSOR
WATER INLET SOLENOID VALVE
HOT GAS SOLENOID VALVE

The incoming water, passing through the water
inlet valve and the flow control, runs over the
evaporator platen and then flows by gravity
through the dribbler holes down into the sump/
reservoir (Fig. C).
The water filling the sump/reservoir forces part of
the surplus water from the previous freezing
cycle to go out to the waste through the overflow
pipe. This overflow limits the level of the sump
water which will be used to produce the next
batch of ice cubes.
Meanwhile the refrigerant, as hot gas discharged
from the compressor, flows through the hot gas
valve directly into the evaporator serpentine by­passing the condenser.
The hot gas circulating into the serpentine of the
evaporator warms up the copper molds causing
the harvest of the ice cubes. The ice cubes,
released from the cups, drop by gravity onto a
slanted cube chute, then through a curtained
opening they fall into the storage bin.
When the temperature of the evaporator
thermostat bulb reaches the value of +3÷4°C
their electrical contacts move back to the previous
position activating a new freezing cycle and
deenergizing both the hot gas and the water inlet
valves (closed).

NOTE. The length of the defrost/harvest
cycle (not adjustable) changes according
to the ambient temperature (shorter for hi
ambient temperature and longer for low
one).

COMPONENTS DESCRIPTION

Page 7

A. WATER PUMP

The water pump operates continually throughout
the freezing cycle. The pump primes the water
from the sump to the spray system and through
the spray nozzles sprays it into the inverted cup
molds to be frozen into crystal clear ice cubes.

B. WATER INLET SOLENOID VALVE -

3/4 MALE FITTING

The water inlet solenoid valve is energized only
during the defrost cycle.
When energized it allows a metered amount of
incoming water to flow over the evaporator cavity
to assist the hot gas in defrosting the ice cubes.
The water running over the evaporator cavity
drops by gravity, through the dribbler holes of the
platen, into the sump reservoir.
On water cooled versions the water inlet solenoid
valve has one inlet and two outlets with two
separate solenoids energized the first (ice
productioon) by the contacts 3-2 of the evaporator
thermostat and the second (water cooled
condenser) by a specific hi pressure control.

C. HOT GAS SOLENOID VALVE

The hot gas solenoid valve consists basically in
two parts: the valve body and the valve coil.
During the defrost cycle the hot gas valve coil is
activated so to attract the hot gas valve piston in
order to give way to the hot gas discharged from
compressor to flow directly into the evaporator
serpentine to defrost the formed ice cubes.

This control determines the length of the freezing
cycle and correspondingly the size of the cubes.
A lower setting will produce a larger cube
(oversize) while a higher setting a smaller cuber
(shallow size).
When closed on contacts 3-2 it activates the
defrost or harvest cycle components.
The cube size control is set up in the factory
(knob in the black dot position) and doesn't
require any adjustment when the ambient
temperature remains between 20 and 30°C
(70 and 90°F).

F. FAN MOTOR (Air cooled version)

The fan motor is electrically connected in parallel
to the water pump and it operates continuously
only during the freezing cycle keeping the proper
head pressure by circulating air through the
condenser fins.

G. COMPRESSOR

The hermetic compressor is the heart of the
refrigerant system and it is used to circulate and
retrieve the refrigerant throughout the entire
system. It compresses the low pressure
refrigerant vapor causing its temperature to rise
and become high pressure hot vapor (hot gas)
which is then released through the discharge
valve.

H. WATER SPRAY SYSTEM

Through its nozzles it sprays the water in each
individual cup to be frozen into ice.

D. BIN THERMOSTAT

The bin thermostat control body is located in the
front of control box behind the front panel.
The thermostat sensing tube is located into a
bulb holder on the side wall of the ice storage bin
where it automatically shuts the icemaker OFF
when in contact with the ice and re-starts the
icemaker when the ice is removed. Factory
settings are 1°C (35°F) OUT and 4°C (39°F) IN.

E. CUBE SIZE CONTROL (EVAPORATOR

THERMOSTAT)

The cube size control (evaporator thermostat)
body is located in the control box behind the front
panel; it’s basically a reverse acting temperature
control which closes the contacts 3-2 when its
temperature decreases and closes the opposite
contacts 3-4 when the temperature rises.
The thermostat sensing bulb is located into a
plastic tube (bulb holder) secured by two clips
directly to the evaporator serpentine.

I.

SAFETY HI TEMPERATURE THERMOSTAT

Located in the control box it is a manual reset
switch that trips OFF the operation of the machine
when its bulb (located on the liquid line just
before the drier) reaches the temperature of
70°C (158°F).

J. CLEANING SWITCH

Located on the bottom left side of the control box
is used to energize the water inlet and the hot gas
valves so to charge the water into the sump tank
of the machine.

K. HI PRESSURE CONTROL (Water cooled

version)

Used only on water cooled versions it operates to
keep between 8.5 and 10 bars (120 ÷ 140 psig)
the hi-side or discharge pressure of the refrigerant
system by energizing the coil of the water inlet
solenoid valve that control the cooling water flow
to the condenser.

MAINTENANCE AND CLEANING INSTRUCTIONS

Page 9

CLEANING INSTRUCTIONS OF WATER
SYSTEM

1. Remove the front and top panels to gain
access either to the control box and to the
evaporator.

2. Make sure that all ice cubes have been
released from their cups, then switch OFF the
machine at main power switch.

3. Scoop out all the ice cubes stored into the
bin in order to prevent them from being
contaminated with the cleaning solution.

4. Remove the plastic cup located on the
bottom of sump/freezing chamber to drain out all
water and scale deposits.

5. Remove the curtain then, using a bottle,
poor fresh water into the bottom of the sump/
freezing chamber to clean out any possible scale
deposit.

6. Install again the curtain as well as the
bottom plastic cup.

7. On all other models, flush out the water
from the sump reservoir by removing the overflow
stand pipe.

8. Prepare the cleaning solution by diluting in
a plastic container one or two liters of warm water
(45°-50°C) with a 0,1-0,2 liters of Ice Machine
Cleaner.

WARNING. The Ice Machine Cleaner
contains Phosphoric and Hydroxyacetic
acids.
These compounds are corrosive and may
cause burns if swallowed, DO NOT indu­ce vomiting. Give large amounts of water
or milk. Call Physician immediately.
In case of external contact flush with
water. KEEP OUT OF THE REACH OF
CHILDREN.

NOTE.

The amount Cleaner and the time
needed for the cleaning of water system
depends of the water conditions.

11. Turn the cube size control knob
counterclockwise to the OFF position to shut-off
the ice maker then flush out the cleaning solution
from the sump reservoir then pour onto the
evaporator cavity two or three liters of clean
potable water to rinse the mold cups and the
platen.

12. If necessary remove the water spray platen
to clean it separately.

13. Turn again the cube size control knob to the
normal operating position (black dot). The water
pump is again in operation to circulate the water
in order to rinse the entire water system.
Do the operation as per steps 8 and 9 twice so to
be sure no more traces of descaling solution
remains into the sump.
Pour on the upper side of the evaporator platen
fresh water with a capfull of disinfectant solution
then turn again the machine in normal operating
mode so to sanitize all the water system for
approx. 10 minutes.

NOTE.

Do not mix descaling with disinfectant
solution to avoid the generation of a very
aggressive acid.

9. Remove the evaporator cover then slowly
pour onto the evaporator platen the cleaning
solution. With the help of a brush dissolve the
most resistant and remote scale deposits in the
platen.

10. Switch ON again the machine at main power
switch to start the icemaking process.
Allow the ice maker to operate for about 20
minutes. Then turn the cleaning toggle switch to
the "cleaning" position (II) till the release of the
ice cubes from their cups.

14. Flush out the disinfectant solution from the
sump reservoir then with the switch in "cleaning"
position, turn the cube size control knob to the
normal operating position.
When water starts overflowing through the
drain line, set the switch to "operation" position.
The unit is now ready to resume normal
operation.

15. Place again the evaporator cover and the
unit service panels.

Page 10

16. At completion of the freezing and harvest
cycle make sure of proper texture and clearness
of the ice cubes and that, they do not have any
acid taste.

ATTENTION. In case the ice cubes are
cloudy-white and have an acid taste, melt
them immediately by pouring on them
some warm water. This to prevent that
somebody could use them.

17. Wipe clean and rinse the inner surfaces of
the storage bin.

REMEMBER.

To prevent the accumulation
of undesirable bacteria it is necessary to
sanitize the interior of the storage bin with
an anti-algae disinfectant solution every
week.