Ice-O-Matic ice machine

[mwright]

Have an ice machine that mysteriously every couple weeks or so will trip the 20amp 3 pole breaker. Always happens over night when no one is around. It is probably just running trying to fill itself from being used all day. What gets me is it only happens every once in a while. Anyone ever experience this and if so what did you find to be the problem and how did you fix it? Thanks for any input!!

[baub]

Here is how I handle that problem. Go to Autozone, pick up a bunch of in-line fuse holders and slo-blow fuses. Rig the fuse into the component(s) you think might be causing the problem, with the fuse rating under the 20A breaker.

When she quits, you should be able to ID the problem.

Also megger the compressor first.

[Tommy knocker]

120 degree water?

[mwright]

120 degree water?

What do you mean by this Tommy?

[Tommy knocker]

What do you mean by this Tommy?

Haven't seen it trip a breaker but have seen it, especially on Hoshizaki machines, trip limits at night intermittently. I can see how it could cause a breaker to trip. Check the mop sink. Sometimes they have a hose with a squeeze nozzle on the mop sink. They leave both the hot and cold water on. Within a few hours of no use the hot water will heat the cold side of water system. Ice machine cycles and sump gets filled with 120 degree water and machine take a dump. They will deny this ever happens of coarse. If I suspect it is happening I will put a dab of vaseline on top of the water inlet near the solenoid. It will stay there unless the line gets hot. So when I go back and the Vaseline has melted off I have a talk with the mgr. may not be your issue but something to check. Good luck.

[mwright]

Very interesting!!! Also the Vaseline trick is ingenious!
Thanks for the tips. I will let you know how I make out.
If anyone else has any ideas please don't hold back.

[socotech]

You sure breaker is not weak? Loose wire connections?

[shaka]

Self contain air cool
Make sure it does not get too hot in the room
They shut down Ac when they leave.

[timebuilder]

Self contain air cool
Make sure it does not get too hot in the room
They shut down Ac when they leave.

He's not talking about a water cooled machine. He means the water input temp.

[mwright]

Self contain air cool
Make sure it does not get too hot in the room
They shut down Ac when they leave.

The evap is water cooled.

[valdelocc]

The evap is water cooled.

technically the evaporator is water heated

[timebuilder]

The evap is water cooled.

Funny. I thought the evap was cooled by conversion of liquid refrigerant to a vapor due to a pressure drop and absorption of heat.

I guess I better crack those books again....

[Tommy knocker]

I was talking about sump water. 120 water over evap=bad.