GROEN GG3-E (01) PDF 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.

MINIMUM water quality STANDARDS MUST BE MET to insure proper operation. WATER SOFTENING IS RECOMMENDED if the quality of your water does not meet the following standards:

Total dissolved solids (TDS) content should not exceed 30 parts per million.

Water pH should be 7.0 or higher.

Water quality problems are the most common cause of steamer failure and are not covered by provisions of the product warranty. Malfunction as a result of sediment and/or lime in the valves or scale build-up in the steam generator is not covered by the warranty.

Model GG3-E will accept the following combinations of full-size perforated or solid cafeteria pans:

Two pans, 4″ deep

Three pans, 2 1/2″ deep

Six pans, 1″ deep

It is absolutely essential to supply the Groen steamer with water that will not form scale at an unacceptable rate. Supply water containing not more than 30 parts per million total dissolved solids (TDS) and with a pH of 7.0 or higher.

1. Do not rely on “water treaters” commonly sold as scale preventers and scale removers. They do not work. The only proven way to prevent scale build-up is to feed in water practically free of scale-forming minerals.

2. If your water supply carries scale forming minerals, run the water through a properly maintained softener. Exchangeable softener cartridges or a regeneratable softener can be used. Establish a regular program of exchanging the cartridges or regenerating the softener. Installing a water meter on the inlet line between the softener and the generator can help determine when to change the cartridge or regenerate the softener.

TO AVOID ALL SCALE PROBLEMS, USE AND PROPERLY MAINTAIN A SOFTENER.

If you notice a slowing of steam production, first check the water supply. Then, pull the heating element out of the steam generator and check it for scale. Heavy scale will reduce the element’s ability to boil water and can lead to premature failure.

WARNING: DISCONNECT ELECTRIC POWER BEFORE YOU REMOVE THE CASING FROM THE STEAMER.

Some scale can be scraped off carefully. Chemical deliming should only be done by an expert familiar with the hazards. Vinegar may dissolve scale but requires a long time and frequent changes.

To prevent this, use and properly maintain a water softener.

WARNING: THE STEAMER MUST BE INSTALLED BY PERSONNEL QUALIFIED TO WORK WITH ELECTRICITY AND PLUMBING. IMPROPER INSTALLATION CAN CAUSE INJURY TO PERSONNEL AND/OR DAMAGE TO THE EQUIPMENT. INSTALL THE UNIT IN ACCORDANCE WITH ALL APPLICABLE CODES.

After inspection, keep the unit crated until installation.

1. Remove the crate/box from the skid. Remove the four mounting bolts from the skid (Keep the bolts for installation).

2. Hoist the unit to the mounting location using a cloth-wrapped sling.

3. Level the table top or counter. If not using optional legs, drill four 1/2 inch holes aligned with the anchor nuts in the steamer base. Drill additional holes if service connections will pass through the mounting surface.

4. Place the steamer on the leveled surface and secure it using the mounting bolts saved earlier.

5. Seal the joint between the steamer base and mounting surface with a suitable caulking compound (e.g., RTV sealant).

6. If optional legs were purchased, screw them into the anchor nuts on the base.

CAUTION: Follow the directions in the “Water Conditioning” section before connecting the water supply to avoid damage and possible voiding of warranties.

Connect the cold water line (1/4 inch NPT) to the factory-supplied flexible hose, then connect the hose to the steamer. A check valve must be installed (some codes require two). To maintain accurate pressure and flow rate, install a strainer and a pressure reducing valve. The required flow rate at 30 PSIG is 0.28 to 0.33 GPM for the 5 KW steamer or 0.31 to 0.36 GPM for the 7.5 KW steamer.

The steamer has a 1 1/4″ ID x 48″ long drain hose. Direct this hose over an open floor drain, or connect it to a 1″ (or larger) IPS pipe header to a nearby floor drain. GROEN recommends the header have no more than 2 elbows and be no longer than 6 ft. If longer than 6 ft or with more than 2 elbows, use 1 1/2″ IPS pipe.

Remember: This is a gravity drain that must vent freely to the atmosphere.

Ensure an “air gap” of at least 2″ at the floor drain (unless local codes specify differently). The drain must be set lower than the steamer base.

CAUTION: The steamer drain discharges steam and hot condensate. Comply with these instructions to direct the flow to the floor drain.

Any mechanical or electrical change must be approved by the Groen Division Food Service Engineering Department. The required electrical supply is specified on the information plate at the rear of the unit and is protected by fuses in the steamer. Power must be connected to a terminal block inside the junction box in the rear. Stacked units require separate electrical connections for each unit. Observe local codes and/or The National Electrical Code (ANSI/NFPA-70 latest edition).

GG3-E Steamers are shipped with 3 phase wiring. For field conversion to single phase operation, consult the label on the rear of the unit or the diagram included in the manual.

NOTE: Use copper wire rated at least 75°C.

ELECTRICAL REQUIREMENTS TABLE:

	5KW		7.5 KW
Voltage/Phase	AMP	WIRE SIZE	AMP	WIRE SIZE
208V, 1PH	24	#8AWG (3.5mm)	36	#6AWG (4.5mm)
208V, 3 PH	14	#8AWG (3.5mm)	21	#6AWG (4.5mm)
240V, 1PH	21	#10AWG (3.0mm)	31	#6AWG (4.5mm)
240V, 3 PH	12	#10AWG (3.0mm)	18	#6AWG (4.5mm)
480V, 1PH	10.4	#12AWG (2.5mm)	16	#12AWG (2.5mm)
480V, 3 PH	6	#12AWG (2.5mm)	9	#12AWG (2.5mm)

1) Starting with solenoid valve (2) screw 1/4 NPT pipe plug (1) into solenoid valve 1/4 FPT inlet.

2) Screw 1/2 x 3/8 reducing bushing (3) into 1/2 FPT inlet of solenoid valve (2).

3) Screw solenoid valve with reducing bushing into boiler outlet (7).

4) Screw 1/2 x 3/8 reducing bushing (3) and 45° elbow (4) respectively into solenoid valve (2) 1/2 NPT outlet.

5) Attach 1/2 O.D. copper tubing (5) short run to elbow (4) and long run to drain (6).

6) Rotate solenoid valve (2) on horizontal axis to assemble 1/2 O.D. copper tubing.

Now that the steamer has been installed, perform initial testing:

1. Remove all literature and packing from the interior and the exterior of the unit.

2. Be sure water line to the steamer is open.

3. Turn on electrical service to the unit.

4. Verify that the strainer for the chamber drain and all of the pan supports are in place.

5. Push the ON/OFF power switch to the ON position. The switch will illuminate.

6. Set the timer for approximately 5 minutes. Steam should be visible after about 3 minutes. Check the condensate drain for proper drainage.

7. To turn off the alarm at the end of the timing cycle, set the timer to zero.

To completely shut down the unit, push the ON/OFF power switch to the OFF position. (The light will go out and the steamer will automatically start to drain.)

If the steamer functions as described, it’s ready for use. If not, call your Groen Authorized Agent.

A. Start-up Procedure

Push the power switch to the ON position. Set timer to 5 minutes to fill the steam generator and warm up the unit.

B. Cooking

1. Load food into pan so that there is a uniform layer. Slide pan onto supports. Use the middle pan position when only using one pan.

2. Close the door.

3. Set the timer at the desired cooking time. (Optimum time depends on initial product temperature, amount, water/ice presence, layer thickness, etc. See recommended Cook Time Chart for approximate settings.)

4. When the set time has elapsed, an alarm will sound, the ready lamp will light, and steam will cut off.

5. To stop the alarm, turn the timer knob from the alarm mode to the OFF position.

WARNING: STEAM CAN CAUSE BURNS. USE CARE WHEN OPENING DOOR TO CHECK OR REMOVE FOOD.

This outlines the steamer’s functioning:

Power ON, Timer at “0”: The ready lamp lights, the dump valve closes, and the water fill valve opens, filling the generator until the probe senses the correct level.

Timer Set for Cooking: Full power flows to the heating element, and condenser water starts flowing. (If water doesn’t reach the probe within ~5 seconds, power to the element and condenser water turn off until the level is reached).

During Cooking: The probe senses water needs and the fill valve opens/closes accordingly.

Cooking Time Elapsed: The alarm sounds (silence by turning timer to “OFF”). Element current turns off, the ready lamp lights, and condenser water shuts off.

Stand-by Mode: If the timer is not reset for cooking after ~4 minutes, stand-by power (2% of full power) is applied to keep boiler water at incipient boil for immediate cooking readiness.

Water Feed Failure: If the water level drops below the probe for >5 seconds, all power to the heating element is removed until the level is restored. Upon restoration (with timer at zero), stand-by power engages after ~4 minutes, slowly warming the new water. To speed up heating after water restoration, set the timer for a 5-minute warm-up.

Element Overheat: If the element overheats (control failure, low water), a safety thermostat cuts all power. It resets automatically after cooling. If water isn’t restored, it will quickly overheat and trip again.

Power Switch OFF: All power is removed from the heating element and control circuit. The dump valve opens, allowing the steam generator to drain. Any flowing condenser water will stop.

The GG3 Steamer is designed for minimum maintenance. Always supply low-mineral water. No user adjustment should be necessary. If service is needed, only Groen personnel or authorized Groen representatives should perform the work.

CAUTION: Use of any replacement parts other than those supplied by Groen or their authorized distributor VOIDS ALL WARRANTIES and can cause bodily injury or equipment damage. Service performed by other than factory authorized personnel WILL VOID ALL WARRANTIES.

WARNING: ALWAYS SHUT OFF THE ELECTRIC POWER BEFORE WORK IS DONE ON INTERNAL COMPONENTS.

If cooking slowly, check the heating element for scale (clean/replace) and check the water supply. Check the strainer in the water inlet (right lower corner of control compartment): remove nut, pull out screen, clean it.

Fuses are on the rear panel; unscrew the knob to replace.

Perform daily cleaning as outlined.

If steam or condensation leaks from around the door seal (and the drain is not blocked), the door latch requires adjustment. Gaskets can creep over time.

To adjust:

1. Loosen the two latch nuts.

2. Move the latch catch plate toward the handle. This decreases the space between the chamber and the door gasket on the right side.

3. Tighten the nuts securely.

WARNING: TAKE PRECAUTIONS TO AVOID CONTACT WITH THE CLEANER, AS RECOMMENDED BY THE SUPPLIER. MANY CLEANERS ARE HARMFUL TO THE SKIN, EYES, MUCOUS MEMBRANES, AND CLOTHING. CAREFULLY READ THE WARNINGS AND FOLLOW THE DIRECTIONS ON THE LABEL OF THE CLEANER.

WARNING: BEFORE YOU BEGIN TO CLEAN THE UNIT, UNPLUG THE POWER SUPPLY CORD, OR DISCONNECT THE ELECTRIC POWER SUPPLY AT THE CIRCUIT BREAKER OR FUSE BOX.

Follow this daily procedure:

1. Shut off the power.

2. Allow the steamer to cool.

3. Wash the racks and then the entire cooking chamber interior with a mixture of warm water and a mild detergent.

WARNING: DO NOT HOSE OR STEAM CLEAN THE UNIT. THE CONTROL PANEL IS NOT WATERPROOF.

4. Rinse the cooking chamber thoroughly with warm water. Make sure that the drain screen is clean and free of food particles.

5. Wipe the exterior surfaces clean with a damp rag. Be careful to keep all the moisture out of the control panel.

6. Leave the chamber door open long enough to allow the chamber to dry completely.

CAUTION: Do not use abrasive cleaning materials like steel wool or scouring powder on the unit. To preserve the stainless steel surfaces, wash them with cleaning aids such as cloth, plastic wool, or a soft-bristle brush.

If problems occur, use the following checks. Work marked with an asterisk (*) should only be done by a factory authorized service representative.

WARNING: USE ONLY GROEN SUPPLIED PARTS. SUBSTITUTION OF UNAUTHORIZED PARTS OR GENERIC PARTS CAN CAUSE BODILY INJURY TO THE OPERATOR AND DAMAGE TO THE EQUIPMENT.

SYMPTOM	WHAT TO CHECK
Power switch light does not go on.	a. Fuses on the back panel of the cabinet. b. Electric power supply.
No steam.	a. Water supply to the steamer. b. Strainer for plugged screen (Ref. 23).* c. Fill valve operation (Ref. 22).* d. Contactor operation (Ref. 12).* e. Thermostat operation (Ref. 14).* f. Water level sensor rod for build-up of scale (Ref. 18, 19).* g. Heating element for ground short or open element (Ref. 39).* h. For power through the timer (Ref. 5).*
Excess steam in the drain.	a. For a clogged spray nozzle in the drain piping.* b. Drain solenoid operation (Ref. 24).*
Excess water or steam coming out the front of the chamber.	a. For a clogged drain. b. Pitch of the steamer. Check by placing a spirit level on the floor of the chamber. c. Door adjustment.*