SERVICE 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 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.
Table of Contents INTRODUCTION Page 1.1 THE GROEN SERVICE CONCEPT .......................................................................................... 5 1.2 THE GROEN CERTIFIED SERVICE.......................................................................................... 5 1.3 WARRANTY AND NON-WARRANTY REPAIRS ...................................................................... 5 1.4 SAFETY ..................................................................................................
Table of Contents ASSEMBLY / DISASSEMBLY Page 5.1 AIR TEMPERATURE PROBE.................................................................................................. 21 5.2 CAVITY VENT ASSEMBLY .................................................................................................... 22 5.3 CONTROL PC BOARD .......................................................................................................... 22 5.4 DOOR REMOVAL/INSTALLATION/ALIGNMENT ..............................
Table of Contents PARTS IDENTIFICATION • VRC-3E Page 6.1 CAVITY VENT ASSEMBLY .................................................................................................... 32 6.2 CONTROL BOARD AND WIRING HARNESSES ...................................................................... 33 6.3 DOOR ASSEMBLY................................................................................................................ 34 6.4 ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS 208/240/240 VOLTS................................
INTRODUCTION 1.1 The Groen Service Concept 1.3 Warranty & Non-Warranty Repair Since 1907 Groen has been in the business of designing and manufacturing the finest commercial appliances for the food service industry. Chefs, cooks and kitchen support personnel have come to depend upon the quality of construction and the reliability of operation. Groen Warranty provisions are clearly presented in the customer’s Operator Manual.
INTRODUCTION WARNING: The signal word WARNING tells you that a possibly hazardous situation is about to take place which, if not avoided, could cause death or serious injury. • Always turn off the steamer power before removing and partitions or panels. • Disconnect the steamer from the power source before performing and internal service work. CAUTION: The signal word CAUTION warns you of a hazardous situation which, if not avoided, may result in minor or moderate injury. • Steamer may be hot.
INTRODUCTION 1.6.4 Recommended Supplies 1.7.1 Technical Bulletins • Pipe Thread Compound: Brand: LACO PipeTite Stik No. 11176 or equivalent • Motor Sealant Grease: Bel-Ray • 2” Aluminum Duct Tape • Removable Thread Locker: Locktite Type 242 (Door) Locktite Type 222 (Exterior) • Clear Silicone Sealant: Dow Coming Type 732 • Silicone Heat Sink Compound: Non-Fluid Oil Corp.
TECHNICAL BULLETINS 1.7.1a NUMBER PART 145702, REV. BFOR (7/06) CALL 888-994-7636 TECHNICAL SUPPORT PART Call 1-800/676-9040 forNUMBER Technical145702, Support REV.
OPERATION 2.1 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 running. • The low water float probe signals the ADD WATER indicator light to illuminate when it’s time to add water.
OPERATION 2.2 Operating Procedure 6. To remove pans from cavity, open the door. Remove the 1. Push the ON switch and make sure drain handle is in the pans from the steamer, using hot pads or oven mitts to closed position. protect your hands from the hot pans. 2. (When manual filling only) Pour water into the reservoir. When the water level comes up to the high float the reservoir 7. To shut off the unit, push the OFF switch. 8.
INSTALLING, CLEANING AND TESTING 3.1 Installation and Start-up Branch Circuit Protection CAUTION DO NOT INSTALL THE UNIT WITHIN 2 INCHES OF A HEAT SOURCE (SUCH AS A BRAISING PAN, DEEP FAT FRYER, CHARBROILER, OR KETTLE). Field Wiring Table Use copper wire only – insulation rating 90°C Voltage Phase 60 hz only Electrical Supply Connection – Observe all local, national, or other applicable codes.
INSTALLING, CLEANING AND TESTING Water Connections(s) • Units with Manual Fill No water connection is needed. The water will be poured directly into the water cavity reservoir. • Units with Auto-Fill Make sure that the incoming water connection is made with a 3/4” N.H. COLD water supply 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.
INSTALLING, CLEANING AND TESTING 3.2 Installation Checklist 3.3 Cleaning General To keep your VRC-3E or VRC-6E Connectionless Steamer in proper working condition, use the following procedure to clean the unit. _____ Remove all packaging. _____ Make sure there is a minimum of 2 inches of free space around the steamer. _____ Make sure the steamer is level or pitched slightly to the rear. _____ Check that the fan is clean and clear of foreign material.
INSTALLING, CLEANING AND TESTING WARNING Keep water and cleaning solutions out of controls and electrical components. Never hose or steam clean any part of the unit. Even when the unit has been shut off, don’t put hands or tools into the cooking chamber until the fan has stopped turning. Don’t operate the unit unless the removable partition has been put back in its proper location. Do not use any acidic cleanser products to clean the unit.
INSTALLING, CLEANING AND TESTING Notes Call 1-800/676-9040 for Technical Support PART NUMBER 145702, REV. C (01/07) 15 145702, REV.
TROUBLESHOOTING 4.1 Vortex100 Troubleshooting Procedure Each test procedure builds on the prior ones. Always start at the beginning of this procedure, and continue until the results indicate a malfunction. Do not skip steps. WARNING: Disconnect electrical power before servicing. SETUP EXPECTED RESULTS PROBABLE DEFECT TEST or COMMENTS Measure input voltage and compare to rating plate.
TROUBLESHOOTING SETUP EXPECTED RESULTS PROBABLE DEFECT TEST or COMMENTS Factory optional water fill kit. Close door.
TROUBLESHOOTING SETUP EXPECTED RESULTS PROBABLE DEFECT TEST or COMMENTS Look for temperature rise on the dial temperature guage Heats to 200 + degrees in 22 +/- 5 minutes Heater element Measure amperage for each leg and compare to the chart on next page. If amperage is incorrect, disconnect power, measure heater resistance (cold), and compare to the chart on next page.
TROUBLESHOOTING AMPERAGE / RESISTANCE CHART Model / Voltage / Phase Amperage 12KW 10KW Resistance 9KW 6.76KW 12KW 10KW 9KW VRC-6E 208 Three Phase 34 28 25 10.8 13.0 14.4 VRC-6E 240 Three Phase 29 25 22 14.4 17.3 19.2 VRC-6E 480* Three Phase 14.4 13 19.2 23.0 VRC-6E 208 Single Phase 58 49 44 10.8 13.0 14.4 VRC-6E 240 Single Phase 50 43 39 14.4 17.3 19.2 VRC-3E 208 Three Phase VRC-3E 240 Three Phase 22 19.2 VRC-3E 480* Three Phase 10.
TROUBLESHOOTING 4.2 VRC Checkout 1. SETUP Apply power to the VRC. On the back of the front-panel control EXPECTED RESULTS board, flip the left DIPswitch up to start the diagnostics. 2. Look The red 7-segment display on the front have insome for temperature rise on the Heatspanel to 200should + degrees of its segments guage lit. If they are not then check the fuse and circuit dial temperature 22 +/5 minutes breaker on the control transformer.
ASSEMBLY / DISASSEMBLY WARNING Be sure the steamer is disconnected from the branch circuit power before performing any repair work. 5.1 Air Temperature Probe Removal 1. Turn off the steamer power and disconnect the steamer from the branch circuit. Note: an incorrectly installed air temperature probe MUST be replaced. Trying to operate the steamer with a bent or crushed probe will result in improper steamer operation. 2.
ASSEMBLY / DISASSEMBLY 5.2 Cavity Vent Assembly P/N 140867 - Pressure Relief Valve Removal 1. Turn off the steamer power and disconnect the steamer from the branch circuit. 2. Remove the left side panel. 3. Loosen the two (2) hose clamps. 4. Remove the hose from the hose fittings. 5. Unscrew the assembly from the nipple attached to the cavity. Installation 6. Thread the new assembly onto the nipple attached to the cavity. 7. Replace the hose and hose clamps. 8. Replace the left side panel. 5.
ASSEMBLY / DISASSEMBLY 5.5 Door Switch - P/N 096857 Removal 1. Turn off the steamer power and disconnect the steamer from the branch circuit. 2. Remove the right side cover from the steamer. 3. Disconnect the door switch harness from the control board. 4. The switch is held in place by two slotted screws. Removing these two screws will allow the removal of the switch. 5. If the door has been reversed, remove the left side cover and follow the instructions above. Installation 6.
ASSEMBLY / DISASSEMBLY Installation 7. Apply a RTV 732 or equivalent, to the door spacers. 8. Install the new door gasket around the outer door panel on the insulation board. Be sure the inner door panel flange is fully inserted into the gasket groove. 9. Apply Locktite 242 to the threads of the inner door mounting screws and tighten. 10. Align the door with the hinge and insert the pin or apply Locktite 242 to the door-to-hinge bolts, then install the door and mounting bolts.
ASSEMBLY / DISASSEMBLY Installation 7. Attach the pipe extension to the drain valve. 8. Attach the drain valve to the pipe nipple attached to the cavity. 9. Attach the connection bracket to the drain valve body, using the 1/4” hex nut. 10. Attach the drain actuator shaft to the connection bracket, using the 3/8” hex nut. 11. Fill the steamer water reservoir with water and check for leaks. 12. Re-connect the steamer to the branch circuit power supply. 13. Turn on the steamer and check for proper operation.
ASSEMBLY / DISASSEMBLY Installation 12. Assemble the plate assembly DRY to be sure the orientation of the assembly is correct and the correct sides of the plates are marked. There is not enough paste supplied with the kit to do the assembly twice. Disassemble to apply the Thermal Paste. 13. Apply the Thermal Paste evenly to the bottom of the cavity or top of upper aluminum heat sink plate. See the figure on page 5-17. Thickness should be about 1/4” inch.
ASSEMBLY / DISASSEMBLY 5.15 Fan Motor Assembly P/N 096740 Fan Motor P/N 096868 Motor Shaft Seal P/N 096831 Oil Slinger Washer IMPORTANT The oil slinger washer has a rubber surface and a phenolic surface. Make sure the phenolic surface is facing the motor. Removal 1. Turn off the steamer power and disconnect the steamer from the branch circuit. 2. Remove the support rack from in front of the fan. 12. Install the seal holder plate onto the motor shaft. Carefully 3.
ASSEMBLY / DISASSEMBLY 5.16 Motor Starting Capacitor - P/N096813 Removal 1. Turn off the steamer power and disconnect the steamer from the branch circuit. 2. Loosen the screw holding the motor capacitor. 3. Unplug the two wires from the capacitor. Remove the capacitor. Installation 4. Install and tighten the screw holding the capacitor to the mounting plate. 5. Plug in the terminal wires to the capacitor, 6. Re-connect the branch circuit power and test the steamer for proper operation. 5.
ASSEMBLY / DISASSEMBLY 5.20 Remote Reading Thermometer P/N 141055 Remote Reading Thermometer Removal 1. Turn off the steamer power and disconnect the steamer from the branch circuit. 2. Remove the left and right side panels. 3. On the left side, remove the 5/8” compression hex nut holding the capillary bulb in place. 4. Push the capillary bulb out from the inside of the cavity. 5. Disconnect capillary tube from cable support bracket. 6.
ASSEMBLY / DISASSEMBLY 5.22 WATER DRAIN KIT INSTALLATION 1. Remove all parts from shipping cartons. 2. Check-identify all parts as follow. 2.1 Water Drain Parts 142549 Elbow 3/4 hose barb 90 deg . . . . . . . . . . . . .1 142550 Tee 3/4 hose barb . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1 143246 Drain assembly, autodrain . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1 143250 Hose long 3/4”ID x 10ft . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1 143254 Hose 3/8”ID x 30 3. Water drain installation steps. 3.
ASSEMBLY / DISASSEMBLY Item # 1 Part # 142549 Description Elbow, 3/4” Hose Barb 2 141067 Chamber Assembly. Reference only 3 142550 Tee, 3/4” Hose Barb 4 140789 Back Panel - Reference Only. 5 143246 Drain Assembly, Autodrain Kit 6 143250 Hose, long 3/4”ID x 10 ft. 14 127523 Hose Clamp 16 127523 Hose 3/8” ID X 30” Long ATTACH HOSE 143254 (3/8" DIAMETER X 30"LONG) TO THIS PORT USING THE TENSION CLAMP.
PARTS IDENTIFICATION • VRC-3E 6.1 Cavity Vent Assembly No. Description 1* Pressure Relief Valve 1/2 PSI (Remove used plug if needing to replace) Kit Motor Assembly Exhaust Assembly Hose Constant Tension Band Clamp, Constant Tension Condensate Hose 9” Rocker Switch Drain Actuator Shaft High Float Low Float PC Control Board Air Temperature Probe Shaft Grip Remote Reading Dial Thermometer Overlay (Front Panel Lower) Overlay (Front Panel) Hour meter 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14* 15 16* 17* 18 Qty.
PARTS IDENTIFICATION • VRC-3E 6.2 Control Board and Wiring Harnesses No. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7* Description Harness, VRC Control to Relay Board Motor 1/15HP 2-Pole Harness, VRC Low Voltage Harness, Steamer High Voltage Harness, VRC Forward Harness, VRC RTD to Control Board Harness, VRC Auto-Fill Qty. 1 Part No. 160879 1 1 1 1 1 1 096739 160875 160874 160876 160878 160877 *Not shown PART 145702, REV. C (01/07) 1-800/676-9040 for Technical Support 6 NUMBER 2 Call 33 PARTFOR NUMBER 145702, REV.
PARTS IDENTIFICATION • VRC-3E 6.3 Door Assembly (130858) No. Description 1 2 3 4 5* 6 7 8 9 10* 11* 12 Outer Door Panel Gasket Inner Door Panel Truss Head Screws Hex Head Screws Door Handle Door Hinge Door Cam Latch Assembly Door Spacers Insulator Board Block and Magnet Qty. Part No. 1 1 1 6 2 1 1 1 1 4 1 1 130895 124849 130861 005764 005608 129723 140755 074252 140752 071206 140754 069762 *Not shown 34 NUMBER PART 145702, REV.
PARTS IDENTIFICATION VRC-3E 6.4 Electrical Components 208/240/480 Volts No. Description 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 High Voltage Panel Transformer, 75VAC Contactor, 3-Pole Capacitor Foil 3 Mfd Screw Hex Slotted Washer Head Cap Screw Round Head 8-32 1 1/4” Nut Lock 6-32 Contactor, 3-Pole 30Fla Mechanical Lug, Ground, #2-#8 Terminal Block 3-Pole Bushing Snap 11/16” I.D. Bushing Snap 1“ I.D.
PARTS IDENTIFICATION • VRC-3E 6.5 Heater Element Assembly No. 1 1 1 2 3 4* 5* 6 7* 11 8 9 10 Description Heater Element Replacement Kit 208 volts 9 KW Heater Element Replacement Kit 240 volts 9 KW Heater Element Replacement Kit 480 volts 9 KW Heater Support Bracket Heater Support Bracket with Hi-limit Thermostat Lock Washers, #10 Hex Nuts 10-32 Hi-limit Thermostat Round Head Screw 6-32 x 3/16" Heat Transfer Compound Not Shown Heater Insulation 13” Heater Insulation 15” Insulation Plate Support Qty.
PARTS IDENTIFICATION • VRC-3E 6.6 Motor Assembly No. Description 1 2 3 4* 5* 6* Motor Assembly (Kit) Motor Insulator Motor Shaft Seal Keps Nut 1/4”-20 Blower Wheel (Fan) Set Screw Qty. Part No. 1 1 1 4 1 1 14688OS 094135 096868 012940 096790 096789 *Not shown 1-800/676-9040 for Technical Support 6 NUMBER 10 Call PART 145702, REV. C (01/07) 37 145702, REV.
PARTS IDENTIFICATION • VRC-3E 6.7 Float Assemblies No. Description Qty. Part No. 1 2 3 4* Cavity Air Temperature Probe Probe Protector Assembly Compression Nut 1/8” Probe Male Fitting 1 1 1 1 085187 074827 071284 071217 5* 6* 7* 8* 9* 10* Remote Reading Thermometer Temperature Gauge Bulb Fitting Jam Nut 3/4 ”-16 Fiber Washer 3/4 ” Flat Washer 3/4 ” SS Compression Fitting 3/8” 1 1 1 1 1 1 141055 141058 141056 141069 114816 141057 *Not shown 38 NUMBER PART 145702, REV.
PARTS IDENTIFICATION • VRC-3E 6.8 No. Interior and Exterior Cabinet Description Qty. Part No. 1 2 3 Blower wheel Blower cover assembly Left side rack 1 1 1 096790 139773 124873 4 Water Level Float 2 142689 4 1-800/676-9040 for Technical Support 6 NUMBER 12 Call PART 145702, REV. C (01/07) 39 145702, REV.
PARTS IDENTIFICATION • VRC-6E 7.1 Cavity Vent Assembly No. Description 1* Pressure Relief Valve 1/2 PSI (Remove used plug if needing to replace) Kit Motor Assembly Exhaust Assembly Hose Constant Tension Band Clamp, Constant Tension Condensate Hose 9” Rocker Switch Drain Actuator Shaft High Float Low Float PC Control Board Air Temperature Probe Shaft Grip Remote Reading Dial Thermometer Overlay (Front Panel Lower) Overlay (Front Panel) Hour meter 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14* 15 16* 17* 18 Qty.
PARTS IDENTIFICATION • VRC-6E 7.2 Control Board and Wiring Harnesses No. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7* Description Harness, VRC Control to Relay Board Motor 1/15HP 2-Pole Harness, VRC Low Voltage Harness, Steamer High Voltage Harness, VRC Forward Harness, VRC RTD to Control Board Harness, VRC Auto-Fill Qty. 1 Part No. 160879 1 1 1 1 1 1 096739 160875 160874 160876 160878 160877 *Not shown 1-800/676-9040 for Technical Support 7 NUMBER 2 Call PART 145702, REV. C (01/07) 41 145702, REV.
PARTS IDENTIFICATION • VRC-6E 7.3 Door Assembly (140749) No. Description 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10* 11* 12* Outer Door Panel Gasket Inner Door Panel Truss Head Screws Hex Head Screws Door Handle Door Hinge Door Cam Latch Assembly Door Spacers Insulator Board Block and Magnet Qty. Part No. 1 1 1 6 2 1 1 1 1 4 1 1 140750 140748 140751 005764 005608 129723 140755 074252 140752 071206 140754 069762 *Not shown 42 NUMBER PART 145702, REV.
PARTS IDENTIFICATION • VRC-6E 7.4 Electrical Components 208/240/480 Volts No. Description 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 High Voltage Panel Transformer, 75VAC Contactor, 3-Pole Capacitor Foil 3 Mfd Screw Hex Slotted Washer Head Cap Screw Round Head 8-32 1 1/4” Nut Lock 6-32 Contactor, 3-Pole 30Fla Mechanical Lug, Ground, #2-#8 Terminal Block 3-Pole Bushing Snap 11/16” I.D. Bushing Snap 1“ I.D.
PARTS IDENTIFICATION • VRC-6E 7.5 Heater Element Assembly No. 1 1 1 2 3 4* 5* 6 7* 8 9 10 11 Description Heater Element Replacement Kit 208 volts 9 KW Heater Element Replacement Kit 240 volts 9 KW Heater Element Replacement Kit 480 volts 9 KW Heater Support Bracket Heater Support Bracket with Hi-limit Thermostat Lock Washers, #10 Hex Nuts 10-32 Hi-limit Thermostat Round Head Screw 6-32 x 3/16" Heater Insulation 13” Heater Insulation 15” Insulation Plate Support Heat Transfer Compound Qty. Part No.
PARTS IDENTIFICATION • VRC-6E 7.6 Motor Assembly No. Description 1 2 3 4* 5* 6* Motor Assembly (Kit) Motor Insulator Motor Shaft Seal Keps Nut 1/4”-20 Blower Wheel (Fan) Set Screw Qty. Part No. 1 1 1 4 1 1 14688OS 094135 096868 012940 096790 096789 *Not shown 1-800/676-9040 for Technical Support 7 NUMBER 10 Call PART 145702, REV. C (01/07) 45 145702, REV.
PARTS IDENTIFICATION • VRC-6E 7.7 Float Assemblies No. Description 1 2 3 4* 5* 6* 7* 8* 9* 10* 11* 12* 13* 14* Cavity Air Temperature Probe Probe Protector Assembly Compression Nut 1/8” Probe Male Fitting Probe Nut 7/16”-28 Probe Washer Fiber Washer Probe Fitting Remote Reading Thermometer Temperature Gauge Bulb Fitting Jam Nut 3/4”-16 Fiber Washer 3/4” Flat Washer 3/4” SS Compression Fitting 3/8” Qty. Part No.
PARTS IDENTIFICATION • VRC-6E 7.8 Interior and Exterior Cabinet No. Description Qty. Part No. 1 2 3 Blower wheel Blower cover assembly Left side rack 1 1 1 096790 140785 140782 4 Water Level Float 2 142689 4 1-800/676-9040 for Technical Support 7 NUMBER 12 Call PART 145702, REV. C (01/07) 47 145702, REV.
SPECIFICATIONS • VRC-3E, VRC-6E General Specifications Electrical Specifications Electrical requirement are, 208, 240 or 480 volts, single (208 or 240 volts steamers) or three phase power supply. The Vortex100 Connectionless Steamer has an electric heated water Note: 480-volt steamers are three phase only. reservoir to provide atmospheric steam at a temperature of The three phase steamers are shipped with a cord set ready to approximately 212°F, at sea level. The water reservoir has electric plug in.
A X B L1 A A C L2 TERMINAL BLOCK TB1 RED BROWN R 1 D X T1 T2 T3 L2 L3 RED BLACK KEY TIMER 2 1 H2 12 13 14 15 16 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 4 1 2 10 5 3 GRN/YEL 2 T1 1 752VA TRANSFORMER H3 1 H1 T2 TRANSFORMER GRAY GRAY GRAY GRAY 1 PHASE 208/240V L1 K3 GND DOOR 2 ROCKER HOUR METER SWI 17 LIGHT AND TIMER BOARD BLACK BROWN RED BLUE BLUE BLUE BLUE BLUE BLUE 12(MANUAL) 11 22(TIMING) 21 24(DONE) HL2 HL1 F RTD 2 1 BLUE J3 6 FILL VALVE AF J5B1 RED 1
A X B L1 A A C L2 TERMINAL BLOCK TB1 D X 1 PHASE 1 T2 T3 L2 L3 1 1 T1 208/240V TIMER H3 H2 H1 2 2 2 T2 TRANSFORMER L1 K3 GND J8 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 RED BLUE BLUE BLUE BLUE BLUE BLUE 12(MANUAL) 11 22(TIMING) 21 24(DONE) ACLO 10 5 BLUE BLUE 8 A B X 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 1 2 3 J1 LOW POWER FILL FAN SPRAY +5VDC DRAIN 24VAC A L1 B X C L2 3 PHASE 208V, 240V, 480V D L3 PC1 HIGH PROBE LOW PROBE +12VDC TERMINAL BLOCK TB1 WHITE/ORANGE WHITE/ORANGE GREEN/YELLOW 1
INSTALLING, CLEANING AND TESTING Notes Call 1-800/676-9040 for Technical Support PART NUMBER 145702, REV. C (01/07) 51 145702, REV.
1055 Mendell Davis Drive • Jackson MS 39272 888-994-7636 • 601-372-3903 • Fax 888-864-7636 groen.com PART NUMBER 145702, REV.
