Electrical Consumption of Commercial Ice Makers

Electrical Consumption of Commercial Ice Makers

There are about 2.5 million ice machines in use in several restaurants, hotels, offices, and other establishments across the US. Installing a commercial ice machine necessitates satisfying a number of specifications, including drainage, free space, and water line connection. Another item you’ll need is an outlet that can work with your ice maker.

The amount of energy used by an ice maker varies across models. Generally speaking, a smaller unit uses less energy than a bigger ice maker. Let’s discuss:

115v Ice Maker Designs

Excluding a few, most small ice dispensers that generate less than 800 pounds are 115v versions. These units require a 110v outlet to give the necessary electricity to satisfy the electrical needs of the ice maker. These outlets are found in almost all US homes.

They have two parallel ports in them. One of these spaces may be longer than the other, or both may be identical in size. The “hot” slot, usually the bigger slot on an outlet, is where power is supplied to the unit. The “neutral” is the smaller slot, and this completes the circuit.

The “ground” is the last small, spherical hole, which acts as a safety precaution to shield people from shocks by conducting electrical charges into the ground. Many historic buildings, including residences and organizations, have outlets without a ground.

115v ice machines require amperage as well. Anormal outlet’s amperage is usually 15 amps, but the breaker is generally 20 amps. You require a separate circuit, preferably an outlet and breaker with 20 amps.

A power outlet plug

220v Ice Machine Designs

Big ice machines that create more than 800 pounds of ice often need a 220v outlet to run the appliance. 115v outlets are more commonly found in homes and workplaces than 220vs. Check where your washer and dryer are placed, this is where you’ll find a 220v outlet.

A 220v ice maker cannot be plugged into any 220v socket to operate. In these models, there are three-wire and four-wire configurations for 220v outlets. There are one ground and two hot slots in a three-wire system. One neutral, ground, and two hot slots are present in a four-wire system. Ice dispensers that produce 800–1200 pounds of ice per day typically need a 20-amp. While ice makers that generate more than 1200 pounds of ice per day need a 30-amp.

3-Phase Ice Machine Designs

Organizations with 3-phase power systems in their buildings can use 3-phase ice machines. Bigger commercial ice makers generally come in a 3-phase form to serve organizations that are 3-phase wired. These configurations also result in an ice maker using less energy.

These ice machines cost several hundred dollars more than single-phase ones. For 3-phase ice makers, a separate circuit with three hot legs and one ground is required. Remember that a 3-phase ice maker can’t be powered by a single-phase plug since there isn’t enough room for the hot leg to operate.

LA Ice Machine can help you determine the right commercial ice machine for your business. We have served over 2,430 businesses all across industries, such as hotels, hospitals, offices, restaurants, etc. We offer an ice machine rental program that includes an ice dispenser, bin, and water filter installation, maintenance, and repair. Contact us today!

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recent Post