espresso machine hookup

[shootersm]

Hi all,

So here I am looking for advices on how to hookup a commercial machine,
Before starting to cleanup the machine i would like to make it work and check for leaks
So here it is:



For the power can i hardwire it directly or i need to plug it, the original plug what cut off
And is it normal that the pump and grinder are wired directly inside the machine?

For water supply does the softtener goes before the pump or between pump and machine
Is there a max pressure of water on the input

Does the 50hz on the grinder matters?

Thank you fr your input

[Tex]

Use a water softener/filtration system between the water mains and the rotary pump. I use a Flojet pump and bottled water now; but when I had my machine plumbed into the water mains, I used a water pressure regulator set to 30 psi to save wear and tear on seals.

Most 1-group machines have internal pumps, while most multiple group machines use external pumps. It's common for the pump to be wired to the espresso machine, since the signal for the pump to turn on/off comes from the machine's circuitry. I've never seen a grinder wired to the espresso machine, except for some Brasilia models that have internal grinders.

For safeties sake, be sure your machine is wired to a GFCI. Whether you hardwire it or use a plug & receptacle is up to you. My machine is a 110VAC/15 amp and I use a plug & receptacle wired to a 20 amp circuit.  edited: IF you machine requires more amps than your circuit is rated for, have it installed by a professional electrician.

The 50Hz grinder is OK to use in a 60Hz circuit.

What make/model of commercial machine/grinder do you have?

[shootersm]

thank you tex,

the machine is a astoria argenta 2 groups



it is 220v,
 the grinder is wired directly inside the machine
strange, but i guess the owner didnt have an extra outlet for it,
it is a bezzera and looks like the pavoni grinder you have on sale,

[smico]

Wow maaan. This is a mean machine.
If you need to peek into the boiler I can lend you http://www.amazon.com/Whistler-9mm-Wireless-Inspection-Camera/dp/B005L3HZGS

[milowebailey]

First off.... get the grinder off the espresso machine wiring... unbalances the load if the grinder is 110v.  If it's 240v then install 2 outlets or wire in a double 240 outlet.

You can either wire the machine direct, or add a plug and outlet.  I recommend the plug.  Get a 240v rated outlet.  A 20A then you can use romex wiring (most 12 gage is rated at 600 v, 20 A. for short runs).  The Astoria probably pulls less than 15 amps.



Fire it up and figure out what's wrong with it.  If the boiler works descale the tank with citric acid (add about 1/2 cup of citric acid, fire up the boiler and let it soak for about an hour, then flush with lots of water by running the hot water tap of the machine).  If there are leaks you can get kits for the steam and hot water wands.

[Tex]

thank you tex,

the machine is a astoria argenta 2 groups



it is 220v,
 the grinder is wired directly inside the machine
strange, but i guess the owner didnt have an extra outlet for it,
it is a bezzera and looks like the pavoni grinder you have on sale,

I just looked up the specs on your machine, and it pulls 6328 watts at 230VAC. Throw in the grinder and you've probably overloaded a 30 amp circuit breaker.

[milowebailey]

Looks like you'll need a 30 A circuit... use the 30A outlet in the photo above and 10 gage wire.

[Tex]

Be sure to use a sediment filter between the water softener & the rotary pump. Also, for used rechargeable water softeners I'd recommend using a sanitizer to make sure it's safe to use.

Is the grinder 230 volts too. They exist, but most of what's sold in the US are 120VAC. Regardless, I recommend disconnecting it from the espresso machine and putting a plug on it.

[Tex]

I forgot to mention that you really don't need a pressurized water line; that the rotary pump will pull water from a pail of water, for up to 6' if the pump's in like-new condition. I do this when I'm working on machines in the garage, where there's no water outlet near my workbench.

It's a good idea to use a one-way check valve in the water line if you do this to keep the pump full of water - running the pump dry is the surest way to kill it.

[shootersm]

Wow thanks all for the info,

The label on the machine says 240v and 3100w wich gives me 13a
The pump motor states 330w so I guess the single 20a will be enough,

The grinder will be unplugged and and plugged into a transformer
To work on 120v

The pail is a good trick to know, but there is a hose outlet close by if it doesnt work

Ive went over it looking for leaks and the waterlevel seems to be leaking