3 Phase Deep Fryer ? (update)

[SS MAYFLOAT]

I've run into a situation that I haven't encountered in my 20+ years of tech service. I've called the factory techs and they all agree that this problem can't be,,,,but it does.

This fryer has two heating elements. Each heater has 3 zones paralled with the other element. The first initial problem was that one of three zones was shorted causing an overheat problem. During troubleshooting I found a solid state relay to be closed. I replaced the solid state relay with an OEM part.

For a double check to make sure everything is okay, I take my voltage measurement across the line and load of each solid state relay. During the call for heat, I should get "0" volts. On two of the relays I get the "O" volts, but on the one I replaced I'm getting 120 volts. This is the part that other techs and I can't figure out. If the SSR (solid state relay) is in open condition, I get 208, but when it is closed, I get 120v which should be "O". All wiring looks and check out with the ohm meter, no opens or shorts within the heating elements.

I'm suspecting that the SSR is not good. Never ever encountered one that would only work half way. I ordered a new one from the factory, but delivery time is slow from this particular manufacture.

My question to the other techs, Have you ever encounterd a SSR to do this? Swapping it out with the others, the problem moves to the new space. So it has to be the SSR. Seems like there is always an odd wrench that gets throwed at me once in awhile that I've never seen coming.

The SSR is a single pole single throw, so it is not that difficult. Did a continuity check of the SSR during the call for heat and it goes to 0. Guess I'll have to wait and see until the new SSR comes in................SS

 

[levittownnick]

Re: 3 Phase Deep Fryer ?

Re: 3 Phase Deep Fryer ?

Sounds like that solid state relay is only closing on half of the sine wave. If you have a scope you could look at the waveform. I'm guessing that you would see only the positive or negative half of the cycle.

P.S. someone got to get the wierd ones.

good luck.

 

[rwise]

Re: 3 Phase Deep Fryer ?

Re: 3 Phase Deep Fryer ?

Yep it's bad, It's only half opening, and I'll bet the engineers said *it can't happen* I have seen this with SSR's (different equipment) and fuses also (only pass half voltage).

 

[bhammer]

Re: 3 Phase Deep Fryer ?

Re: 3 Phase Deep Fryer ?

SS, It is the SSR. I have seen this in other devices that run 220 & 440. In the case of the 440, we were getting 110 where we shouldn't. I'll bet it is not openig all the way.

 

[SS MAYFLOAT]

Re: 3 Phase Deep Fryer ?

Re: 3 Phase Deep Fryer ?

Thanks guys, I still haven't got the OEM parts in yet. That is one reason why corparate has banned the use of this make of fryers in the stores. Lead time on parts is usually a week or two where as their competitors parts are here within a day or two.

One of our stores has 2 banks of these fryers. Out of the 12 elements, I have replaced 6 under warranty and 4 others once the warranty was expired. I'm surprised the other 2 hasn't needed changed yet.

Also on these units, the wires going to the hi-limit are about 24 gauge wire. They get hot, the insulation gets brittle and the copper wire will corrode into. Sure is a PITA when everything is covered with grease. To me this is a major safety issure. If two of those wires short out, it bypasses the hi-limit and could cause the fryer to catch fire. I've been replacing the wire with 14 gauge hi-temp fiberglass insulated wire. No problems on those that I have changed. I just don't know why the engineers dropped the ball on this part of the design. They must have hired the engineers that built the Yugo! .............SS

 

[rwise]

Re: 3 Phase Deep Fryer ?

Re: 3 Phase Deep Fryer ?

Well it's all about the bottom line, *how much profit can we make* it's the same in my trade, try to sell good equipment and you get undersold by someone selling junk! Then they wonder why it breaks so often
Do the SSR's have any numbers on them? If they do you may be able to go to a local electronics shop for them. You know the voltage they handle, and there footprint, do you know the trigger voltage? If you do then a local supplier should be able to help even without part numbers on it.

 

[SS MAYFLOAT]

Re: 3 Phase Deep Fryer ?

Re: 3 Phase Deep Fryer ?

Well it's all about the bottom line, *how much profit can we make* it's the same in my trade, try to sell good equipment and you get undersold by someone selling junk! Then they wonder why it breaks so often
Do the SSR's have any numbers on them? If they do you may be able to go to a local electronics shop for them. You know the voltage they handle, and there footprint, do you know the trigger voltage? If you do then a local supplier should be able to help even without part numbers on it.

Thanks Richard, yep I tried that route, but my boss said NO! It has to do with the insurance company requireing that OEM parts to be used. This is especially important when it is a piece of equipment that could cause a major fire that could cause someone to get hurt. If it was up to me, I would put in a mercury contactor that the competitors use on theirs ........SS

 

[rwise]

Re: 3 Phase Deep Fryer ?

Re: 3 Phase Deep Fryer ?

Liability has to be a factor of course, oh well the lawyers win again

 

[SS MAYFLOAT]

Re: 3 Phase Deep Fryer ? (update)

Got the part in finally. Switched it out and it now works as it should. It has the same specs as the one generic one that I put in. Must have been bad. Just never experienced one that would only put out half the voltage. Guess that is why my company only wants OEM parts installed. All the ones (dozens of them) either short out or go to open condition. Always something new to be learned each and every day being a tech . Thanks for the replies........SS

 

[rwise]

Re: 3 Phase Deep Fryer ? (update)

So now we can get fries?

 

[SS MAYFLOAT]

Re: 3 Phase Deep Fryer ? (update)

So now we can get fries?

Be sure to ask for NO SALT on your fries, and you will get fresh hot ones. That way they put down a fresh basket just for you! You may have to wait an extra minuet or two though..........SS

 

[rwise]

Re: 3 Phase Deep Fryer ? (update)

Actually I do ask for NO SALT, I went lower salt years ago. I find most places will make fresh fries when you do, but some just drop the old ones back in the oil to wash off the salt ! I try to go to places that cut there own, so much better than those extruded things