H5X

Overview

The BUNN H5X is a commercial hot water dispenser with a 5-gallon (18.9 L) tank capacity. An LED display provides temperature adjustment, and the dispenser can be programmed for a tank temperature and a separate ready-temperature threshold. The H5X is intended for commercial use; BUNN states that its commercial-equipment warranty is void if the equipment is used residentially or for non-commercial purposes.

H5X listings describe more than one configuration. For example, BUNN lists an ambient-water configuration with a second ambient dispense, while other H5X listings specify different electrical ratings. Treat dimensions and electrical details as configuration-specific and verify the exact model data plate before planning the installation.

Key Features

• 5-gallon capacity: Holds 18.9 L of water.
• LED display: Provides simple temperature adjustment.
• Adjustable temperature: The H5X programming instructions give a tank-temperature range up to 212°F (100°C).
• Energy-saver programming: Settings can reduce the tank temperature to 140°F (60°C) or turn the tank heater off.
• Ambient-water configuration: BUNN lists an H5X ambient model with a second ambient dispense.

Specifications

• Product type: Commercial hot water dispenser.
• Capacity: 5 gallons (18.9 L).
• Display: LED.
• Published dimensions, H5X reseller listing: 28.5 in. high × 7.6 in. wide × 18.9 in. deep.
• Published weight, H5X reseller listing: 28 lb.
• Published dimensions, BUNN H5X ambient product listing: 28.43 in. high × 8.69 in. wide × 19.07 in. deep. This listing differs from the reseller dimensions above.
• Electrical data, 120 V listing: 120 V, 15.4 A, 1850 W, single phase, 60 Hz, with a NEMA 5-15P connection, as listed in the H5X reseller specifications and installation guide.
• Electrical data, BUNN ambient listing: 120 V, 1800 W.
• Optional field-wiring data in the installation guide: 120/208–240 V, 16.9 A, 4050 W, single phase, 60 Hz.
• Temperature setting range: 60°F (15°C) to 211°F (99°C); the H5X setting can reach 212°F (100°C).
• Ready-temperature setting: 2° to 20° below the tank-temperature setting.
• Energy-saver temperature: 140°F (60°C), or the tank heater can be set to turn off.
• Energy-saver delay: 4 to 24 hours after the last refill.
• Water inlet fitting: 1/4-in. flare.
• Water supply: Cold water, 20–90 psi, from a 1/2-in. or larger supply line.

Published ratings and dimensions differ among the supplied H5X listings and configurations. Confirm the exact unit’s data plate and current product documentation rather than assuming that every listed figure applies to every H5X.

Installation & Requirements

Water connection

The installation guide calls for a cold-water connection with operating pressure between 20 and 90 psi, supplied from a 1/2-in. or larger line. The water inlet fitting is 1/4-in. flare. BUNN specifies a shut-off valve in the supply line before the dispenser. If supply pressure exceeds 90 psi, the guide calls for a regulator to reduce it to 50 psi.

For the water run, the guide recommends 1/4-in. tubing for installations less than 25 ft from the 1/2-in. supply line and 3/8-in. tubing for runs longer than 25 ft. It also recommends at least 18 in. of FDA-approved flexible beverage tubing, such as reinforced braided polyethylene or silicone, before the dispenser to make it easier to move the unit for countertop cleaning. BUNN does not recommend a saddle valve because its opening may restrict water flow. Adequate backflow prevention is required to meet applicable plumbing and sanitation codes.

Electrical and site requirements

The installation guide says an electrician must provide electrical service in accordance with local and national codes. Electrical requirements depend on the unit configuration; the guide gives 120 V, 15.4 A, 1850 W for one arrangement and optional field wiring of 120/208–240 V, 16.9 A, 4050 W. A separate BUNN H5X ambient listing specifies 120 V, 1800 W. Check the data plate to confirm the supply required for the specific dispenser. The guide also instructs installers to verify source voltage and conductor colour coding with a voltmeter before proceeding.

For North American operation, the manual specifies a location where the appliance can be overseen by trained personnel and an ambient temperature between 41°F and 95°F (5°C and 35°C). It must not be tilted more than 10° for safe operation. The appliance must not be cleaned with a pressure washer or immersed for cleaning. The manual identifies this equipment for commercial applications, including staff kitchen areas and hotel or motel lobbies.

Operation

Dispensing and hot-water safety

The installation guide warns that water from the faucet is extremely hot, above 200°F. Use a suitable vessel and take care to avoid contact with dispensed water. The guide’s normal-use instructions say to hold the faucet open when hot water is needed. It also notes that, because of tank capacity and heater size, the dispenser should be used to dispense a few cups at a time. The supplied manual excerpt does not provide a complete H5X-specific refill procedure, so follow the instructions for the exact configuration in its operating guide.

Temperature and energy-saver controls

To adjust temperature, the programming instructions require the program lockout switch to be in the SET position. Press and hold the TEMP button until the display flashes, then use the plus and minus buttons to raise or lower the setting. The guide gives a general range of 60°F (15°C) to 211°F (99°C) and notes that the X model can be set to 212°F (100°C).

The H5X programming sequence includes a tank set temperature and a ready-temperature set point, which can be set 2° to 20° below the tank setting. Another setting turns automatic energy saver on or off. When enabled, energy saver can lower the tank to 140°F (60°C) or turn the heater off, and its delay can be set from 4 to 24 hours after the last refill. The guide also describes manual energy-saver mode: press and release the plus and minus buttons at the same time to activate it. The display alternates between 140 and the current temperature; repeat the button action to exit.

The programming guide describes a Fahrenheit/Celsius selection in Level 2 Programming. It also includes a factory-default reset function; resetting clears previously entered settings. Consult the H5X operating guide for the complete button sequence before changing advanced settings.

Cleaning & Maintenance

BUNN’s warranty text excludes failures associated with non-periodic cleaning and descaling, but the supplied excerpts do not specify a cleaning or descaling interval or method. The manual says not to immerse the appliance and not to clean it with a pressure washer.

For draining, the guide says to disconnect the dispenser from power and allow it to cool first. For 2-, 3- and 5-gallon models, remove the upper rear access cover, close the white shutoff clamp on the long hose between the tank and inlet solenoid, and disconnect the hose and clamp from the inlet solenoid or check valve. Place the drain hose in a container with a minimum capacity of 5 gallons (18.9 L) for the H5X, then release the white clamp to drain the tank. When empty, reconnect the hose to the solenoid or flow control and tighten the black clamp; the guide specifically says not to tighten the white clamp. Replace the access cover. The guide cautions that the dispenser must be full using its initial set-up steps before it is reconnected to power.

Applications

The H5X provides on-demand hot water for commercial beverage stations and staff service areas. Typical uses include preparing tea, coffee and hot chocolate, as well as other hot-water tasks that call for dispensing a few cups at a time. The ambient-water H5X configuration listed by BUNN adds a second ambient dispense for operations that need both hot and ambient water.