AM16VL-SCB

Overview

The Hobart AM16VL-SCB is a commercial dishwasher in Hobart’s AM16 series. The model is identified for chemical sanitizing and is listed with a ventless SCB water-fill and air-gap assembly in the AM16 replacement-parts catalog. Hobart’s installation information states that AM16VL-SCB machines can be configured for either straight-through or corner operation, giving kitchens flexibility when arranging dish tables and dishroom workflow.

This model requires both hot- and cold-water supplies. Its SCB operating requirements differ from the hot-water-sanitizing AM16 versions: the AM16SCB family information specifies a 120°F minimum for both the wash tank and booster before a wash can begin. The machine displays a heating status while those temperatures are being reached.

Key Features

• Chemical sanitizing: The SCB model uses chemical sanitizing. Hobart’s manual describes sanitizer monitoring and a lockout when the sanitizer supply is depleted.
• Two water connections: The AM16VL-SCB requires hot and cold water supplies.
• Flexible layout: Hobart states the model can be set up for straight-through or corner operation.
• Ventless SCB assembly: The AM16 parts catalog identifies a ventless water-fill and air-gap assembly for the SCB version.
• Pumped rinse: AM16-series dishwashers use a pumped rinse system; Hobart states that a pressure gauge is not required for setting chemical pumps.

Specifications

• Manufacturer: Hobart.
• Model: AM16VL-SCB.
• Equipment type: Commercial dishwasher.
• Sanitizing mode: Chemical sanitizing.
• Installation orientation: Straight-through or corner operation.
• Water connections: Hot and cold water supplies.
• Hot-water supply: Minimum 120°F; recommended 140°F. The manual does not state a maximum in the listed requirements.
• Cold-water supply: Minimum 55°F, maximum 90°F, recommended 65°F. Hobart notes that cold water must not exceed 90°F for proper operation and that optimal results are obtained below 65°F.
• Dynamic water pressure: 15–65 psig. The manual calls for a pressure regulator supplied by others if dynamic pressure exceeds 65 psig.
• Rinse-water use: The AM16-series manual states 0.67 gallons per rack at a flow rate of 4.02 gallons per minute.
• SCB minimum operating temperatures: Wash tank 120°F and booster 120°F to start a wash cycle; final rinse must also reach 120°F to avoid the minimum-final-rinse lockout.
• Canadian installation code: Hobart specifies CSA 22.1, latest edition, for installation in Canada.

Installation & Requirements

Before positioning the dishwasher, account for the electrical conduit, water supply, drain, venting if applicable, dish tables, chemical replenishment if applicable, and room to open the door. Level the machine using its threaded feet before making connections. Hobart’s manual says to check the electrical service against the machine data plate before installation; the provided model information does not state a complete electrical rating for this unit, so confirm the rating on the actual machine’s data plate.

For a straight-through installation, the manual specifies 30 inches of clearance at the front, 15 inches at the right side, and 29½ inches above the finished floor for service. Hobart states that the AM16VL-SCB may also be arranged for corner operation, but the supplied excerpts do not give separate corner-installation service clearances.

Connect both required water supplies within the model’s stated temperature requirements. The manual gives a dynamic supply-pressure range of 15–65 psig and calls for a pressure regulator if pressure exceeds 65 psig. Flush new water lines before connecting them: Hobart warns that pipe chips, joint compound, solder, or other debris can lodge in dishwasher plumbing and interfere with operation. The dishwasher drain must be connected as part of installation; specific drain dimensions are not stated in the provided information.

In Canada, the manual identifies CSA 22.1, latest edition, as the applicable installation code. The manual’s location guidance says to consider ventilation where applicable; the supplied excerpts do not provide a model-specific exhaust rate or hood requirement for the AM16VL-SCB.

Operation

On SCB machines, the wash does not start until the wash tank and booster reach 120°F. While the machine is heating, the display shows “Heating.” Hobart also states that the final rinse must reach a minimum of 120°F. If it does not, the machine displays “Minimum final rinse temperature not reached. Machine locked.” with Error 084 and remains locked until it is drained and filled again.

The manual describes a sanitizer-empty lockout for SCB machines: after three cycles with the sanitizer supply empty, the display reports that sanitizer is empty and the machine is locked, with Error 079. Replenish sanitizer as indicated by the machine and follow the operating instructions for the installed chemical system.

The AM16-series manual gives a rinse-water use figure of 0.67 gallons per rack and a rinse flow rate of 4.02 gallons per minute. It notes that these figures are used when setting detergent and rinse-aid pumps. The provided information does not state a rack-per-hour rating for this particular model.

Cleaning & Maintenance

Hobart’s maintenance guidance calls for cleaning the tank bottom, standpipe, drain hub, wash-tank air-trap port, upper and lower wash arms, strainer basket, and strainer pan. Keep the strainers clear so debris does not restrict water reaching the pump. The manual also directs operators to check that the wash arms are unobstructed and rotate properly.

Inspect the wash-tank heater for soil and lime-scale buildup. Hobart advises running a delime cycle if excessive lime scale is present. The supplied information references deliming but does not provide a model-specific delime procedure for the AM16VL-SCB, so use the instructions supplied for this exact machine.

For machines equipped with Hobart’s chemical-pump system, the manual recommends checking chemical tubing for kinks, holes, and leaks; checking connections and fittings for leaks; keeping standpipes clean; and ensuring they are inserted into the chemical containers. It also specifies replacing chemical pump squeeze or pinch tubes as part of service and checking that the chemical-container cap is secure and not cracked or broken. Hobart identifies the cap check as applicable to SCB models.

Troubleshooting

• Wash will not start: On SCB machines, confirm the wash tank and booster have reached 120°F. The display shows “Heating” while the temperatures are below the required level.
• Error 084, minimum final rinse temperature not reached: Hobart says the machine locks if final rinse temperature does not reach 120°F. Drain and refill the machine as directed by the displayed message. If the problem persists, contact a service technician.
• Error 079, sanitizer empty: Hobart states that after three cycles with the sanitizer supply empty, the machine locks. Refill the sanitizer supply and follow the machine’s prompts.
• Strainer warning or restricted wash performance: Remove and clean the strainer basket and pan, and check the tank bottom, standpipe, drain hub, and wash arms for debris or obstruction.
• Drain problem: The manual’s troubleshooting guidance for a clogged drain calls for checking the standpipe and tank bottom for debris, cleaning the drain hose, and confirming the hose is not kinked and is installed properly. Turn the machine off and allow wash water to cool before checking the drain system.
• Dishes are not clean: Hobart’s listed checks include water pressure, water temperature, mineral deposits, wash- and rinse-arm obstruction, clogged strainers, chemical-dispenser operation, excess soil, and rack loading.

Applications

The AM16VL-SCB is suited to commercial dishrooms that need an AM16-series dishwasher with chemical sanitizing and both hot- and cold-water connections. Its straight-through or corner arrangement can be selected to fit the dish-table layout. The specified temperatures, water pressure, and chemical-system requirements should be checked against the kitchen’s available utilities and operating practices before the unit is installed.