LXGC

Overview

The Hobart LXGC is a fully automatic, front-loading glasswasher intended for undercounter use in close quarters, where a short door is advantageous. It is part of Hobart’s LXG Series. The LXGC uses a fresh-water rinse and chemical sanitizing: it uses the incoming 140 °F water supply and a sodium hypochlorite solution as its sanitizer. The manual specifies that the LXG models use 1.2 gallons of water per rack.

The machine automatically shuts down four hours after its last use. Its standard equipment includes two 20" x 20" racks, electronic controls, a pumped drain, fill and drain hoses, and pumps for liquid detergent, rinse agent, and chemical sanitizer. A caster base is available as an accessory.

Key Features

• Undercounter format: A front-loading glasswasher for close-quarters use; its short door is advantageous in these installations.
• Fresh-water rinse: The LXGC uses incoming water at 140 °F and chemical sanitizing rather than a built-in booster heater.
• Chemical dispensing: Pumps are provided for liquid detergent, rinse agent, and sanitizer.
• Automatic shutoff: The glasswasher shuts down four hours after last use.
• Water use: The LXG Series uses 1.2 gallons of water per rack.

Specifications

• Product type: Commercial glasswasher.
• Model: Hobart LXGC.
• Series: LXG Series.
• Operation: Fully automatic, front-loading.
• Installation format: Suited to undercounter use.
• Motor: 3/4 HP electric motor.
• Standard racks: Two 20" x 20" racks.
• Controls: Electronic controls and a display.
• Drain: Pumped drain.
• Included hoses: Fill hose and drain hose.
• Dispensing pumps: Liquid detergent, rinse agent, and chemical sanitizer.
• Rinse and sanitizing: Fresh-water rinse using a 140 °F incoming supply and chemical sanitizing.
• Sanitizer: Sodium hypochlorite solution; the factory pump setting is for 5.25% solution. The manual also permits 8.4% solution after Service resets the pump’s on time.
• Water use: 1.2 gallons per rack.
• Automatic shutdown: Four hours after last use.
• Available accessory: 2" diameter caster base.

Installation & Requirements

Water supply and plumbing

Plumbing connections must comply with applicable sanitary, safety, and plumbing codes. The manual calls for a water-hammer arrestor meeting ASSE-1010 or an equivalent standard; the arrestor is not supplied. Recommended water hardness is 4–6 grains per gallon. Water that is softer than recommended can promote corrosion, while harder water may cause excessive lime scale.

The water supply must provide 15–25 psig flowing pressure and a minimum temperature of 140 °F. If flowing pressure is above 25 psig, install a pressure-reducing valve with a relief bypass. Pressure below 15 psig may cause improper operation. The manual recommends an upstream manual shutoff valve and an in-line strainer. Make the water connection with copper piping of at least 1/2" outside diameter; 3/4" outside diameter is recommended. Terminate the piping with a 3/4" male garden-hose fitting.

The supplied drain hose has a 3/4" pipe-connection adapter and must be securely connected to the sink drain without kinks. The drain must have a minimum flow capacity of 10 gallons per minute. Flush water lines thoroughly before connecting them so debris from pipework does not lodge in the glasswasher’s plumbing components. The manual notes that a line strainer is recommended between the shutoff valve and the machine connection.

Water quality can also affect the glasswasher and ware. Iron can stain; the manual recommends an iron filter when iron exceeds 0.1 part per million. High chloride levels can cause pitting, and a chloride-removal system is required when levels exceed 50 parts per million.

Electrical connection

Electrical and grounding connections must comply with the applicable National Electrical Code provisions and/or local electrical codes. Use the machine data plate and the label inside the controls drawer for the required power-connection information; the manual does not give a single electrical rating for every installation. Use stranded copper wire rated 90 °C and the proper wire size. A 1" trade-size conduit opening is provided. The manual directs the installer to provide 32–36 inches of wire from the conduit fitting, through the strain relief, to the terminal block. Disconnect power and tag the disconnect before working on the circuit.

Operation

Before first use, clean the glasswasher after installation. For LXGC sanitizer setup, use a one-gallon bottle of 5.25% or 8.4% sodium hypochlorite solution, placed no higher than 10 inches off the floor. Do not premix the sanitizer with water or another liquid, and never premix a wetting agent with sanitizer: the manual warns that mixing may form hazardous gas. Place the white delivery tube in the sanitizer container, push its standpipe to the bottom, and check that the tube is clear of kinks or obstructions. The factory setting is for 5.25% solution; Service must reset the pump’s on time for 8.4% solution. Run four complete cycles without dishes to initially charge the sanitizer delivery system, and check the clear section of the feed standpipe regularly to confirm there is enough sanitizer.

The LXGC manual lists the wash/rinse sequence as a 55-second wash, a drain of up to 10 seconds, a 4-second dwell, a 10-second rinse, and a 6-second dwell. The drain removes about one gallon of water. During a wash, the displayed wash temperature should be above 120 °F for a chemical-sanitizing machine. Scrape dishes before loading, arrange ware properly in the racks, and use only detergents recommended by a chemical professional. Do not use residential-dishwasher detergent or exceed the chemical manufacturer’s recommended concentrations.

The manual cautions that sodium hypochlorite attacks pewter, aluminum, and silver. Do not wash those items in a chemical-sanitizing machine. It also advises against washing silver, silver plate, or pewter in chemical-sanitizing machines. The machine’s display can show diagnostic messages if a fault occurs; see Troubleshooting below.

Cleaning & Maintenance

Clean the glasswasher after each day’s use or between duty cycles. Press OFF; the machine drains. When the display goes dark, open the door and remove debris from the tank bottom. Remove the lower rinse arm by unscrewing its knurled knob, then pull the lower wash arm off its shaft. Remove the upper rinse and wash arms in the same manner. Take out the coarse and fine strainers and clean these parts thoroughly in a sink.

With a damp cloth, wipe the machine interior, water-level probes, and the probe beneath the fine strainer. Do not use steel wool. Wipe the exterior and the lip at the bottom of the door. For remaining debris, use a mild cleanser formulated for stainless steel and a soft cloth or brush. Clean the keypad and display with a soft damp cloth or sponge; avoid abrasive or harsh cleaners and scouring pads. Reinstall the strainers and arms, then spin the arms to make sure they turn freely. Leave the door ajar overnight so the interior can air out and dry.

Follow the chemical professional’s prescribed deliming schedule. Do not leave deliming agent in the machine longer than its manufacturer recommends. Use products formulated to be safe on stainless steel, and do not let food soil accumulate on the tank bottom or foreign objects enter the unit. The pump motor has permanently sealed bearings and requires no lubrication. The manual warns that failure to follow use, care, and maintenance instructions may void the Hobart warewasher warranty.

Troubleshooting

Display messages

If a temperature probe has a problem, the display flashes P1, P2, or P3 every ten seconds. The corresponding heater shuts down, while other functions continue to operate normally; the manual directs the operator to contact Service. Drain and fill errors appear as E0, E2, E3, E4, E5, E6, or E7. The controller ends the current cycle operations, turns off all heaters, and displays the error until OFF is pressed. The machine will not drain when turned off. The manual refers operators to its troubleshooting steps and advises contacting Service if the problem persists. A display showing “dr” followed by “oP” indicates that the door should be opened and closed; contact Service if the message remains.

Common symptoms and checks

• No display or no operation: Check that the machine is on, that the power-supply fuse or circuit breaker is in order, and—if fitted with a cord and plug—that it is plugged in.
• Glasses are not clean: Check for clogged strainers, blocked or stationary wash arms, rinse arms that do not spin, a clogged detergent dispenser, excessive soil, improper rack loading, low water pressure, low wash temperature, a turned-off water supply, or missing arm plugs. Clean the sump and arms as directed. The manual specifies wash temperatures above 120 °F for chemical-sanitizing machines and above 150 °F for other machines.
• Spotting: Check rack loading, water temperature, detergent type and concentration, water hardness, rinse-agent supply, and fill pressure. The manual recommends a water softener for hard water.
• Chemicals are not feeding: Check chemical containers, snug feeder-hose connections, and delivery tubes for kinks.
• Food soil remains: Follow the cleaning instructions in the manual.
• Machine will not fill or does not fill completely: Check for low water pressure or a clogged hose strainer, clean the probes, and confirm the main water-supply valves are working. For displayed errors E0, E2, E3, or E4, the manual also describes turning the machine OFF and ON to help clear a drain-valve obstruction, then checking whether the water level remains stable. Delime the machine if the problem persists, and contact Service if needed.
• Machine overfills or leaks from the door: Check whether the machine is level. If water continues flowing through the rinse arms after the machine is turned off, the fill solenoid valve may be leaking; contact Service.
• Machine will not drain: For display code E5, check the drain line for kinks and confirm the plumbing allows proper drainage. The manual notes that the drain valve may operate several times after shutoff as it attempts to clear obstructions.

If a symptom remains after the manual’s checks, contact Service.

Applications

The LXGC is intended for commercial glasswashing in undercounter locations and close quarters where a short door is useful. Its 20" x 20" racks and fresh-water rinse suit glassware service in commercial food-service settings. Follow the manual’s instructions for scraping, rack loading, water conditions, and chemical compatibility when washing ware.