HID312A-1A

Overview

The Scotsman HID312A-1A is a countertop ice maker and water dispenser in the Meridian HID312 series. It makes chewable nugget ice and dispenses both ice and water through touch-free sensors. Its air-cooled configuration and 12 lb. storage bin suit locations that need ice and water available at a self-serve station without a separate dispenser.

The unit measures 16 1/4 inches wide, 24 3/8 inches deep, and 35 inches high. The HID312 series manual gives production figures for two operating conditions: up to 260 lb. per 24 hours at 70°F air and 50°F water, and 225 lb. per 24 hours at 90°F air and 70°F water. Actual output depends on the stated air and water conditions.

Key Features

• Chewable nugget ice: The manufacturer describes the ice as chewable and slow-melting, with dispensing reliability as a stated benefit.
• Ice and water dispensing: Touch-free sensors trigger ice or water dispensing; the manual states that no other activation method is available.
• Compact countertop format: The HID312 is 16 inches wide in the series manual, with an operational footprint intended to make efficient use of space.
• Air-cooled operation: Air moves from left to right through the unit. A cleanable air filter is fitted on the left side.
• Service access: Removable front panels provide access to internal components. The storage bin, sink, grill, and air filter are removable for cleaning or service access.
• Construction and service details: The manufacturer lists a stainless steel evaporator and exterior panels, greaseless bearings, and antimicrobial AquaArmor with AgION molded into key components. LED diagnostic lights, a unit-specific QR code for service information, and a USB connection for software updates are also listed.

Specifications

• Product: Scotsman HID312A-1A Meridian countertop ice maker and water dispenser
• Condenser: Air-cooled
• Ice type: Chewable nugget ice
• Dispensing: Touch-free ice and water sensors; sensor-style dispenser
• Ice production: Up to 260 lb. per 24 hours at 70°F air/50°F water; 225 lb. per 24 hours at 90°F air/70°F water
• Storage capacity: 12 lb.
• Dimensions: 16.25 inches W x 24.38 inches D x 35 inches H
• Electrical: 115V, 60 Hz, single phase
• Total load: 7.0 amps
• Maximum fuse or HACR circuit breaker: 15 amps
• Energy consumption: 4.9 kWh per 100 lb. at 90°F air/70°F water
• Potable water usage: 12 gallons per 100 lb. of ice
• Refrigerant: R-134A
• Heat output: 3,200 BTU per hour
• Shipping weight: 183 lb.
• Power cord: 7.5 ft. cord with NEMA 5-15P plug
• Potable water inlet: 3/8-inch male flare
• Cabinet drain: 3/4-inch FPT
• Potable water pressure range: 20 to 80 PSIG
• Air temperature range: 50°F to 100°F
• Water temperature range: 40°F to 100°F
• Water conductivity: Minimum 10 microSiemens/cm; water below this level may not be detected by the water-level sensor, and the unit may not make ice. Deionized water is not recommended.
• Warranty stated in the product specification sheet: 3 years parts and labour; 5 years parts on the compressor and condenser. The sheet states that this warranty applies in North, South, and Central America; contact the factory for other regions.

Installation & Requirements

The HID312 series manual specifies indoor installation in a controlled environment. For the air-cooled unit, allow at least 6 inches at the left, right, and back for airflow and utility connections. The manual also specifies 2 inches above the cabinet, with an additional 10 inches for auger removal when the ceiling is fixed. More side clearance than the minimum can help maximize performance. Air enters and exits from left to right, and the unit discharges warm air on the right side. A small room may need ventilation to exhaust the heat produced by the machine; the fan also produces some noise.

Provide a potable water connection at the lower back of the cabinet and connect the 3/4-inch FPT cabinet drain. The manual recommends 3/8-inch outside-diameter tubing for the water supply and 3/4-inch rigid tubing for the drain, subject to local codes. Drain tubing must pitch down 1/4 inch per foot toward the building drain. The internal drain basin acts as a vent unless the drain has a very long horizontal run. A backflow preventer may be required by local plumbing codes.

Connect the unit to a dedicated, grounded 15 amp outlet; the machine must be the only device on the circuit. The supplied cord has a NEMA 5-15P plug. The manual advises against using an extension cord or removing the ground pin, and says to use a licensed electrician where needed and follow applicable local and national codes. Position and level the machine, and ensure that the counter can support it. Installation should be performed by an experienced ice machine installer.

Operation

To check dispensing, hold a container in front of the touch-free ice sensor below the ice delivery spout. Ice should dispense while the container is present and stop when it is removed. The water sensor operates in the same manner. The series manual states that touch-free sensors are the only activation method available.

Cleaning & Maintenance

The manual identifies five maintenance areas: the drip tray and drain system; the air-cooled condenser filter and condenser; the ice dispense bin and rotor; the photo-eye ice-level control; and the ice-making water system. Remove debris from the drip tray when noticed and pour hot water into the tray regularly to help keep its drain open. The air filter captures dust and lint; remove it from the side louvers and wash it when dirty. The manual cautions against leaving the filter out for an extended period.

For drip tray and chute cleaning, the manual directs the operator to disable vending, remove the dispensing chutes, remove the lower front panel and disconnect its sensor harness, then switch off the machine. Pull the sink forward to disconnect it from the drain and plug the drain fitting while cleaning. Wash the drip tray and dispensing chutes; ice machine scale remover may be used if scale is present. Reassemble the components, making sure the sink is fully returned to position and the chutes are secured.

The scale-removal and sanitizing procedure includes draining the reservoir, rinsing it with hot water, and preparing Scotsman Clear 1 scale remover with potable water according to the manual's stated amounts. The manual warns that the solution is highly acidic and calls for rubber gloves and care to prevent spills. With the solution in the reservoir, the Clean button runs the auger motor for 30 minutes without making ice; the process can be stopped by pressing On/Off. The procedure then calls for draining the solution, rinsing with potable water, cleaning the removable bin and chute components, and sanitizing the water system and dispensing surfaces with an approved sanitizer. Follow the manual's full sequence and safety instructions for the complete procedure.

The manual says the Time to Clean indicator lights after 6 months of power-up time. This indicator does not stop ice making; it clears and resets after the cleaning process is completed. Scotsman recommends water filtration for ice machines, while the manual notes that water filters may be used but are not required. Activated carbon or charcoal filtration can remove chlorine, which may mean more frequent sanitizing is needed.

Troubleshooting

The HID312 series includes LED diagnostic lights and a controller code display. The service manual lists a start-up display of O and an F display during ice making; these are operating indications in the documented start-up sequence, not explanations of a fault code. The manual also describes a USB software-update process: L appears during loading, and a failed load is indicated by the display alternating between L and F. The available source material does not define a standalone “1” code or provide enough troubleshooting entries to identify its cause. For a fault indication or service procedure not covered here, consult the HID312 service manual or a commercial ice machine service company.

Applications

The countertop ice-and-water format can serve break rooms, hotels, healthcare settings, and other commercial self-service areas where chewable ice and water are useful. Its 12 lb. bin provides ready-to-dispense storage, while the stated production capacity supports ongoing replenishment as ice is used.