1TR45C

Overview

The Vulcan Hart 1TR45C is a gas fryer in the VK/TR series. The series documentation lists twin fry baskets per tank and four adjustable casters for freestanding fryers.

The 1TR45C is a gas-fired unit that requires electrical power for its controls and electronic ignition. Confirm the intended gas type against the fryer data plate before installation. Product listings identify natural gas and liquid propane configurations; confirm the gas configuration when ordering.

Key Features

• Computer controls: The series documentation covers computer control models along with analog and solid-state controls.
• USB port: The service manual references a USB port on computer-control fryers; see the instruction manual for programming details.
• Temperature control: The unit has a high-temperature shutdown device that turns the gas valve off if shortening overheats.
• Included items: Twin fry baskets, a tank brush, and a clean-out rod are listed as included.
• Drain: The unit includes a drain valve and a drain extension for freestanding models.

Specifications

• Brand: Vulcan Hart
• Model: 1TR45C
• Series: TR Series gas fryers
• Equipment type: Freestanding commercial gas fryer
• Number of tanks: 1
• BTU input: 70,000 BTU/hr
• Fuel: Gas; listings show natural gas and liquid propane configurations
• Ignition: Electronic ignition
• Controls: Refer to the series documentation for available control configurations.
• Casters: Four adjustable casters; two locking and two non-locking
• Drain valve: Included; drain extension for freestanding models
• Electrical supply: 120 VAC

Installation & Requirements

Clearances and location

The VK/TR series installation manual specifies a minimum clearance of 6 inches from combustible construction at the sides and back. For noncombustible construction, the stated side and back clearance is 0 inches. Maintain 16 inches between the fryer and open-top flame units. The manual also calls for space for servicing and operation, adequate air supply for gas combustion, and unobstructed combustion and ventilation air openings.

Ventilation and flue

The manual calls for installation under a hood connected to an exhaust duct. It specifies that the hood extend 6 inches beyond the fryer on both sides and that there be at least 18 inches between the fryer flue vent and the hood ventilation filters. Do not connect a flue directly to the fryer or obstruct the flue outlet. The manual cautions that a downdraft at the flue opening can interfere with exhaust and cause overheating.

Gas connection

Check the fryer data plate to confirm that its gas type agrees with the site supply. The manual places the gas inlet at the lower rear of the fryer and calls for a gas shutoff valve in the supply line ahead of the fryer. It gives recommended building supply pressures of 7–9 inches water column for natural gas and 11–12 inches water column for propane. Maximum building supply pressure is 14 inches water column (1/2 psi); a separate step-down regulator is required if incoming pressure exceeds that maximum. The manual states that gas pressure measured at the valve should be 0.08 inches water column for either fuel type and warns against adjusting the gas valve assembly. Check disturbed gas joints for leaks with soap and water, never an open flame.

Electrical connection and casters

The service-manual specifications state a 120 VAC supply. The installation manual specifies a three-prong grounding plug connected directly to a properly grounded receptacle and requires grounding in accordance with applicable local codes or the Canadian Electrical Code. For caster installations, the manual calls for a compliant gas connector, a quick-disconnect device and a restraint to prevent strain on the connector. Level the fryer after gas connections are made and lock the wheels when the unit is level.

Operation

The manual warns that the fryer must not be used during a power outage. If the fryer shuts down because of overheating, do not power it up until the shortening temperature is below 300 degrees Fahrenheit. If overheating continues, the manual directs operators to contact a local Vulcan authorized service office. Hot oil and fryer parts can cause burns. The manual also warns not to move the fryer with frying compound in the tank, because spilled hot oil can cause severe burns.

Cleaning & Maintenance

Daily cleaning

The installation and operation manual calls for cleaning all exterior surfaces at least once daily. It recommends using the tank brush with a damp cloth, then polishing with a soft, dry cloth. Regular cleaning helps prevent baked-on grease and discoloration. For fingerprints on polished stainless steel, the manual notes that a cleaner leaving a thin oily or waxy film can minimize their appearance.

Draining and boil-out

For the freestanding fryer, switch the unit off before draining. Fit the drain extension to the drain valve, direct the outlet into a suitable container, then open the valve. Close the valve when the container is full or the tank is empty, repeating as needed. The manual recommends boiling out the tank after draining and when oil is replaced, and specifies weekly boil-out for freestanding models.

For boil-out, close the drain valve and fill the tank with water and a boil-out solid degreaser, following the cleaner's package instructions. Keep the solution between the tank's MIN and MAX levels. For computer-control models, the manual says the temperature sets automatically to 195–200 degrees Fahrenheit; do not bring the water to an overly active boil. Use the tank brush on the sides, bottom and heat exchanger tubes. Drain the cleaning solution, refill with water and add 1 cup (1/4 L) of vinegar to neutralize alkaline cleaner residue. Drain and rinse thoroughly with clear, hot water, remove all traces of cleaner and dry the tank thoroughly before adding shortening. The manual says not to use chlorine or sulfate/sulfide cleaners.

Troubleshooting

The service manual is prepared for trained service technicians and cautions that it is not a substitute for qualification or product training. The following are possible causes listed in its troubleshooting section; gas, electrical and internal control repairs should be handled by qualified service personnel.

• Ignition lockout or continuous alarm: Possible causes include a gas-valve harness connection, gas valve or gas pressure problem, loose harness connections, electrode or ignition-module malfunction, an open high limit or thermostat, a drain-valve switch issue, or a restricted vent hose.
• Initial beep followed by shutdown: The manual lists grounding status and the electrode as checks.
• No spark and no blower: Possible causes include harness connections, probe lead wires, an open probe, a cooking-control problem or an open fuse on the ignition/blower control board.
• Puffing during startup: The troubleshooting list includes incorrect gas pressure, a restricted vent hose, a cracked electrode or incorrect electrode gap.
• Burner lights but will not maintain flame: Listed possibilities include a misaligned igniter/flame sensor, insufficient gas pressure, incorrect transformer polarity or incorrect electrode gap.
• Excessive heat: Possible causes include an incorrect temperature offset, a set temperature above 400 degrees Fahrenheit, a temperature-probe fault, or a cooking-control or interface-board malfunction.
• Low heat: The manual lists an incorrect temperature offset, cooking-control or temperature-probe problems, a tripped high limit, an interface-board malfunction or incorrect gas pressure.
• No power to the cooking control or no heat: Possible causes include the power switch, main circuit breaker, transformer or interconnecting wiring.
• High-limit thermostat shutting down the system: The manual lists shortening below the minimum fill line, a probe fault or a control malfunction.
• Slow shortening melt: Possible causes include incorrect melt-cycle timing, insufficient gas pressure, restricted or incorrect air inlet, a probe fault or a control malfunction.

Applications

The 1TR45C is a gas fryer in the VK/TR series. Its listed accessories include twin fry baskets. The series documentation includes procedures for filtering, cleaning, and maintenance.