C24EA5-LWE

Overview

The Vulcan Hart C24EA5-LWE is an electric countertop convection steamer in Vulcan’s C24EA atmospheric steamer series. The C24EA5 is the five-pan model; the service manual identifies the model designation by pan count using 2.5-inch pan depth.

Atmospheric convection steam cooking is intended for fresh foods and for steam-defrosting and cooking frozen foods. The service manual describes the cooking compartment as allowing the operator to open and close the door during a cooking cycle. When the door is opened, the generator element shuts off; it restarts when the door is closed.

Key Features

• Five-pan format: The C24EA5 designation identifies a five-pan model in the C24EA series.
• Electric countertop equipment: The C24EA5-LWE is listed as an electric countertop convection steamer.
• Fresh and frozen food cooking: The series manual describes steaming fresh foods and steam-defrosting and cooking frozen foods.
• Timed cooking: The operating instructions describe a cooking cycle that ends with a buzzer. The operator turns the timer to OFF to silence it before removing food.
• Water-level and generator controls: The C24EA series parts information includes water-level control components and generator components. The service manual explains that the generator is drained as part of shutdown.

Specifications

• Manufacturer: Vulcan Hart.
• Model: C24EA5-LWE.
• Equipment type: Electric countertop convection steamer; atmospheric steamer series.
• Pan configuration: Five pans. The service manual states that C24EA model designations are based on 2.5-inch pan depth.
• Electrical rating: 15 kW.
• Voltage and phase: 208/240 or 480 V, three phase, as listed for the C24EA5 LWE.
• Frequency: The series installation manual states that the unit operates at 50 or 60 Hz.
• Water supply pressure: 20–60 psig.
• Water quality: The service manual specifies total dissolved solids (TDS) below 60 ppm.

The available model-specific material does not provide an amperage figure for the C24EA5-LWE. Check the equipment data plate to confirm the electrical supply requirements for the individual unit.

Installation & Requirements

Electrical connection

Confirm that the electrical supply agrees with the equipment data plate before installation. The C24EA5-LWE is listed for three-phase service at 208/240 or 480 V and is rated at 15 kW. The series manual states that 208/240 V units are shipped prewired for 208/60/3, while 480 V units are configured for 480/60/3. The same manual says 480 V units are the exception to the 208/240 V prewiring note. Do not proceed if the available supply and the data-plate requirements do not agree; the manual directs the installer to contact the dealer or Vulcan.

Water supply

The series water-supply requirements specify 20–60 psig and TDS below 60 ppm. An in-line strainer for the supply line is supplied, according to the service manual. The installation and operation manual recommends a water-treatment system and advises following the system supplier’s maintenance instructions for scale control. The manual also notes that mineral buildup can interfere with generator operation.

The installation guide supplied with the materials concerns a separate stacking accessory. It states that when steamers are stacked, each unit must have an independent drain to the floor drain rather than drains connected together. That instruction applies to the stacking arrangement described in that guide.

Operation

Use the cooking compartment for the food being prepared and operate the steamer according to the supplied installation and operation manual. The C24EA series is described as suitable for steaming fresh foods and for steam-defrosting and cooking frozen foods. During a cooking cycle, the door can be opened and closed; opening it stops the generator element, and closing it restarts the element.

The manual describes timed cooking with an audible buzzer at the end of the cycle. When the cycle ends, turn the timer to OFF to silence the buzzer, then open the door and remove the cooked food. The instructions warn that the cooking compartment contains live steam and hot water, so keep clear when opening the door.

For shutdown, set the main power switch to OFF. The manual says that power must remain supplied for 15 minutes after the switch is turned off so the drain cycle can complete. For an extended shutdown, the manual directs the operator to turn off the unit, turn off the water and main power supply, clean the compartment and door gasket, leave the door open, and disconnect power.

Cleaning & Maintenance

The supplied manual says to disconnect electrical power and follow lockout/tagout procedures before cleaning. It also gives separate instructions for draining the generator: after operation, switch the unit off and allow its drain cycle to run. The manual describes this cycle as lasting approximately 15 minutes and says it removes sediment, scale and lime buildup. The water being drained is hot and under pressure, so use care when cleaning or servicing the generator. The manual states that draining the generator every day is essential to help prevent control problems, clogging and internal scale buildup; it also states that failure to drain it daily will void the steamer warranty.

Cooking compartment and drain

• Inspect the compartment drain daily for blockage and keep it running freely.
• Remove particles and debris from the perforated strainer daily, or more often if needed.
• After cooking greasy foods or seafood, close the doors and operate each compartment for 25 to 30 minutes to flush residual grease and oils down the compartment drain.
• For the compartment drain cleaning described in the manual, use warm water with non-chloride detergent, followed by a rinse using hot water. The specified amounts are 1/2 gallon (1.9 litres) of cleaning solution and 1/2 gallon (1.9 litres) of hot rinse water.

Surfaces and door gasket

Wash the inside of the compartment with warm water and non-chloride detergent, then rinse with warm water. Clean exposed surfaces—including the sides, front, door and top—daily with a damp cloth and polish with a clean cloth. The manual recommends a nonabrasive cleaner for discolorations. Clean the door-gasket sealing surface with a cloth moistened in mild detergent and warm water, rinse with a fresh cloth moistened with warm water, and wipe dry. Do not use solvents or sharp instruments on the gasket. A gasket with a nick or cut must be replaced because damage to its sealing surface can cause steam leakage.

Scale control

The manual recommends a water-treatment system and says to delime the steamer when symptoms of scale buildup occur. Follow the instructions supplied with the deliming material and observe the manual’s warnings about skin and eye contact. The detailed deliming procedure in the supplied text is identified for a Professional unit with automatic drain; it should not be assumed to be the procedure for this LWE model. Consult the correct instructions for the unit before carrying out a model-specific deliming procedure.

Troubleshooting

The supplied troubleshooting information identifies a steamer that does not produce steam as a symptom. The listed possible causes are no main power, the power switch being OFF, or water not being supplied to the steamer. The corresponding checks are to verify the power source, place the power switch in the ON position, and investigate the water-supply issue using the manual’s water-supply troubleshooting instructions. The provided text does not include the full water-supply troubleshooting steps, so further diagnosis should follow the complete manual or be handled by a qualified service technician.

Applications

The C24EA series cooking chart includes foods such as eggs, chicken, turkey, corned beef, hot dogs, vegetables, seafood, rice, pasta, beans and frozen casseroles. These examples illustrate the range of foods the manual addresses for steaming in solid or perforated pans. Cooking times and batch quantities depend on the food and preparation; consult the supplied cooking chart for the item being prepared.