How to operate a fresh-keeping tube ice machine?

Pre-use preparation

• Environmental inspection

  • Place the machine on a level, firm, and dry surface, away from heat sources (such as stoves and heaters) and direct sunlight, and ensure adequate ventilation

  • The ambient temperature should be maintained at 35°C or lower to prevent heat dissipation from the condenser, which could affect ice-making efficiency

  • Allow at least 30 cm of space behind and on the sides of the machine, and at least 60 cm of space at the top for easy heat dissipation and operation

• Power and water source

  • Use an independent power source equipped with a fuse and leakage protection circuit breaker, and ensure a reliable ground connection to prevent the risk of electric shock

  • The water source must meet national drinking water standards. It is recommended to install a water filter to prevent impurities from clogging the water pipes and contaminating the ice molds

  • When connecting the water inlet pipe, ensure the water pressure is between 1.5 and 3 kg/cm² to avoid insufficient or excessive water pressure that could affect ice-making

• Machine inspection

  • Before starting the machine, check that the power cord and plug are intact. Replace any damage immediately

  • Clean the machine’s surface of oil and dust. Inspect the condenser head, hoses, and other components for cracks or wear to ensure there are no safety hazards

  • Confirm that the medium in the pipes is water and that the temperature is ≤125°F (51.7°C) to prevent high-temperature medium from damaging the equipment

Operation Procedure

• Powering on and Making Ice

  • Plug in the power cord and turn the power switch to the “I” position. The system will begin a self-test. After a few minutes, the “Run” light will illuminate, and the machine will enter ice making mode

  • The water pump will run for about 2 minutes to purge air, after which the compressor will start and ice making will begin

  • When the ice thickness reaches the set value (usually around 3mm), the ice plate probe triggers the defrost solenoid valve. Hot air enters the evaporator, causing the ice to fall off. The ice drop plate flips up, opening the reed switch, and the next ice making cycle begins

• Ice Adjustment and Preset

  • Adjust the ice thickness as needed: Turn the adjustment screw clockwise (each 1/3 turn changes the ice bridge thickness by 1.5mm).

  • Some models support a 24-hour scheduler, allowing you to set ice-making times in advance to meet peak demand

• Shutting Down and Retrieving Ice

  • When the ice storage bin is full, the reed switch will not close, and the machine will automatically shut down. After enough ice has been removed, the reed switch will reclose, and the machine will automatically restart after a 3-minute delay

  • In an emergency shutdown, turn the switch to the “O” position or unplug the machine for safety reasons

Maintenance and Cleaning

• Daily Cleaning

  • Regularly clean the water tank, ice chute, and water pipes to prevent scale and bacterial growth. It is recommended to clean the machine every two months. Use a food-grade descaling agent, mix it in the correct proportion, and pour it into the sink. Enable the automatic cleaning mode (press and hold the timer button for 5 seconds, rinse for 20 minutes, and then drain the remaining water)

  • Clean the condenser surface with a vacuum cleaner or a small brush. Avoid damaging the condenser with sharp tools

• Long-Term Storage

  • When not in use, clean the interior of the machine thoroughly. Use a hair dryer to dry out the ice molds and the ice chute to prevent mold growth

  • Place the machine in a dry, well-ventilated area free of corrosive gases. Avoid outdoor storage.

• Component Inspection

  • Regularly check the ice plate probe wiring and connection bracket to ensure free rotation and prevent probe misalignment that could affect ice production.

  • Check the water pipes and sink for leaks and replace any aging components promptly.

Precautions

• Safe Operation

  • Handle the machine with care to avoid excessive vibration. After long-distance transport, allow the machine to rest for 2-6 hours before restarting to avoid damaging the compressor

  • Keep your hands dry during operation to avoid electric shock. Always disconnect the power cord before cleaning or repairing

• Water Quality Management

  • Use purified or filtered water to make ice. Avoid poor water quality, which can lead to poor ice quality or machine malfunction.

  • Regularly replace the filter to ensure consistent water quality.

• Troubleshooting

  • Ice production is slow: Check the water source and water pressure, or clean the condenser.

  • The machine is noisy: Check that it is stable and there are no foreign objects blocking the fan.

  • Abnormal indicator light: Check the fault code according to the manual and contact after-sales service in time.