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Float Valve
The float switch is a very
simple component. It uses
a magnet attached to a
Styrofoam float to open
and close an electrical
switch. It has two basic
functions, the first and its main function is to initiate
the harvest cycle, the second is to offer a low or
“no” water safety. The switch simply opens or closes
depending on the water level in the machine. This
part is located directly in the ice making water
therefore it is susceptible to scale build up. In fact
of the KM float switches that are returned under
warranty approximately 84% check good and all
that is needed is a good cleaning. The float switch
is composed of three or four basic parts depending
on the model, the body (which includes the switch),
the float, the retaining pin and for most models the
rubber float switch connector. The operation of the
float switch can be checked by draining the sump
tank and removing the float body from the rubber
float switch connector. Then attach an ohmmeter
to the float switch leads and check for continuity.
If the float is in the up position the switch should
read closed. When the float is in the down position
it should read open. The float can be moved up
and down with your finger, however a better way
is to move the float and float body up and down
in a container of water. This gives the float a more
realistic movement and a more accurate test.
The float switch and rubber connector should be
thoroughly cleaned and the float switch tested
before replacement. The switching mechanism of
the float is encased in plastic, so it is not affected by
scale build up. In most cases a float switch failure is a
result of scale build up on the float, inside the body
or on the float shaft.
Ice Maker Relays
There are four relays attached to your ice maker
that communicate the following information to
the vending machines’s PLC. It signals:
• the ice maker to turn ON and OFF
• when water is filling above the Float Valve Sensor
• when the Water Solenoid is open and filling the
ice maker’s reservoir
• when the ice maker Compressor is ON
Power Indicator Relay (I)
When photocells “A, B, or T” send a signal to the PLC
that ice needs to be produced, the “I” Power Indicator
Relay and Blue Indicator Light on the top front panel
of the vending machine are illuminated.
See page
page 12 in this manual for indicator light descriptions.
Float Valve Monitor Relay (F)
When illuminated the Float Valve Monitor Relay
senses that float has risen or fallen below the sensor.
This is important because the Ice maker starts a timer
after this sensor comes ON to turn off the water.
Water Solenoid Monitor Relay (W)
The Water Solenoid Monitor Relay monitors the
power going to the water solenoid. When this relay
is illuminated the water solenoid is ON. Water should
be filling the reservoir, and also dropping down
between the plates.
Compressor Monitor Relay (C)
The Compressor Monitor Relay monitors when the
ice maker’s compressor is ON. When the Compressor
Monitor Relay and the Yellow Indicator Light on
the top front panel of the vending machine are
illuminated, the Ice maker’s compressor should be
ON and you should hear ice fall into the Ice Storage
Bin within the hour.
Float Valve
