Cable
Cables of many forms are pervasive in foodservice equipment. A cable is a wire or grouping of wires usually insulated and held together within an overall sheath. The assembly is used for the transmission of electrical power or electrical signals to and from various components within a piece of equipment. Cables may be housed internally such as with ribbon cables, or may be external such as with power cords. An electrical cable is an assembly of one or more wires running side by side or bundled, which is used to carry electric current.
A cable assembly is the composition of one or more electrical cables and their corresponding connectors. A cable assembly is not necessarily suitable for connecting two devices but can be a partial product (e.g. to be soldered onto a printed circuit board with a connector mounted to the housing). Cable assemblies can also take the form of a cable tree or cable harness, used to connect many terminals together.
Calibration
Calibration is an important concept in proper restaurant equipment operations. Calibration is a comparison between measurements – one of known correctness that is made or set with one device, and another measurement made using a second device. The device with the known correctness is called the standard. The second device is the unit under test, or subject to adjustment in order to properly calibrate it's setting or operation.
Cam
Cams are commonly found in foodservice equipment. A cam is a rotating or sliding piece in a mechanical linkage used especially in transforming rotary motion into linear motion. It is often a part of a rotating wheel (e.g. an eccentric wheel) or shaft (e.g. a cylinder with an irregular shape) that strikes a lever at one or more points on its circular path.
Capacitor
A capacitor is a device that stores electrical energy in an electric field. It is a passive electronic component with two terminals. The effect of a capacitor is known as capacitance While some capacitance exists between any two electrical conductors in proximity in a circuit, a capacitor is a component designed to add capacitance to a circuit.
Capillary Tube
Capillary action (sometimes capillarity, capillary motion, capillary effect, or wicking) is the ability of a liquid to flow in narrow spaces without the assistance of, or even in opposition to, external forces like gravity. The effect can be seen in the drawing up of liquids in a thin tube. It occurs because of intermolecular forces between the liquid and surrounding solid surfaces. If the diameter of the tube is sufficiently small, then the combination of surface tension (which is caused by cohesion within the liquid) and adhesive forces between the liquid and container wall act to propel the liquid.
Capsule Pak
Capsule Pak refrigeration systems consist of a condensing unit and evaporator coil contained in one housing. Capsule Paks are factory assembled, wired, charged, tested and fully equipped for fast and easy insertion into a factory prepared walk-in opening. The evaporator coil section mounts flush in a walk-in roof maximizing usable interior space. Capsule Pak models use high efficiency EC evaporator fan motors to circulate air throughout the walk-in. Additionally, there are no walk-in penetrations for drain lines on outdoor units which simplifies installation.
Carbonator
In many restaurants and drinking establishments, soda water is manufactured on-site using devices known as carbonators. Carbonators use mechanical pumps to pump water into a pressurized chamber where it is combined with CO2 from pressurized tanks at approximately 100 psi. The pressurized, carbonated water then flows to taps or to mixing heads where it is then mixed with flavorings as it is dispensed.
Cartridge
Cartridges are used in a number of different restaurant equipment systems from flavor cartridges to coffee and condiment cartridges, and of course print cartridges. A cartridge is a prefabricated subassembly that can be easily installed in or removed from a larger mechanism or replaced with another interchangeable subassembly.
Caster
A caster (or castor) is an undriven, single, double, or compound wheel that is designed to be attached to the bottom of a larger object to enable that object to be moved. They are available in various sizes, and are commonly made of rubber, plastic, nylon, aluminum, or stainless steel.
Catalytic Converter
A catalytic converter is an exhaust emission control device that reduces toxic gases and pollutants in exhaust gas f into less-toxic pollutants by catalyzing a redoxreaction (an oxidation and a reduction reaction). Catalytic converters are often used within cooking equipment.
Catch
A catch or latch is a type of mechanical fastener that joins two (or more) objects or surfaces while allowing for their regular separation. A latch typically engages another piece of hardware on the other mounting surface. Catches range in complexity from flexible one-piece flat springs of metal or plastic, to multi-point cammed catches.
Chain
A chain is a serial assembly of connected pieces, called links, typically made of metal, with an overall character similar to that of a rope in that it is flexible and curved in compression but linear, rigid, and load-bearing in tension. Those designed for transferring power in machines have links
designed to mesh with the teeth of the sprockets of the machine, and are flexible in only one dimension.
Chain Guard
Chain guards can be found in conveyor ovens, dish machines, pizza ovens and rotisseries. A chain guard, also known as a chain case or "gear case", is an enclosure for chain and sprocket assemblies designed to enclose the drive train as a safety measure. It is for this reason that most restaurant equipment using chain mechanisms will not operate without the guard in place.
Chainguard
Chain guards can be found in conveyor ovens, dish machines, pizza ovens and rotisseries. A chain guard, also known as a chain case or "gear case", is an enclosure for chain and sprocket assemblies designed to enclose the drive train as a safety measure. It is for this reason that most restaurant equipment using chain mechanisms will not operate without the guard in place.
Chimney
A chimney is a conduit for exhausting gases from cooking equipment. The chimney is part of a system designed for venting hot gases and smoke from a stove, oven or boiler to the outside atmosphere usually via a supplemental vented hood. They may be vertical or channeled ensuring that hot gases flow smoothly by drawing air into the combustion system through convection or forced by fans.
Check Valve
A check valve, clack valve, non-return valve, reflux valve, retention valve or one-way valve is a valve that normally allows fluid (liquid or gas) to flow through it in only one direction.
Chopper
A knife or other implement used for chopping food. A chopper makes quick work of chopping vegetables, meat, nuts, and even ice in seconds. A chopper may be motorized or operated manually.
Chute
Chutes are common in foodservice equipment. A chute is a vertical or inclined plane, channel, duct or passage through which ingredients move by gravity. An example may be coffee beans stored in the bean hopper of an espresso machine that move under gravity to a grinder via a chute. Chutes are also commonly used with grilling equipment to channel grease away from the cooking surface, and to move ice to remote dispensers under the force of a motorized auger.
Circuit
The circular path, which is always required to get electricity to flow and do something useful, is called a circuit. A circuit is a closed path that allows electricity to flow from one point to another. It may include various electrical components, such as transistors, resistors, and capacitors, but the flow is unimpeded by a gap or break in the circuit unless that path is interrupted.
Circuit Board
A printed circuit board (PCB) mechanically supports and electrically connects electronic components or electrical components using conductive tracks, pads and other features etched from one or more sheet layers of copper laminated onto and/or between sheet layers of a non-conductive substrate. Components are generally soldered onto the PCB to both electrically connect and mechanically fasten them to it.
Clamp
A clamp is a fastening device used to hold or secure objects tightly together to prevent movement or separation through the application of inward pressure. Also called a brace, band, or clasp used for strengthening, bracing, or holding things together.
Cleaner
In foodservice, a cleaner may refer to a cleaning tool or a cleaning solution, powder or cleaning tablet. Cleaning tools may include brushes or scrapers. Cleaning solutions may include ice machine cleaners and spray on grease removers. Cleaning tablets are hardened cleaning powders that are diluted with water during an automated cleaning cycle in equipment such as dishwashers or combi ovens.
Cleanout
Clean-outs are fittings with removable elements, allowing access to drains without having to remove piping, tubing, or plumbing fixtures. They are used to allow an implement (like a brush) to clean out a drain. Clean-outs usually have screw-on caps or screw-in plugs.
Cleveland
Cleveland Range, is a leading manufacturer and designer of steam cooking equipment. Cleveland Range has a long and proud history of serving the foodservice industry with quality and innovative cooking devices. Current product offerings include steamers, combination steamer-ovens, kettles, braising pans and specialty application ovens.
Closer
A door or drawer closer may be spring activated or hydraulic. Closers are designed to automatically close doors following access especially in walk-in and reach in coolers and freezers.
Clutch
A clutch is a mechanical device that engages and disengages power transmission. In the simplest application, clutches connect and disconnect two rotating shafts (drive shafts or line shafts). The clutch connects the two shafts so they may be locked together and spin at the same speed (engaged), locked together but spinning at different speeds (slipping), or unlocked and spinning at different speeds (disengaged).
CO2
Carbon dioxide (chemical formula CO2) is a colorless gas with a density about 60% higher than that of dry air. Carbon dioxide is soluble in water and is frequently used in the prodcustion or dispensing beverages such as soda or beer giving the product the quality of effervescence.
Coil
An electromagnetic coil is an electrical conductor such as a wire in the shape of a coil, spiral or helix. Electromagnetic coils are used in electrical engineering, in applications where electric currents interact with magnetic fields, in devices such as electric motors, generators, inductors, electromagnets, transformers, and sensor coils. Either an electric current is passed through the wire of the coil to generate a magnetic field, or conversely an external time-varying magnetic field through the interior of the coil generates an EMF (voltage) in the conductor.
In refrigeration, the condenser coil dispels the hot air to the outside. The refrigerant then loops back to the compressor, gets cold again, absorbs heat and disperses it to the outside. As long as the compressor is running, the refrigerant keeps up this continuous loop.
Collar
Collars can be found in all types of restaurant equipment and are common accessories to other components. A collar is a restraining or connecting band, ring, flange, or pipe in machinery used to restrain motion, hold something in place, or join two or more parts together. Mechanical collars often hold bearings and sprockets on shafts, situate components in motor and gearbox assemblies, and serve as mechanical stops. Collars may also be used on cups and containers, blending pitchers and more.
Collector
In the foodservice industry a collector is any reservoir utilized to gather product. The collector may be for finished goods, an ingredient to be used later, or a byproduct of a preparation or cooking process.
Combustion
Combustion is the phenomenon initiating the process of burning. In a combustion reaction, a substance reacts with oxygen from the air. Combustion reactions happen at high temperatures, and transfer energy to the surroundings as light and heat. This is why you see flames when things burn. In commercial cooking equipment, combustion is seen with the ignition of gas burners as well as with handheld finishing torches.
Compartment
A compartment is one of the parts into which an enclosed space is divided or a separate section of a machine or container in which certain items can be kept separate from others.
Compression
A compression fitting is comprised of a sleeve, a nut, and the fitting body itself. The sleeve acts as the seal when the nut compresses it into the fitting body.
Compressor
A compressor is a mechanical device that increases the pressure of a gas by reducing its volume. Compressors are similar to pumps in that both increase the pressure on a fluid and both can transport the fluid through a pipe. As gases are compressible, the compressor also reduces the volume of a gas.
Compressors used in refrigeration systems are often described as being either hermetic, open, or semi-hermetic, to describe how the compressor and motor drive are situated in relation to the gas or vapor being compressed. The industry name for a hermetic is hermetically sealed compressor, while a semi-hermetic is commonly called a semi-hermetic compressor.
In hermetic and most semi-hermetic compressors, the compressor and motor driving the compressor are integrated, and operate within the pressurized gas envelope of the system. The motor is designed to operate in, and be cooled by, the refrigerant gas being compressed.
The difference between the hermetic and semi-hermetic, is that the hermetic uses a one-piece welded steel casing that cannot be opened for repair; if the hermetic fails it is simply replaced with an entire new unit. A semi-hermetic uses a large cast metal shell with gasketed covers with screws that can be opened to replace motor and compressor components.
Condensate
Condensate is a common byproduct from the operation of refrigerators, freezers, and ice machines. Condensation occurs when water is changed from it's gaseous form (water vapor) into liquid as it passes over the evaporator coil. Typically this can occur when warm air comes into contact with cold surfaces where water droplets will form. A condensate drain system is the exit route for this moisture as is collects in condensate the pan, and out through the condensate drain line.
Compression Fitting
Compression fittings are used in plumbing and electrical conduit systems to join two tubes or thin-walled pipes together. In instances where two pipes made of dissimilar materials are to be joined (most commonly PVC and copper), the fittings will be made of one or more compatible materials appropriate for the connection. Compression fittings for attaching tubing (piping) commonly have ferrules.
Condenser
In systems involving heat transfer, a condenser is a device or unit used to compress a gaseous substance into a liquid state through cooling. In so doing, the latent heat is released by the substance and transferred to the surrounding environment. For example, a refrigerator uses a condenser to get rid of heat extracted from the interior of the unit to the outside air. Condensers are typically air cooled or water cooled. A "condensing unit" may refer to the entire refrigeration system including the compressor.
Conductivity
Electrical resistivity (also called specific electrical resistance or volume resistivity) and its inverse, electrical conductivity, is a fundamental property of a material that quantifies how strongly it resists or conducts electric current. A low resistivity indicates a material that readily allows electric current to flow.
Conduit
An electrical conduit is a tube used to protect and route electrical wiring within a piece of equipment. Similarly, a conduit is a hollow tubular element, usually circular, used to convey substances that flow such as a liquid or gas (fluids), slurries and batters, powders (sugar, flour) and small solids (ice cubes, grains, beans) etc.
Connector
Most connectors have a gender i.e. the male component, called a plug, connects to the female component, or socket. A connection may be removable (as for portable equipment), require a tool for assembly and removal, or serve as a permanent joint between two points. An adapter can be used to join dissimilar connectors. Connectors are commonly used in plumbing and electromechanical assemblies.
Contactor
A contactor is an electrically-controlled switch used for switching an electrical power circuit. A contactor is typically controlled by a circuit which has a much lower power level than the switched circuit, such as a 24-volt coil electromagnet controlling a 230-volt motor switch.
Control
A control is a switch or other device by which a machine is regulated. A control may be manual or automatically operated. An electro-mechanical control typically consists of multiple relays, timers, and/or counters wired together on an enclosure panel. Electro-mechanical control is also referred to simply as "Relay Control", a more accurate term, since solid state electronic relays, timers, and counters are standard components. Contactors, motor and compressor starters, valves, thermostats, and other output devices are used to turn on/off motors, indicator lights, heating elements, and other components used in the equipment.
Control Board
A printed circuit board (PCB or computer) mechanically supports and electrically connects electrical or electronic components. Components are generally soldered onto the PCB to both electrically connect and mechanically fasten them to it.
Convection
In foodservice, the term convection refers to a method of heat transfer where food is heated by a moving heat source such as hot air inside an oven that is circulated by a fan. As convection circulates heat, it accelerates the cooking and evens the browning process.
Control Box
A control box provides the physical interface to allow an operator to control a piece of equipment and monitor its performance. Control boxes typically contain a variety of instruments such as switches, knobs, sliders and buttons. These are connected to the equipment and are used to control it, allowing operators to start, stop or adjust various functions.
Control boxes also often contain instruments that provide data from sensors. The data is used to ensure that the machine is functioning correctly and allows operators to make control decisions. The actual connections from the controls to the equipment usually consist of relays, timers and programmable logic controllers (PLCs).
Controls are typically located inside electrical enclosures to prevent accidental contact, unauthorized access or damage to the controls. Many newer control box models also use touch screens to provide operators with intuitive and fine-tuned control over the processes they work with.
Control Knob
A control knob is a rotary control used to provide input to a device when grasped by an operator and turned, so that the degree of rotation corresponds to the desired input. Such knobs are one of the most common components in control systems and are found on all sorts of restaurant equipment.
Converter
A power converter is an electrical or electro-mechanical device for converting electrical energy. This could be as simple as a transformer to change the voltage of AC power, but also includes far more complex systems. The term can also refer to a class of electrical machinery that is used to convert one frequency of alternating current into another frequency.
Conversions of gas appliances to either natural gas or propane involves the changing of internal parts to properly compensate for the differing pressures between the two. Equipment fueled by either natural gas or propane can be converted to run on the other using an approved propane/natural gas conversion kit.
Other converters may allow the upgrade of parts and components.
Conveyor
A conveyor system is a common piece of mechanical handling equipment that moves materials from one location to another. Conveyors are especially useful in applications involving the transportation of heavy or bulky materials such as dishware and glassware. Conveyor systems allow quick and efficient transportation for a wide variety of materials, which make them very popular in large volume dish washing equipment. Many kinds of conveying systems are available and are used according to the various needs of different industries. Chain conveyors include enclosed tracks, such as those used with continuous pizza, warming, and baking equipment.
Cooling Fan
A fan is a powered device used to create airflow and dissipate heat. A fan consists of a rotating arrangement of vanes or blades which act upon the air. The rotating assembly of blades and hub is known as an impeller, rotor, or runner. Usually, it is contained within some form of housing or case. This may direct the airflow or increase safety by preventing objects from contacting the fan blades.
Cordgrip
Cord grips are used to pass a cord or cable into a machine through a bulkhead, or into a control device like a switch. They seal an electrical connection from dirt, oil, moisture, dust and other contaminants and can be used in dry or wet applications. Cord grips are used in commercial settings to control bending and prevent cables from being pulled out of a system.
Cordset
A cordset is a power cable with one or more molded connectors. They provide temporary electrical connections and have a male connector at one end and a female connector at the other end. Either end may not have a connector, but have terminal connector wires instead. Cordsets are flexible, easy-to-connect, and may include components such as fuses, or EMI shielding.
The male end of a cordset is a molded electrical plug with unshielded, exposed terminals known as pins or prongs. This end of the cordset attaches to an electrical outlet or socket. The female end of the cordset is a molded electrical receptacle into which pins or prongs are inserted. The female end attaches to electrically-powered equipment or an appliance. Similarly, either end may instead have terminal connecting wires.
Cotter Pin
A split pin, also known as a cotter pin or cotter key, is a metal fastener with two tines that are bent during installation, similar to a staple or rivet. Typically made of thick wire with a half-circular cross section, split pins come in multiple sizes and types.
Coupling
A coupling is a device used to connect two shafts together at their ends for the purpose of transmitting power. The primary purpose of couplings is to join two pieces of rotating equipment while permitting some degree of misalignment or end movement or both. In a more general context, a coupling can also be a mechanical device that serves to connect the ends of adjacent parts or objects. Couplings do not normally allow disconnection of shafts during operation, however there are torque limiting couplings which can slip or disconnect when some torque limit is exceeded. Selection, installation and maintenance of couplings can lead to reduced maintenance time and maintenance cost.
Alternatively, in plumbing or with tubing a coupling connects two pipes. If their sizes differ, the fitting is known as a reducing coupling, reducer, or an adapter. There are two types of couplings: "regular" and "slip". A regular coupling has a small ridge or stop internally, to prevent over-insertion of a pipe, and thus under-insertion of the other pipe segment (which would result in an unreliable connection). A slip coupling (sometimes also called a repair coupling) is deliberately made without this internal stop, to allow it to be slipped into place in tight locations, such as the repair of a pipe that has a small leak due to corrosion or freeze bursting, or which had to be cut temporarily for some reason.
Crusher
A crusher is a device designed to reduce large items such as ice cubes or nuts into smaller components.
Cover
A lid, also known as a cover, is part of a container, and serves as the closure or seal, usually one that completely closes the object.
Coverplate
A cover plate is a plate used to cover or enclose a chamber or receptacle. Equipment cover plates may be simply decorative, or may serve to protect inner componentry from damage or leakage. Similarly, a cover plate may serve as a safety feature to conceal moving parts or live electrical circuits.
Cup Rest
A cup rest is usually constructed of metal or plastic in a grid pattern. A grid is a type of physical material distinguished by connected and crossing strands in a mesh like pattern. Cup rests can take many forms and and can be found in different types of restaurant equipment including beverage and ice dispensers, condiment, dressing and toppings dispensers and more.
Cutter
A cutter is a device or blade used to cut, form, dice, julienne or slice food products into desired shapes optimized for cooking or presentation.
Cutting Board
A cutting or chopping board is a durable board on which to place material for cutting. The kitchen cutting board is commonly used in preparing food; other types exist for cutting raw materials such as leather or plastic. Kitchen cutting boards are often made of wood or plastic and come in various widths and sizes. There are also cutting boards made of glass, steel, or marble, which are easier to clean than wooden or plastic ones such as nylon or corian, but tend to damage knives due to their hardness. Rough cutting edgessuch as serrated knivesabrade and damage a cutting surface more rapidly than do smooth cutting implements.
Cylinder
A cylinder is a geometric solid that is very common in everyday life. It has two ends, called bases, that are usually circular. The bases are always congruent and parallel to each other.