Lancer Beer Chiller Installation Instructions
Warm beer is a tragedy that shouldn’t exist in the 21st century, but sadly, it still continues to this day. Kegs are wheeled out, the party goes long and the beer slowly reaches room temperature. But what if there was another way? What if there was a solution? What if we told you there already was one?
Lancer beer chillers keep the party going and the beer flowing. But if you've gotten to this point, it’s probably because you got stuck somewhere along the way, with the glycol line in one hand and the U-bend fitting in the other with no clue how they fit together. Luckily, Parts Town can help with all things kitchen equipment and replacement parts related. Check out these Lancer beer chiller installation instructions to finally put an end to an age-old problem, one that has no place in the modern world.
Unpacking the Lancer Beer Chiller
The first step in the Lancer beer chiller installation process is its careful unpacking. These procedures are intended to prevent damage to the unit and allow you to notify the delivering carrier and file a claim if the beer chiller’s condition is not as expected.
- Step 1. Cut the plastic wrap – First, cut off and discard the plastic band that’s wrapped around the unit.
- Step 2. Take off the shipping carton – Next, lift off the shipping carton and discard.
- Step 3. Extract the accessory kit and loose parts – From there you might notice the accessory kit or loose parts sitting on top of the packaging. Go ahead and set these aside in a safe place for later.
- Step 4. Remove the lower portion of the carton – Next, you’ll have to carefully lift the plywood shipping base to remove the lower portion of the carton.
- Step 5. Dismantle the plywood – Carefully slide the beer chiller so that one side hangs off the countertop or table. This will allow you to access and remove the screws housed underneath the plywood shipping base.
- Step 6. Install the legs – The Lancer beer chiller comes with a set of legs. You can install these by tilting the unit. However, be careful not to let the unit lie flat on its side or back, as this could damage the internal components.
Choosing a Location
Before you install your Lancer beer chiller, there are a number of criteria its location must meet to ensure smooth and uninterrupted operation. Keep the following points in mind when deciding where to set up shop:
- Ensure the surface is flat, well-supported and directly above the dispense point.
- The surface should be able to support over 450 pounds (204.1kg).
- Install the beer chiller within 10 feet of the walk-in/keg room, not on top of it.
- Pick a place that’s close to a grounded 115V electrical outlet that can be used with a 5-15P plug type.
- Choose a site that’s close to a waste drain, although this isn’t essential to operation.
- Make sure to have all the legs installed on NSF-listed units.
- Leave at least 150 mm of clearance around the beer chiller to allow for adequate airflow and circulation.
- Note: Not adhering to the recommended clearances may result in compressor overheating and failure.
Lancer Beer Chiller Installation Instructions
Now that the beer chiller is unwrapped and its location selected, you can learn how to install a Lancer beer chiller. Follow the instructions below for specifics on hooking up the machine and maintaining proper clearances:
- Step 1. Size and cut the python tubing – Using a knife, razor blade or tube cutter, size the python tubing, leaving enough length for future service.
- Note: Do not use a saw to cut the tubing, as the plastic shavings may plug the flow controls in the dispensing valve.
- Step 2. Install the python insulation – Place one end of the python insulation close to the chiller and kegs. Then, cut an 18-inch slit into the insulation, peeling it back to reveal each individual tube.
- Note: Be careful not to cut the tubing when slitting the insulation.
- Step 3. Hook up the product supply line(s) – Attach the keg product supply line(s) to the python tubing product supply line(s).
- Step 4. Install the drain plug or faucet – Depending on your unit’s specific needs, install either the plug or the faucet onto the drain outlet and seal the connection with Teflon tape or an equivalent.
- Step 5. Connect the tubing to the overflow fitting – Locate the overflow fitting on the side of the beer chiller. Next, install 6 inches of tubing so that the fitting is now even with the outside edge of the unit.
- Step 6. Connect the glycol line to the pump – Use the supplied “U” bend fitting to attach the chiller glycol line outlet to the glycol pump inlet.
- Step 7. Connect the glycol pump line to the python tubing – Use the provided “U” bend fitting to attach the pump glycol line outlet to the python tubing glycol line.
- Step 8. Connect the glycol return line to the python tubing return line – Use the provided “L” bend fitting to connect the chiller glycol return line inlet to the python tubing return line.
- Step 9. Connect the product, glycol and glycol return line(s) to the dispense font(s) – Check each of the lines for leaks before insulating the connections.
- Step 10. Attach the drain tube – If necessary, connect a ⅜” (10mm) drain tube to the drain fitting at the front of the chiller.
How to Set up a Lancer Beer Chiller
With the Lancer beer chiller unpacked, hooked up and installed, the last thing to do is set it up for service. Here’s what you’ll have to do before pouring that first mug:
- Step 1. Fill the water bath with glycol solution – Mix 1 part distilled water to every 2-⅓ water to fill the water bath.
- Note: Only use distilled water and food-grade propylene glycol.
- Step 2. Fill the tank with glycol solution – Pour in the glycol mixture until it starts coming out of the overflow port at the front of the unit.
- Step 3. Plug in and power on the unit – Plug in the beer chiller to a free outlet that’s not shared with another appliance and turn on the power. After 5 seconds, you should hear the compressor, condenser fan motor and agitator pump start-up.
- Note: Do not use an extension cord or share the outlet with other appliances or devices.
- Step 4. Top off the water bath – Add more glycol solution until it starts coming out of the overflow port on the front of the beer chiller.
- Step 5. Set the thermostat – Set the thermostat to the desired temperature. The setpoint temperature should be 29℉ (-1.67℃) with a 3℉ (1.6℃) differential.
- Note: Do not set the temperature below 18℉ (-7.78℃), as this will cause the glycol lines to freeze.
Additional Resources
Whether you need instructions on how to install Lancer beer dispensers or need pointers on troubleshooting and maintenance, Parts Town’s got you covered with manufacturer-issued Lancer beer chiller manuals and diagrams.