SSR Operation & Troubleshooting - Universal
Solid State Relay Operation & Troubleshooting
SLAYER recommends all service be performed by an experienced SLAYER Espresso trained technician. For a technician reference near you, please contact SLAYER Support at (206)-284-7171 (#1 in Directory) or email support@slayerespresso.com.
SLAYER Espresso machines feature 20a (Brew Circuit + 2g Steam Circuit) and 40a (3g Steam Circuit) SSR relays to maintain temperature stability throughout the heating circuit. SSR relays function by receiving a DC signal from the circuit board to complete the AC circuit to the heating element.
Servicing, operating, and installing espresso machines can damage equipment, cause serious injury, or even death. Please adhere to all safety precautions outlined in the SLAYER User Manuals. This includes: compliant power specifications, intended use applications, and safe maintenance practices.
Heating Indicators:
Steam Series and Single Group machines feature a Barista Dashboard which display plenty of useful information on the status of your machine. One of these useful tools are 'heating indicators' which appear as illuminated colons next to the values TEMP and STM. Each group head temperature value, as well as the steam tank pressure reading, has it's own heating indicator.
Heating indicators, either static or pulsing, correspond to the DC signal voltage at the SSR. The video below illustrates the illuminated heating indicator on the display complementing the presence of 24vDC signal voltage. In this scenario Group 1 is nearing it's set temperature causing the heating circuit to pulse.
To similar effect, Espresso V3 heating indicators can be observed on the Fuji PID and Love Controllers.
SSR Operation:
During heat-up and temperature/pressure stabilization. SSRs receive 24vDC from the circuit board as relayed by temperature probes or a pressure transducer on each tank. This DC signal voltage, when closed, activates the AC circuit and allows current to flow.
The heating circuit in this guide demonstrates current through a 600 watt element on 220vAC. Examples shown result in 2.5-3a while circuit is closed. Please note, to determine the expected amperage on the circuit you are testing, divide element power by measured voltage using the formula: Watts/Voltage=Amps. Element power (measured in watts) can be found in SLAYER Espresso Parts Lists as well as stamped on the element itself.
To diagnose functionally of the heating circuit. Place an amp clamp on the 'load' lead (Isolated wire, typically marked or labeled with a colored band.) and observe approximately 2.5-3a while actively heating. Video below illustrates amperage pulse as heating circuit opens and closes.
Faulty SSR Symptoms:
- Heating circuit ignores heating indicator colons.
- Over heating brew groups resulting in sputtering/steaming water.
- Blown steam tank pressure relief valve.
- Error codes:
Troubleshooting:
It is possible for SSRs to fail in the closed position resulting in over temperature and pressure scenarios. To diagnose this, turn off the heating circuit in the Advanced Menu and verify no amperage is being drawn from the load (Banded, labeled, or marked.) AC voltage leads on the suspected SSR. If amperage is present while the signal, DC circuit, is open... the SSR has failed.
Servicing, operating, and installing espresso machines can damage equipment, cause serious injury, or even death. Please adhere to all safety precautions outlined in the Slayer User Manuals. This includes: compliant power specifications, intended use applications, and safe maintenance practices.
Questions or concerns? Please contact support@slayerespresso.com
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