An Electrical Primer for Buying Commercial Appliances
A moderate amount of knowledge is always a good thing, and this is certainly the case when it comes to commercial appliances. The more the people that work with the potent stoves learn the more likely they are able to use the machines to the best advantage. Moreover, since these stoves have a lot of energy coursing through them it is also a safety issue for everyone that comes near them. At CASCO, our 50 years in the commercial repair business for restaurants has taught us the value of knowing the capabilities and limits of restaurant equipment.
A Few Crucial Basics To Consider When Buying Commercial Appliances
The terminology of electricity is familiar to most people but also poorly understand. The three most common terms and a brief definition are voltage, amperage and wattage.
Of these three terms, wattage is probably the most helpful to the majority of people because it essentially explains how powerful a piece of equipment is. A stove that is capable of using 3000 watts will be able to cook items more quickly than one that only has a 1500 watt capacity. For the owner of a busy restaurant it may make sense to buy a powerful commercial stove, while a smaller operation may be able to get by with something less expensive. For more information on voltage, wattage and amperage see our blog on How to Calculate Amps, Volts, and Watts
- Voltage is the pressure at which the electrical current flows through the wires.
- Amperage refers to the rate at which the electrical current moves, measured in amps or amperes.
- Wattage is the factor of the voltage and amperage.
Of these three terms, wattage is probably the most helpful to the majority of people because it essentially explains how powerful a piece of equipment is. A stove that is capable of using 3000 watts will be able to cook items more quickly than one that only has a 1500 watt capacity. For the owner of a busy restaurant it may make sense to buy a powerful commercial stove, while a smaller operation may be able to get by with something less expensive. For more information on voltage, wattage and amperage see our blog on How to Calculate Amps, Volts, and Watts
Some Key Points on the Existing Electrical Supply
When buying and operating commercial restaurant equipment it is also critical to know something about the electrical supply coming into the building. This, among other things, determines the type of electrical plug needed for the machine. A commercial kitchen will need to run on a 208 or a 240-volt electrical system. This capacity is determined by the manner in which the high-voltage transmission lines obtain and distribute the power. Anyone who is unsure of the electrical system of their building should contact a certified electrical company before buying any equipment. At CASCO we are committed to helping companies have the best equipment for its needs.
A variety of electrical plugs may come with various pieces of equipment; it is important to match the correct plug with the existing electrical infrastructure. In some cases, the equipment will not come with a plug and will need to be installed by a professional electrician. The plug and receptacle regulations are overseen by guidelines from the National Electrical Manufacturers Association. The purpose of the guidelines is to make sure the power supply is appropriate for the machine that is plugged into it. A failure to match the plug, receptacle and power supply could result in damaged equipment or even danger to person and property.
A variety of electrical plugs may come with various pieces of equipment; it is important to match the correct plug with the existing electrical infrastructure. In some cases, the equipment will not come with a plug and will need to be installed by a professional electrician. The plug and receptacle regulations are overseen by guidelines from the National Electrical Manufacturers Association. The purpose of the guidelines is to make sure the power supply is appropriate for the machine that is plugged into it. A failure to match the plug, receptacle and power supply could result in damaged equipment or even danger to person and property.
Contact Our Experts With Questions
To talk with our team of certified professionals, call CASCO at 707-544-5200. We can help a company better understand all of the specifications needed to buy and maintain commercial stoves and similar appliances. Or we can be contacted online by clicking on the link.