Now you’ve got your vending machine and are ready to plug it in. Hold on, before you plug the machine in, let’s discuss why the power supplied to your vending machine is so critical that it is correct.
The power outlet you plug your machine into must have the correct amperage and supply line to ensure your vending machine operates properly.
Many machines can share an outlet as long as the total amperage for that outlet is sufficient for your vending machine requirements.
Check with your vending machine distributor about what power you will need, which machines need to be on a dedicated line, and which machines can share a line.
Vending machine problems could often have been prevented if the machines had used proper power conditions for their needs. I have seen more than once a vending operator unable to figure out why their electronic vending machine is doing some weird stuff.
Operators will say, “Well, there was a vending machine plugged in here before, and even a couple of them were plugged in on the same line or had an extension cord run to an outlet just over there.
Vending machine control boards require specific power to operate properly; otherwise, they may exhibit unusual behavior.
Just because your vending machines are the only things plugged into that outlet does not mean they are the only things on that circuit.
Check with your vending machine supplier and the building maintenance department where you want to place your machine to confirm the power requirements.
True Story:
I was working as a service technician for Lektro-Vend when I got a call, and the customer asked, ” Excuse me, can you tell me where the vacuum line is on this snack machine. I looked up the machine’s serial number and noticed it was not a refrigerated model, so I asked the customer whether their machine has a cooling unit. I did this to make sure our records were correct. The customer says no, it is not a refrigerated snack; it is just a simple ambient-model machine. I then informed the customer that there was no VAC or Vacuum line on that model machine, and they replied, “Well, right here on the schematic, or what they called a line drawing, it clearly says 110 VAC…”
Please, if you do not understand electricity, ask someone who does, as it can save your life and money on electronic devices.