Winco SPECTRUM™ Electric Countertop Chamber Vacuum Packaging Machine
Installation and Operating Instruction Manual
Model: EVPM-12
This manual provides installation and operating instructions for the Winco SPECTRUM™ Electric Countertop Chamber Vacuum Packaging Machine, Model EVPM-12. It is essential to read and understand these instructions before operating the equipment to ensure proper use, safety, and longevity of the product.
SPECTRUM™ is committed to quality and service. This unit is designed for commercial use and is built to provide years of reliable operation when used as intended and with proper care and maintenance.
⚠️ IMPORTANT: Failure to follow the instructions in this manual, unauthorized tampering, use of non-original spare parts, improper handling, or cleaning may void warranty and lead to product damage, injury, or death. SPECTRUM™ will not accept liability in such cases.
Safety First
Read all instructions and warnings thoroughly before installation and operation. If you have any questions or do not understand any part of this manual, contact your representative or the manufacturer before proceeding.
General Safety Warnings
? Fire Hazard:
Correct installation precautions, procedures, and regulations must be followed. Operation and safety training are necessary for all users. The equipment must be installed by qualified personnel only. Hood and fire suppression systems must be maintained per manufacturer's guidelines. Only qualified and trained personnel are to use this equipment. Overheating of oil vapors or oil can ignite and cause a fire. Monitor temperature, oil quality, and level. Use and maintain the oil vapor elimination system. Heat oil cautiously; reduce heat if it smokes. Never leave the appliance unattended. If a fire occurs, turn off the appliance, cover until cool. Do not add water to hot or burning oil. Do not operate with oil below the oil bar. Dirty oil has a lower flash point. Replace oil regularly. Maintain correct oil level. Use an oil vapor evacuation system (hood) to reduce grease and oil accumulation on walls or ceiling.
⚡ Electrical Shock Hazard:
Keep water and other liquids from entering the unit. Liquid inside could cause an electrical shock. Do not spray water or cleaning products directly onto the unit, as liquid could contact electrical components, causing a short circuit or shock. Do not use the unit if the power cord is damaged or has been modified.
? Burn Hazard:
When in operation, the surface of the Vacuum Sealer will be hot. Please take extreme caution when touching the unit.
⚠️ CAUTION:
Do not position or operate near combustible materials or flammable objects.
Commercial Use Only
These models are designed, built, and sold for commercial use only. If placed where the general public can use them, ensure caution signs, warnings, and operating instructions are clearly posted near each unit.
Service and Repair
All maintenance and repair must be handled by a WINCO® Approved Qualified Service Technician. Do not remove any components or service panels. If the power cord is damaged, it must be replaced by an authorized technician to avoid a hazard.
General Safety Notes
Before cleaning, switch off power and disconnect the power cord from the outlet. Do not immerse the unit in water or use a hose to clean it.
Specifications
| Model | Voltage | Power | Amperage | Plug Type | Vacuum Pump | Overall Dimensions (L x D x H) | Product Weight | Chamber Dimensions (L x D x H) | Seal Bar Length | Seal Wire Width |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| EVPM-12 | 110-120V~ 60Hz | 630W | 5.25 A | NEMA 5-15P | Dry | 14-1/8" x 16-7/8" x 14-1/2" (359mm x 429mm x 368mm) | 53.8 lbs (24.4kgs) | 12" x 13-7/8" x 5-1/2" (300mm x 350mm x 140mm) | 11-1/2" (295mm) | 0.14" (3.5mm) |
Certifications: [ETL Certified], [Intertek Sanitation Certified]
Package Contents and Unpacking
Package Contents
- SPECTRUM™ Commercial Vacuum Sealer
Unpacking the Equipment
Dispose of all packaging materials in an environmentally responsible manner.
- Remove all packing materials, tape, and protective plastic/cardboard from the unit.
- Clean any glue residue left over from the plastic or tape.
- Place the unit in the desired position and height.
Installation and start-up must be performed by a qualified installer who has thoroughly read, understands, and follows these instructions.
Please keep this manual in a safe place for future use!
Installation
Follow these instructions at all times. Failure to do so could result in injury to yourself and others.
To Reduce Risk of Injury or Damage to the Unit:
- Read this manual thoroughly before installation and operation. Do not proceed if you have questions or do not understand anything. Contact your representative or manufacturer first.
- Remove the SPECTRUM™ Commercial Vacuum Sealer from the packaging. Ensure all protective plastics and residues are thoroughly cleaned from its surface.
- Place your Vacuum Sealer on a firm, level surface. Consult local standards and regulations for positioning, spacing, and ventilation. SPECTRUM™ recommends at least a 4" (10cm) ventilation gap around the perimeter of the unit. Use common sense when choosing the position and operation location.
- Proper connections and power supply are essential for efficient performance. Supply the appropriate power and connect to the source. Your Vacuum Sealer is now ready to turn on and operate. (Refer to technical specifications on page 1 for power supply details).
- The unit is wired for a standard 110V/AC receptacle and may be plugged into any convenient outlet.
- Installation must conform to the National Electric Code, all local electric codes and ordinances, and all local electrical company rules and regulations. Additionally, a 4" (10cm) spacing surrounding the unit is recommended for adequate ventilation.
Proper Grounding
This machine is provided with a three-pronged grounding plug. The outlet must be properly grounded. If the receptacle is not the proper grounding type, contact an electrician. DO NOT cut or remove the third ground prong from the power cord or use any adapter plug.
Description of Grounding Diagram: The diagram shows a standard three-prong plug and indicates to use a grounded outlet and not to add an adapter to the plug. It also shows the corresponding French text.
Food Safety
Food Safety Precautions
The Vacuum Sealer can help keep food fresher up to 5 times longer than under normal circumstances. However, certain basic guidelines must be followed to package foods safely. Neglecting these can result in food spoilage, illness, or death.
To preserve foods safely, maintain low temperatures (40°F / 4°C or below). Freezing at 2°F / -17°C stops microbial growth but does not kill microorganisms. For long-term storage, always freeze perishable foods that have been vacuum packed.
- Only vacuum seal fresh foods. Not all foods benefit from vacuum packaging. Do not use old or rancid foods; vacuum sealing will not improve a bad product.
- Fresh foods (Meats, vegetables, cheeses, etc.) should be refrigerated at 34°F / 1°C or below or frozen after vacuum sealing.
- Never vacuum package garlic or fungi like mushrooms. A dangerous chemical reaction occurs when air is removed, making these foods dangerous if ingested.
- Foods susceptible to botulism should be refrigerated for short-term storage and frozen for long-term. Consume immediately after heating.
- Vegetables need to be blanched before vacuum packaging to stop enzyme action that causes loss of flavor, color, and texture.
- Cruciferous vegetables (broccoli, sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower, kale, turnips) naturally emit gases during storage. After blanching, they must be stored in the freezer only.
- Vacuum packaging is not a substitute for canning, refrigeration, or freezing. Any perishable food requiring refrigeration must still be refrigerated or frozen after vacuum packaging.
Vacuum sealing removes air, slowing the growth of most living microorganisms like aerobic bacteria and molds. However, anaerobic bacteria like clostridium botulinum (responsible for botulism) grow in the absence of oxygen.
Food Storage Guide
| FOOD | VACUUM FREEZER STORAGE | VACUUM FRIDGE STORAGE | TYPICAL STORAGE |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fresh Beef & Veal | 1-3 years | 1 month | 1-2 weeks |
| Ground Meat | 1 year | 1 month | 1-2 weeks |
| Fresh Pork | 2-3 years | 2-4 weeks | 1 week |
| Fresh Fish | 2 years | 2 weeks | 3-4 days |
| Fresh Poultry | 2-3 years | 2-4 weeks | 1 week |
| Smoked Meats | 3 years | 6-12 weeks | 2-4 weeks |
| Fresh Produce, Blanched | 2-3 years | 2-4 weeks | 1-2 weeks |
| Fresh Fruits | 2-3 years | 2 weeks | 3-4 days |
| Hard Cheeses | 6 months | 6-12 weeks | 2-4 days |
| Sliced Deli Meats | not recommended | 6-12 weeks | 1-2 weeks |
| Fresh Pasta | 6 months | 2-3 weeks | 1 week |
Operation
Understanding the Control Panel
The control panel features the following:
- A. Vacuum Gauge: Shows the vacuum level inside the vacuum chamber.
- B. Vacuum Time Adjustment Buttons (+/-): Adjust the vacuum time.
- C. LED Display: Shows the vacuum or seal time.
- D. Seal Time Adjustment Buttons (+/-): Adjust the seal time.
- E. "Start" Button: Press if the machine does not start automatically after closing the lid.
- F. "Seal" Button: Press to stop the vacuum cycle and instantly seal the bag, preventing crushing of delicate items.
- G. "On/Off" Button: Press to turn the machine on or off. Press to stop any working process. Turn off before unplugging.
Preparing Food for Vacuum Sealing
- Vegetables must be blanched before packaging. Place in boiling water or microwave until heated through but still crunchy.
- Select the proper size vacuum pouch for your food. Allow a minimum of 1" to 2" (2.5-5cm) of extra space at the top of the pouch for a quality air-tight seal.
- Place the food into the pouch. Keep pouches with liquids or wet product below the height of the seal bar.
Operating the Vacuum Sealer
- Plug the machine into a grounded electrical outlet. The LED Display (C) will read "OFF".
- Open the vacuum lid and press the "ON/OFF" button (G). The LED display will show "ON" when the lid is open and "CLO" when the lid is closed.
- With the LED Display showing "ON", adjust the Vacuum Time (B) and Seal Time (D) using the "+" or "-" buttons. For initial testing, set vacuum time to 30 seconds and seal time to 5 seconds. Adjust as needed; vacuum time can vary from 5-60 seconds, and seal time from 3-9 seconds, depending on pouch size and product amount.
- Place the vacuum bag with food into the vacuum chamber. Lay the pouch flat with the opening across the seal bar. Slide the open end of the pouch into the bag clamp to hold it in place. NOTE: The entire pouch, including the opening, must remain inside the chamber.
- Close the vacuum lid. The machine will start automatically, and the LED display will count down the vacuum time.
- When vacuuming is finished, the machine will seal automatically. The LED display will count down the seal time.
- Inspect the pouch. Check the vacuum tightness and product. If air pockets are present, increase vacuum time by 5 seconds and try again. Vacuum time can take up to 60 seconds. Check the seal quality. A positive seal will appear "clear". If the seal is "spotty or incomplete", increase seal time by 1. If the seal is "white or milky", decrease seal time by 1.
Cleaning, Care & Maintenance
To maintain appearance and service life, clean your unit daily. More frequent cleaning may be required depending on production volume.
- Switch power off, disconnect from the outlet, and let the Vacuum Sealer cool down before cleaning.
- Clean the Vacuum Sealer with a damp cloth using hot, soapy water.
- Do not immerse completely in water or use a hose to clean.
- Warm soapy water is recommended; prolonged use of harsh cleaning agents may damage stainless steel.
Troubleshooting
If your SPECTRUM™ Vacuum Sealer does not operate, check the following before placing a service call:
| ISSUE | MIGHT BE CAUSE BY | RECOMMENDED SOLUTION |
|---|---|---|
| The unit is not working and the display is not on | Lack of power Power switch has not been turned on Wrong operating procedure Plug and lead are damaged Internal wiring fault | Check main power supply Check that unit is correctly plugged in and turned on Refer to operating instructions Replace damaged power cable - Must be done by an authorized service provider Replace faulty wiring - Must be done by an authorized service provider |
| The unit is working but the display is not on | Faulty control board | Replace faulty control board - Must be done by an authorized service provider |
| Display is on but the unit is not sealing | Faulty sealing bar Seal time may not be long enough | Replace faulty sealing wire or sealing bar Increase seal time and try again |
| Vacuum pouch loses vacuum after being sealed | Sharp items puncturing small holes in pouch. Some fruits and vegetables can release gases if not properly blanched or frozen before packaging. | Cover sharp edges with paper towel and vacuum in a new pouch. Open pouch. If food spoilage has begun, discard food. If not yet begun, consume immediately. If in doubt, discard food. |
| Pouch is not sealing properly | Sealing bar Seal time may not be long enough Moisture, food particles or debris are present in the seal area Pouch is not properly placed along the seal bar. | Check sealing bar and try again Increase seal time and try again Wipe the inside of the pouch clean and try again. Make sure the entire pouch is over the seal bar and there are no wrinkles in pouch material. |
| E01 appears on the display screen | Micro switch is not closed when the machine enters the heat seal mode. | Check lid is closed and try again Check micro switch connection |
Service and Repair
THIS EQUIPMENT MUST ONLY BE SERVICED BY AN AUTHORIZED AGENT.
NOTE: Parts protected by the manufacturer or its agent are not to be adjusted by the installer unless the installer is an authorized service agent. If you have any questions or problems, DO NOT send the unit to WINCO® without first contacting their customer service department. Refer to the "Limited Warranty" on www.wincous.com for details.
Exploded View and Parts List
The exploded view diagram illustrates the internal components of the vacuum sealer.
Description of Exploded View Diagram: The diagram shows a top-down view of the vacuum sealer with various components numbered from 1 to 12, corresponding to the parts list.
Parts List
| # | Description | Part # | QTY | # | Description | Part # | QTY |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Seal Bar Assembly | EVPM-P1 | 1 | 7 | Vacuum Gauge | EVPM-P7 | 1 |
| 2 | Sealing Ring | EVPM-P2 | 1 | 8 | Membrane Switch | EVPM-P8 | 1 |
| 3 | Water Inlet Valve | EVPM-P5 | 1 | 9 | Vacuum Pump | EVPM-P6 | 1 |
| 4 | Small Solenoid Valve | EVPM-P11 | 2 | 10 | Power Board | EVPM-P4 | 1 |
| 5 | Main Board | EVPM-P9 | 1 | 11 | Up-down Piston Assembly | EVPM-P3 | 2 |
| 6 | Control Board | EVPM-P10 | 1 | 12 | Microswitch Assembly | EVPM-P12 | 1 |
To order parts, scan the QR code or visit: https://www.wincous.com/pages/order-parts
Website: www.wincous.com
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