How-To Guide :: Frozen Beverage :: Replacing Draw Switch

The draw switch is the vertical lever on the front of the machine that moves up and down when the user moves the draw valve.  When the draw valve is open and dispensing product, this switch is closed, or activated, telling the control board to turn on the motor to dispense product.  When the draw valve is closed, this switch should be open.  For more information on the functionality of the draw switch and verifying its functionality, please see the FB: Viscosity Controls article.  

Occasionally, the draw switch may fail and need replacement.  Spaceman sells both the microswitch itself, as well as the entire mechanical assembly for replacement.  There are two versions of the draw switch assembly.  The original draw switch, version 1, has a curved arm that slides up and down on a flat front face plate.  Starting in 2020, Spaceman released an updated version of machines with a simpler draw switch with spring return.  Version 2 draw switches can be identified by having a perfectly vertical arm with a spring return.

Required Tools

1. Metric Hex Driver or Allen key set
   
2. Flathead Screwdriver
   
3. Philips-head screwdriver set
   
4. Metric Wrench set or adjustable wrench
   
5. Metric Socket set
   

1. Turn Power Switch to Off, and unplug the machine from the wall.
   
2. Drain, rinse, and disassemble the machine following the Operator Manual.  
   
3. Remove the black bolt hole covers from the left and right side of the control panel.  
   
4. Use a 6mm Hex wrench or Allen key to remove the two bolts and locking washer that secure front cover.
   
5. Remove front cover from the machine by pulling the bottom of the panel outward and down to clear the upper lip of the hopper.  
   

6. Three lock nuts attach the draw switch to studs on the panel.  Use an appropriate socket head to remove the lock nuts from the draw switch assembly.
   
7. Disconnect the microswitch, noting the correct positioning of the wires for re-assembly.
   
8. Pull old draw switch assembly from the panel.  Be careful not to accidentally unplug other components such as the standby switch, low-mix indicator, or power switch.
   
9. Install the new draw switch assembly on the panel studs.  The draw arm fits through a sliding bar that fits between the front assembly mounts.  When installed correctly, the arm and this sliding bar should move up and down freely.
   
10. Install lock nuts, and only lightly hand-tighten using an appropriate socket.  DO NOT over-tighten, or draw arm will bind and not be able to move freely.  
    
11. If the microswitch is not attached to the assembly, connect it using the supplied bolts and nuts, and reconnect the microswitch wiring in the correct direction.
    
12. From the front of the panel, verify the microswitch positioning by moving the draw arm up and down.  You should hear the microswitch click closed when the arm is approximately ¾ raised and click open when the arm is lowered to only approximately ¼ raised.  
    

1. If required, you can make slight adjustments to the microswitch by lightly bending the metal lever on the microswitch to change where it clicks on and off.
   

13.  Reinstall the front, taking care not to damage any wiring, and avoid the frame components.
    
14. Use a 6mm Hex Wrench or Allen key to reinstall the panel bolts and lock washers.
    
15. Reinstall the black bolt covers.
    
16. Please see the FB: Viscosity Controls article to verify the new assembly and microswitch are working correctly. 
    
17. The machine can now be returned to normal operation.  Follow the Operator Manual to properly Lubricate, Assemble, Sanitize, and add product to the machine.
    

How to Replace the Draw Switch (Version 2):

1. Turn Power Switch to Off, and unplug the machine from the wall.
   
2. Drain, rinse, and disassemble the machine following the Operator Manual.  
   
3. The front cover is held to the frame with magnets.  Pull cover out and down to remove from machine.  In most machines, there is sufficient wiring to place the front cover on top of the machine, otherwise, disconnect the indicator LEDs and set the panel aside.
   
4. Three screws attach the draw switch to the bottom of the over-head panel.  Using a Philips head screwdriver, remove the mounting screws and set aside.
   
5. Disconnect the microswitch, noting the correct positioning of the wires for re-assembly.
   
6. Remove old draw switch assembly from the panel.  Be careful not to accidentally unplug other components such as the standby switch, low-mix indicator, or power switch.
   
7. Install the new draw switch assembly, sliding the dispensing arm through the hole in the panel.
   
8. Reinstall mounting screws using a Philips head screwdriver.  DO NOT over-tighten or the draw arm will bind and not be able to move freely.  
   
9. If the microswitch is not attached to the assembly, connect it using the supplied bolts and nuts, and reconnect the microswitch wiring in the correct direction.
   
10. Lift up on the spring actuated lever and verify the microswitch positioning by moving the draw arm up and down.  You should hear the microswitch click closed when the arm is raised and click open when the arm is lowered.
    
11. Reinstall the front cover, reconnecting indicator lights if necessary.  Ensure wiring will not interfere with any switches or controls behind the cover.
    
12. Please see the FB: Viscosity Controls article to verify the new assembly and microswitch are working correctly. 
    
13. The machine can now be returned to normal operation.  Follow the Operator Manual to properly Lubricate, Assemble, Sanitize, and add product to the machine.