Before You Begin
The N2 storage tank is not integrated into the 1KPH or 3KPH cabinet — it is a separate component sold with the system. Confirm that the tank, tank strap assembly, and tank manifold are all present before beginning installation. All gas line regulators and pressure gauges are supplied by others and are not included with the system.
The BeerBlast™ 3KPH offers an optional tank mounting configuration in addition to standard wall mounting. Confirm your intended mounting method before beginning.
Unpacking and Inspection
The system ships in a cardboard box. Carefully open the packaging and inspect all components for damage. Verify that all items on the packing list are present and undamaged. South-Tek Systems is not responsible for damage incurred during shipping. Document any visible damage immediately and report it to the carrier before contacting South-Tek Systems support.
Until installation, observe the following:
- Store the unit in a dry, climate-controlled environment between 60–80°F.
- Keep the unit in an upright position at all times.
- Do not connect AC power until installation is complete.
- Keep all gas lines dry to prevent moisture from entering the generator at hookup.
- Do not place or stack objects on top of the cabinet.
Electrical Requirements
The 1KPH and 3KPH require 110V or 240VAC / 50–60 Hz / 1-phase power depending on the voltage specified at time of purchase. Both models include a built-in 20A circuit breaker and a standard 3-prong US power cord. The system is UL 508A ICP approved. If located outside the US, use a power cord with an IEC 60320 C-19 connector and a properly rated plug for your region with a ground. Electrical schematics are available upon request.
Mounting
Both the 1KPH and 3KPH can be mounted to a wall or placed on the floor. The 3KPH can also be optionally supplied mounted on a tank using the tank mounting kit (STS Part #A05-TYP1P-TM), which includes a 15-gallon ASME tank with beverage connections.
For wall mounting, use a weight-bearing wall capable of supporting the unit's full weight. If floor mounted, secure the unit so it cannot move or tip due to compressor vibration. Install the system indoors in an upright position, in an environment between 40–85°F, away from heat sources, steam, and water. Leave at least 6" on the left side of the cabinet for ventilation and 36" of clearance in front for access to the control panel, connections, and front cover. The 1/4" OD drain port on the bottom right of the cabinet should be plumbed to the nearest floor drain.
Optional Wall Mounting Bracket Kit (STS Part #A05-TYP1-WH)
The optional bracket kit allows mounting on a standard 16" wall stud spacing. The kit contents are listed below.
| Item | STS Part # | Description | Qty |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 800-133 | S-100/200 12" Mounting Bracket | 1 |
| 2 | 800-134-B | S-100/200/400 18" Mounting Bracket | 1 |
| 3 | 800-129 | Type 1 Lower Wall Mount Bracket | 1 |
| 4 | Misc | 0.250"-20 x 0.750" Carriage Bolt | 2 |
| 5 | Misc | 0.250"-20 x 0.750" Hex Cap Screw | 2 |
| 6 | Misc | 0.250" Nylock Nut | 4 |
| 7 | Misc | 0.250" Flat Washer | 2 |
All mounting holes are for 1/4" screws or anchors. Install brackets in the orientation shown in the installation drawing included with the unit.
- Attach the 12" cabinet-mounting bracket to the top flange of the cabinet using the supplied hex cap screws and Nylock nuts.
- Mount the 18" wall bracket at the desired height and level using fasteners appropriate for your wall material (wood, sheet metal, or masonry). The bracket has 16" center-to-center holes for direct stud mounting. If studs are not at 16" centers, install 1/2" or thicker plywood backing before hanging the system.
- Attach the 18" lower bracket to the bottom flange using the carriage bolts and nuts. Do not fully tighten yet — the rectangular slots allow slight offset adjustment after installation.
- Hang the cabinet from the top bracket centered, then secure the bottom bracket. The cabinet must have at least 4" clearance on either side for ventilation.
N2 Storage Tank Setup
The storage tank is sold separately and must be assembled and secured to the wall before connecting to the generator. Use the parts listed below. Secure the tank to the wall using the tank strap assembly before making any gas connections.
| Item | STS Part # | Description | Qty |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 800-111 | 100# White Tank w/ Label | 1 |
| 2 | A01-0100-A | 100# Tank Strap Assembly | 2 |
| 3 | 005-039 | Tank Manifold w/ 0.250" Fittings | 1 |
| D1 | 800-245-A | Tank Manifold | 1 |
| D2 | 124-308 | 0.250" NPT M x F Ball Valve, Brass | 2 |
| D3 | 124-335-A | 0.250" Safety Relief, 115 PSIG | 1 |
| D4 | 124-125 | 0.250" NPT x 02.000" 1–160 PSIG Gauge | 1 |
Gas Line Installation
All inlet and outlet connections on the 1KPH and 3KPH are 1/4" NPT Female. Use Teflon tape or equivalent thread sealant on all fittings. Use only quality beverage-grade tubing and fittings rated for the operating temperature and pressure of the system.
Install an on/off isolation valve on each individual gas line. This is required for troubleshooting and servicing. Never detach a pressurized line before closing its isolation valve. Never depressurize a keg — always shut off the valve and remove the tap from the keg before changing or servicing gas lines.
If the BeerBlast™ blender is included, connect the customer-supplied CO2 source to the CO2 inlet port. CO2 inlet pressure must be between 60–80 PSIG.
Two condensate drain ports are located on the bottom right of the cabinet. Plumb both drains to a floor drain or collection point. Failure to do so creates a slip hazard.
N2 Cylinder Backup (Optional)
A backup N2 cylinder can be connected to Port 4 (N2 Out) to supply nitrogen in the event of a power outage or generator issue. The backup cylinder feeds through the blender when one is present, maintaining the correct gas blend to the beverage lines.
To install a backup cylinder:
- Fit the cylinder with a high-pressure regulator and ball valve on the output. Regulate to 80 PSIG. Use a lockable ball valve and label it "Backup Use Only."
- Connect the regulated output to Port 4 on the generator.
- When the backup system is opened, it will fill the N2 storage tank and maintain blender pressure with nitrogen.
Startup Procedure
- Confirm all gas connections are complete and all fittings have been made with Teflon tape or equivalent sealant.
- Connect the generator N2 output to the storage tank input, then connect the storage tank output to the beverage system.
- Slowly open the system's on/off valve.
- You will hear air rushing through the system as N2 begins filling the storage tank.
- If you hear a leak or suspect a bad connection, close the valve immediately and make corrections before proceeding.
- If a leak is found within the cabinet, remove the cover to locate it. Use only factory-supplied parts for any repairs. Contact South-Tek Systems support if needed.
- Allow the system to fill the storage tank. Once the tank reaches approximately 65–75 PSIG, the system will enter Standby mode. The green Run indicator light will change to amber. The compressor will cycle off once the air tank reaches cutout pressure.
- When N2 is drawn from the system and tank pressure falls to approximately 60 PSIG, the pressure switch will automatically restart the generator and recharge the tank. No field adjustment to the pressure switch is required or permitted.
Checking for Leaks
Perform a leak check after startup and any time a leak is suspected. Begin by listening for audible leaks around all connection ports. If the BlastOff™ system is installed, it will alarm automatically when a sustained leak is detected.
To determine whether a leak is inside or outside the cabinet:
- With the unit powered on, close all output gas valves. If no ball valve is installed on the output ports, remove the gas lines and install plugs.
- Allow the system to continue running. Within one hour, it should reach Standby mode.
- Wait five minutes. If the system remains in Standby, the leak is downstream — check all gas lines from the cabinet to the keg system.
- If the unit returns to Run mode, the leak is inside the cabinet. Proceed to the cabinet leak procedure below.
To locate a leak inside the cabinet:
- Open the front cabinet door and locate the N2 storage tank.
- Close the output ball valve on the tank (upper ball valve on the red manifold).
- Monitor the exterior pressure gauge for 60 seconds. If pressure is dropping, the leak is between the output ports, the blender (if present), and the closed tank valve. Use a spray bottle with soapy water on non-electrical components to locate the leak. Fix and recheck.
- If pressure is not dropping, close the input ball valve on the tank (lower ball valve on the red manifold) with the unit still running.
- Within five minutes, the system should enter Standby mode. If it does not, contact South-Tek Systems support.
- Once in Standby, wait 60 seconds. If the system returns to Run mode, the leak is between the check valve and the output ball valve on the tank.
- If the system remains in Standby, contact South-Tek Systems support for further assistance.
Starting and Stopping the System
To start the system, turn on the power switch and confirm all gas line valves are open.
Normal shutdown does not require powering down the unit — simply close the gas line valves. If an emergency shutdown is required, turn off the power switch on the control panel.
Related Articles
| Article | Applies To |
|---|---|
| Safety Guidelines — BeerBlast™ / N2-GEN™ | All models |
| Annual Filter Replacement — 1KPH / 3KPH | 1KPH, 3KPH |
| BlastOff™ Leak Detection System | All models |
| Pressure Troubleshooting | All models |
| Power Troubleshooting | All models |
| Product Overview & Model Guide | All models |
Contact South-Tek Systems
Phone: (910) 415-1880
Email / Ticket: support@southteksystems911.zendesk.com