# ITV Ice Makers: Spika, Delta and IQ Use and Care

> How to install, run, clean and troubleshoot ITV Spika, Delta, IQ and IQN/IQF ice makers and their bins, from ITV's own manuals.

How-to by Norpex. Published 2026-11-01, updated 2026-11-01.
Canonical: https://norpex.ca/guides/itv-ice-makers-spika-delta-and-iq

![ITV Spika MS 700-22 modular full-dice ice cube machine with a stainless steel front](https://norpex.ca/m/a6/ed/a6ed942124922c8648e9ade3df805d025933575b47132d64a91777a1378b31dc.jpg)

Pictured: [ITV Spika MS 700-22 Modular Ice Cube Machine](https://norpex.ca/product/itv-ice-makers-spika-ms-700-22-230-v-full-dice-modular-ice-cube-machine-with-air-cooled-ms-700-22-a2f)

This guide provides model-specific instructions for installing, operating, cleaning, and troubleshooting ITV Spika MS modular and undercounter cube makers, Delta cube makers, and IQ/IQN/IQF flaker and nugget ice machines. Follow the steps from the official ITV manuals to maintain ice quality and equipment reliability.

## Key takeaways

- Installation must be done by a qualified, licensed installer to meet local electrical, plumbing and gas codes.
- Clean and sanitize the ice machine at least twice a year, or more often in hard water or dusty environments, using NSF-approved cleaners.
- Each series has distinct controls: Spika MS uses a thickness sensor and control board; Delta and IQ have simpler switch panels; IQN/IQF have a digital control panel with alarm LEDs.
- For troubleshooting, consult the specific manual's alarm codes or contact the manufacturer's authorized service network.
- Never attempt repairs yourself; always disconnect power before cleaning or inspection.

## Overview of ITV ice maker series and manuals

The ITV ice makers we list come in several distinct series. The Spika MS modular cube makers (MS 400-22, MS 500, MS 700-22, MS 1000, MS 1800) produce half dice or full dice cubes and mount on top of storage bins. Spika undercounter cube makers (NG 130, 160, 230, 360 in half dice and full dice) are self-contained units. The Delta series (NG 80, 120, 150) are undercounter cube machines. The IQ series covers granular and flaker ice: IQ 300, 500, 900, 1300, and 2700 in air-cooled, water-cooled, and remote configurations, including compact models with built-in bins. The IQN nugget and IQF flaker machines (IQN/IQF 700, 900, 1200) produce chewable nugget or flaked ice. Storage bins include slope-front S-series bins, SCS and SCD bins with carts, and DHD hotel dispensers.

Each series has its own manufacturer documentation. The Spika MS technical manual (service manual) covers all MS modular models. A separate Spika MS maintenance document details cleaning and maintenance for MS machines. The Delta user manual covers NG undercounter cube models (NG60, NG80, NG120, NG130, NG150). The IQ user manual applies to IQ granular and flaker machines. The IQN/F user manual covers IQN nugget and IQF flaker models. The bins installation and operation manual covers SCS350, SCS700, SCD900, SCD1400, and SCD1800. Always use the manual that matches your specific model.

## Installation requirements and clearances

All ITV ice makers are designed for indoor use only. A qualified, licensed installer must perform the installation, handling electrical, water, and drain connections to local code. The machine must be grounded. Ambient temperature ranges vary by series: Spika MS and Delta operate between 41°F (5°C) and 109.4°F (43°C). The IQ series operates in the same room temperature range, with inlet water temperature between 41°F (5°C) and 95°F (35°C). The IQN/F series requires a minimum room temperature of 50°F (10°C) and a maximum of 109.4°F (43°C). Water pressure must be between 14 and 85 psig (1 and 6 bar) for all series. If pressure exceeds 85 psi, install a pressure regulator.

Clearance requirements differ by series. The Spika MS technical manual specifies a minimum of 6 inches (15 cm) on all sides—front, back, and sides. The Delta user manual requires side clearance greater than 2 inches (5 cm), front clearance greater than 29 inches (75 cm), and rear clearance greater than 4 inches (10 cm). The IQ user manual gives side and rear clearances greater than 4 inches (10 cm) and front clearance greater than 29 inches (75 cm). For IQN/F machines, the manual stresses keeping the front grille unobstructed and ensuring adequate ventilation. These clearances ensure proper airflow and service access.

Water and drain connections must follow the manuals. Use a flexible food-grade hose for the water supply. The drain must be located below the machine level, with a minimum drop of 5.9 inches (150 mm) and a minimum slope of 0.36 inches per foot (3 cm per metre). Electrical requirements: voltage variation above 10% of the nameplate rating can cause damage or prevent start-up. The Spika MS manual lists specific electrical data; for example, MS 700-1 (115V/60Hz/1Ph) draws 14.5 A and requires a 25 A fuse. Always check the nameplate on your machine.

## Daily operation and controls

Spika MS start-up follows the Spika MS technical manual. Open the water inlet, check for leaks, remove the two locking screws and front panel, take out protection elements, verify the shield and thickness sensor move freely, connect power, push the blue switch on the back, and set the ice-wash switch to I (ice). Verify uniform water flow over the evaporator and that frost on the suction pipe reaches 0.78 inches (20 mm) from the compressor. The control board manages freeze and harvest cycles automatically. The thickness sensor can be adjusted by turning the screw clockwise to increase bridge thickness or counterclockwise to decrease it.

Delta NG start-up is described in the Delta user manual. Open the water inlet, remove protection elements behind the curtain, connect power, and push the main switch on the front. Check that the curtain moves freely and that spray nozzles direct water evenly onto the evaporator. After 10 minutes, verify no leaks from the overflow pipe. The machine then cycles automatically.

IQ series start-up: per the IQ user manual, for modular models remove the cover; for compact models open the door. Open the water inlet, connect power, and switch on the main switch. For three-phase machines, ensure correct rotation; a red pilot light indicates incorrect sequence. A 10-minute timer delay occurs before start-up. Verify ice production begins and that frost on the suction pipe is at 20 mm from the compressor. The IQ 100C model has a green LED (running), black button (start/reset), and red button (stop).

IQN/F start-up uses the control panel described in the IQN/F user manual. The panel has five buttons: PE1 on/off (red in standby, flashing blue during the 10-minute timer, steady blue when running), PE2 reservoir full, PE3 maintenance alarm, PE4 internal fault, and PE5 lack of water. To start, turn on the rear switch, press PE1, wait 10 minutes, and the machine will begin making ice. Check that no alarm LEDs are lit.

## Cleaning and sanitizing procedures

Always disconnect power before cleaning. Wear rubber gloves and safety goggles. Use only NSF-approved scale remover (such as Calklin or Scale-Kleen) and a sanitizer solution of 100–200 ppm free chlorine (e.g., sodium hypochlorite). Never use hydrochloric acid. Discard all ice produced during cleaning.

Spika MS cleaning is detailed in the Spika MS maintenance manual. For the air condenser: disconnect power, clean with a vacuum or soft brush from top to bottom. For the water system: after a harvest cycle, set the ice-wash switch to OFF. Remove the front panel. Prepare a scale remover solution according to the manufacturer's instructions. The water tray capacities are 0.8 gal for MS 500, 1.6 gal for MS 1000, and 0.9 gal for MS 700. Set the switch to WASH; the machine drains and refills. Pour the solution into the reservoir and let it circulate for 30–40 minutes. Then set the switch to OFF. Purge by switching to WASH and OFF. Disconnect power and water, remove the shield and water tray, and clean the thickness sensor, water level sensor, adjustment screw, shield, and water tray with the cleaner solution. Clean the interior freezing compartment. Sanitize all surfaces with the chlorine solution, reassemble, and run a sanitizing cycle by pouring sanitizer into the reservoir and circulating for 20 minutes. Purge three times with fresh water. Discard the first two harvests. The video 'Spika MS cleaning - ITV Ice Makers' demonstrates this process for modular machines, and 'Spika undercounter cleaning' shows the undercounter procedure.

Delta NG cleaning follows the Delta user manual. For air-cooled models, clean the air filter (NG60) and condenser with a vacuum or brush. For water-cooled, circulate Scale-Kleen solution at 35–40°C through the condenser. To clean the evaporator and water deposit, switch off, remove the overflow pipe to drain, fill the reservoir with Scale-Kleen solution, press the control board switch to start the pump, and let it run for 30 minutes until automatic stop. Power off, drain, and sanitize with chlorine solution. Discard the first two harvests. Clean the ice bin with bleach and detergent, rinse, and dry. Remove and clean spray nozzles, ensuring they are perpendicular when reassembled.

IQ series cleaning is specified in the IQ user manual. For the air condenser, disconnect, remove the front grid, clean with a vacuum or soft brush top to bottom, and wipe fan blades. For the water condenser, circulate 50% phosphoric acid at 35–40°C. For the evaporator/water trough, disconnect, remove the lower bearing hose to drain, close the faucet, replace the hose. Pour Scale-Kleen solution into the trough, let stand 20 minutes, then drain. Refill with solution, run the machine until it shuts off for lack of water, discard ice. Sanitize by filling the trough with 100–200 ppm chlorine solution, running for 15 minutes while adding solution, then draining and flushing with fresh water for 15 minutes. Discard all ice. Clean the outside with bleach and detergent.

IQN/F cleaning: the IQN/F user manual states that all ice made during cleaning must be discarded. The procedure is similar to the IQ series. The maintenance alarm (PE3) lights every six months; performing a complete cleaning and sanitizing cycle turns it off. The manual also includes safety checks for flammable refrigerants before any service work.

Bin cleaning: the bins installation and operation manual instructs to clean the bin interior with an approved food-contact cleaner and disinfect regularly. Clean carts with an approved cleaner. For stainless steel surfaces, use a special stainless steel cleaner, avoid abrasives, rinse with plenty of water, and dry. Do not use concentrated or hot bleach.

## Routine maintenance schedule

The Spika MS maintenance manual provides a maintenance table: clean the air condenser every 6 months in dusty environments, every 12 months in normal conditions. Clean the water circuit every 6 months if water hardness exceeds 400 ppm, every 12 months if below 400 ppm. The Delta and IQ user manuals both state that at least one full cleaning and inspection should be performed every six months, with condenser cleaning monthly in dusty environments. The IQN/F machine's maintenance alarm activates every six months as a reminder.

Regularly inspect water filters and inlet screens; the Delta manual notes they can clog quickly with new piping. Check that spray nozzles remain perpendicular and unclogged. For bins, clean the interior before first use and regularly thereafter. Always follow the specific manual for your model.

## Troubleshooting and when to call for service

The Spika MS technical manual describes the control board's alarms. Safety pressure: if the pressure switch opens, all outputs stop; reset is manual or automatic depending on DIP switch 1. Long operation: harvest exceeds 180 seconds, machine retries; if repeated, it stops. Cycle timeout: production cycle exceeds 1 hour, forces harvest; if repeated, stops. Short production cycle: two cycles under 2 minutes, machine stops. Water filling timeout: if water level not reached in 180 seconds, machine stops or waits based on DIP switch 4. Reset by disconnecting power or switching to 0.

For the Delta and IQ machines, first check the power supply, the water supply and that nothing obstructs the machine. If the problem persists, contact the manufacturer's authorized service network. Do not attempt repairs.

IQN/F alarms: the control panel shows PE2 (reservoir full) – machine stopped; PE3 (maintenance alarm) – service needed; PE4 (internal fault) – machine stopped; PE5 (lack of water) – machine stopped. If an alarm persists after restarting, call technical service.

For any issue beyond basic cleaning and inspection, contact the manufacturer's authorized service network. The manuals consistently warn that intervention by unqualified personnel is dangerous and can cause serious malfunction. Installation is for a qualified, licensed installer and repairs for authorized service agents.

## Videos from the maker

- [Spika MS cleaning - ITV Ice Makers](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e3qb26jsRA0) (ITV)
- [Spika undercounter cleaning](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4UC3CDpwLMc) (ITV)

## Common questions

### How often should I clean my ITV ice machine?

ITV manuals recommend cleaning and sanitizing the ice machine at least twice a year. In dusty environments, clean the air condenser monthly. In hard water areas (over 400 ppm), clean the water circuit every six months. The IQN/F machine will display a maintenance alarm every six months as a reminder.

### What are the minimum clearance requirements for a Spika MS modular ice maker?

The Spika MS technical manual specifies a minimum clearance of 6 inches (15 cm) on all sides—front, back, and sides—to ensure proper ventilation and service access. For other series, refer to the specific manual: Delta requires 2 inches on sides, 29 inches in front, and 4 inches at the rear; IQ series requires 4 inches on sides and rear, and 29 inches in front.

### Can I install the ice machine myself?

No. The installation must be performed by a qualified, licensed installer. Electrical, water, and drain connections must comply with local codes. The machine must be grounded, and water supply must have proper backflow protection. Improper installation creates safety hazards.

### What does the maintenance alarm on my IQN or IQF nugget/flaker machine mean?

According to the IQN/F user manual, the PE3 maintenance alarm LED lights up after every six months of operation. The machine will continue to make ice, but the LED will remain on until a complete maintenance cycle—cleaning and sanitizing as described in the manual—is performed. This is a reminder to service the machine.

### How do I reset an alarm on a Spika MS ice machine?

The Spika MS technical manual states that to reset an alarm, disconnect the power supply or turn the ice-wash switch to the 0 (OFF) position. The specific alarm type is indicated by flashing LEDs on the control board. If the alarm recurs after reset, contact an authorized service technician.

## Related guides

- [Commercial Ice Machine Buying Guide: Cube Types, Cooling and Sizing](https://norpex.ca/guides/ice-machine-buying-guide)
- [How to Clean and Sanitize a Commercial Ice Machine](https://norpex.ca/guides/how-to-clean-a-commercial-ice-machine)

## Shop the catalogue

- [Ice Machines](https://norpex.ca/products/ice-machines-ice-and-ice-cream)
- [Ice Machine Bins](https://norpex.ca/products/ice-machine-bins)
