Labkotec GA-1 Grease Separator Alarm Device User Manual
General Information
GA-1 is an alarm device for monitoring the thickness of the grease layer accumulating in a grease separator. The system consists of a GA-1 control unit, a GA-SG1 sensor, and a cable joint. 
Grease separator supervision with the GA-1 alarm device
GA-SG1 sensor is installed in the grease separator, and it supervises the thickness of the grease layer. The LED indicators, push button, and interfaces of the GA-1 control unit are described in Figure 2.
Features
- LED indicator for mains
- LED indicator for alarm
- LED indicator for fault
- Alarm Reset/Test push button
- Connector for GA-SG1 sensor
- Relay output for monitoring and control purposes
- Supply voltage
Installation
GA-1 control unit
GA-1 control unit can be wall-mounted. The mounting holes are located in the base plate of the enclosure, beneath the mounting holes of the front cover. The cover of the enclosure must be tightened so that the edges touch the base frame.
GA-SG1 sensor
GA-SG1 sensor should be installed as described in Figure 3. The sensor gives an alarm latest when it is wholly immersed in grease. Please check the correct installation depth also from the instructions of the grease separator.
Accessories
The delivery includes a cable joint (figure 4), fixing accessories (figure 5) for installation of the control unit and the sensor. Connections of the sensor cable inside the cable joint are explained in Figure 3. If shielded cable is used cable shields and possible excess wires need to be connected to the same point in galvanic contact. IP rating of the cable joint is IP68. Make sure that the cable joint is closed properly.
Operation
The operation of the alarm device should always be checked after the installation. Also, check the operation always when emptying the separator or at least once every six months.
Functionality test
- Immerse the sensorino in water. The device should be in normal mode.
- Lift the sensor in the air or grease it. A grease alarm should be generated (see chapter 3.1 for a more detailed description).
- Clean up the sensor.
- Immerse the sensor back into water. The alarm should go off after a delay of 10 seconds.
A more detailed description of the operation is provided in Chapter 3.1. If the operation is not as described here, check connections and cabling. If necessary, contact a representative of the manufacturer.
Modes of Operation
- Normal mode – no alarms. The main LED indicator is on. Other LED indicators are off.
- The main LED indicator is on. The Grease Alarm LED indicator is on. Buzzer on after 10 10-second delay. Relay de-energize after 10 sec delay.
- Fault alarm: Sensor cable break, short circuit, or a broken sensor. The main LED indicator is on. Sensor circuit, Fault LED indicator is on after a 1010-second delay. The buzzer is on after 10 10-second delay. The relay de-energizes after 10 10-second delay.
- Reset the alarm when pressing the Reset/Test push button.
The buzzer will go off.
Function
Attention! Before pressing the Reset/Test button, make sure that the change of relay status does not cause hazards elsewhere!
- Normal situation. When pressing the Reset/Test push button, the Grease Alarm and Fault LED indicators are immediately on. The buzzerr is immediately on.
- Relay de-energize after 2 seconds of continuous pressing. Relay energize immediately.
- Alarm on. When pressing the Reset/Test push button for the first time, the Buzzer will go off. When pressing the Reset/Test push button after that, the Fault LED indicator is immediately on. Grease Alarm LED indicator remains on. Buzzer remains on.
- Fault alarm on. When pressing the Reset/Test push button, the device does not react to the test at all.
Technical Data
GA-1
| GA-1 control unit | |
| Dimensions | 125 mm x 75 mm x 35 mm (L x H x D) |
| Weight | 250 g Package 0,8 kg (control unit + sensor + cable joint) |
| Enclosure | IP 65, material polycarbonate |
| Cable bushings | 3 pcs M16 for cable diameter 5-10 mm |
| Operating environment | Temperature: -30 ºC…+50 ºC Max. elevation above sea level 2,000 m Relative humidity RH 100% Suitable for indoor and outdoor use (protected from direct rain) |
| Supply voltage | 230 VAC ± 10 %, 50/60 Hz Fuse maximum 10 A. |
| Power consumption | 5 VA |
| Sensors | GA-SG1 sensor |
| Relay output | Potential-free relay output 250 V, 5 A| Operational delay 10 sec. Relay de-energize at the trigger point. |
| Electrical safety | EN IEC 61010-1, Class II, CAT II, POLLUTION DEGREE 2 |
| EMC Emission Immunity | EN IEC 61000-6-3 EN IEC 61000-6-1 |
| Manufacturing year: Please see the serial number on the type plate | xxx x xxxxx xx YY x where YY = manufacturing year (e.g. 19 = 2019) |
GA-SG1
| GA-SG1 sensor | |
| Principle of operation | Capacitive |
| Material | POM, chlorinated polyethylene rubber (CM), AISI 316 |
| Weight | 350 g (sensor + fixed cable) |
| IP-classification | IP68 |
| Operation temperature | 0 ºC…+90 ºC |
| Cable | Fixed cable 2 x 0.75 mm² Ø 5,8mm. Standard length 5 m, other lengths optional. The max. Maximum cable loop resistance is 75 Ω. |
| EMC Emission Immunity | EN IEC 61000-6-3 EN IEC 61000-6-1 |
| Manufacturing year: Please see the serial number from the bottom of the sensor | GAxxxxxYY where YY = manufacturing year (e.g. 19 = 2019) |
Troubleshooting
- Problem: No alarm when the sensor is in grease or air, or the alarm will not go off
- Possible reason: Sensor is dirty.
- To do: Clean up the sensor and check the operation again.
- Problem: MAINS LED indicator is off
- Possible reason: The Device doesn’t get the supply voltage.
- To do: Measure the voltage between poles N and L1. It should be 230 VAC ± 10 %.
- Problem: FAULT LED indicator is on
- Possible reason: Current in the sensor circuit too low (cable break or out of the connector) or too high (cable in short circuit).
- To do:
- Measure the voltage separately between the poles 7 and 8. The voltages should be between 7,0 – 8,5 V.
- Measure sensor current when the sensor is in the air or in grease. The measured current should be 7,0 – 8,5 mA. Measure the current when Labkotec GA-1 Grease Separator Alarm Device the sensor is in the water. Measured current should be 2,5 – 3,5 mA.
Repair & Service
The easiest way to check the operation is to lift the Labkotec GA-1 Grease Separator Alarm Device sensor out of the separator and then put it back in. In case of queries, please get in touch with Labkotec Oy’s service.
EU Declaration of Confirmty
We hereby declare that the product named below has been designed to comply with the relevant requirements of the referenced directives and standards.
Product
- Measuring and control units and sensors
- GA-1 Grease Alarm Control Unit
- GA-2 Grease Alarm Control Unit
- GA-SG1 Sensor
- GA-HLL1 Sensor
Manufacturer
- Labkotec Oy
- Myllyhaantie 6
- FI-33960 Pirkkala
- Finland
Directives
- The product is in accordance with the following EU Directives:
- 2014/30/EU Electromagnetic Compatibility Directive (EMC)
- 2014/35/EU Low Voltage Directive (LVD)
- 2011/65/EU Restriction of Hazardous Substances Directive (RoHS)
Standards
- EMC: EN IEC 61000-6-1:2019
- EN IEC 61000-6-3:2021
- EN IEC 61000-3-2:2019
- EN 61000-3-3:2013/A1:2019
- LVD: EN 61010-1:2010/A1:2019/AC:2019-04
- RoHS: EN IEC 63000:2018
Signature
- Signed for and on behalf of Labkotec Oy. Pirkkala 4.8.2021 Janne Uusinoka, CEО Labkotec Oy
Customer Service
- E-mail: labkonet@labkotec.fi
- Tel: +358 29 006 6066.
- Address: Myllyhaantie 6, FI-33960 Pirkkala, Finland
© 2025 Labkotec.fi.
FAQs
What is the Labkotec GA-1 used for?
Sending out a warning when the grease layer reaches a predetermined level helps guarantee prompt maintenance.
How does the GA-1 detect grease accumulation?
The GA-1 monitors the water-grease interaction using a capacitive sensor. The device sounds an audible and/or visual alert when the grease layer reaches a predetermined threshold.
Can the GA-1 be connected to a building management system (BMS)?
Indeed. This makes it possible to integrate with facilities management systems or get notifications remotely.
How is the device powered?
Depending on the installation requirements, the GA-1 may handle 24V DC or battery backup; however, it normally runs on 230V AC. Before wiring, always check the model label.
How often does the GA-1 require maintenance?
Periodically, the sensor should be examined and cleaned, usually as part of routine grease separator maintenance.