Beer FOB Detector / Cellar Buoy

Beer FOB Detector / Cellar Buoy

A beer FOB detector (cellar buoy) is used in draught beer dispense systems to help prevent beer lines from emptying when a keg runs out.

Installed in the cellar between the keg and the beer line, the FOB automatically shuts off the beer supply when the keg empties. This helps keep the beer line full, reducing the amount of beer wasted when changing kegs and helping the dispense system return to normal service more quickly.

FOB detectors are commonly used in pubs, bars, clubs and other commercial draught beer installations. They're not necessary for home bar set ups. 

Pack Options

• Single – 1 x Beer FOB Detector / Cellar Buoy
• Trade Pack of 10 – 10 x Beer FOB Detectors / Cellar Buoys

How Does a Beer FOB Detector Work?

During normal dispense, beer flows through the FOB detector and into the beer line.

When the keg empties, the float inside the FOB drops and shuts off the flow. This helps prevent gas from entering and emptying the beer line.

Once a new keg has been connected, the FOB can be reset and the beer supply restored without having to refill an unnecessarily emptied beer line.

Connections

This FOB detector is supplied with:

• Top connection: 3/16"
• Bottom connection: 3/8"

The unit is supplied as pictured and is designed for wall mounting as part of the cellar dispense installation.

Key Features

• Helps prevent beer lines from emptying when a keg runs out
• Reduces beer waste during keg changes
• Helps prevent gas entering the beer line
• 3/16" top connection
• 3/8" bottom connection
• Designed for wall mounting
• Supplied as pictured
• Suitable for commercial draught beer dispense systems
• Suitable for pubs, bars, clubs and cellar installations

Dispense & Cleaning Modes

The FOB detector has separate operating positions for normal dispense and beer line cleaning.

During normal service, the FOB operates to shut off the beer supply when the keg empties.

When cleaning the beer lines, the FOB must be placed into the appropriate cleaning position to allow cleaning solution to pass through the system.

Always ensure the FOB is returned to the correct dispense position after line cleaning.

Why Use a FOB Detector?

When a keg runs out without a FOB fitted, gas can enter the beer line and push the remaining beer towards the tap. When a new keg is connected, the line may then need to refill before normal dispense can resume.

A correctly installed FOB helps keep the line full during a keg change, helping to:

• Reduce beer waste
• Reduce excessive fobbing after changing a keg
• Get the dispense line back into service more quickly
• Maintain a more consistent draught beer dispense system

Is a FOB Detector Needed for a Home Bar?

For most home bar installations, a FOB detector isn't essential.

They are particularly useful in commercial draught beer systems with longer beer lines, where allowing a line to empty during a keg change can result in considerably more product waste.

However, a FOB can still be incorporated into a home bar system where required.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does FOB mean in beer dispense?
A FOB detector is commonly referred to as a cellar buoy and is used to shut off the beer supply when a keg empties, helping prevent the beer line from draining.

What size connections does this FOB have?
The top connection is 3/16" and the bottom connection is 3/8".

Does the FOB need to be wall mounted?
Yes. This model is designed for wall mounting as part of the cellar dispense installation.

Does it come with any additional fittings?
The FOB detector is supplied as pictured. Any additional fittings required for your particular installation would need to be purchased separately.

Why does a FOB need a cleaning position?
The cleaning position allows beer line cleaning solution to pass through the FOB and dispense line during the normal line-cleaning process.

I'm not sure whether this will fit my existing system – what should I do?
Contact us with details or photographs of your existing setup and we'll try to help identify what you require before ordering.