Bio-Rad Criterion Cell User Manual

Criterion

™

Cell

Instruction

Manual

Catalog Number

165-6001

For Technical Service Call Your Local Bio-Rad Office or in the U.S. Call 1-800-4BIORAD (1-800-424-6723)

Table of Contents

Page

Section 1 General Information....................................................................................1

1.1 Introduction ................................................................................................................1

1.2 Specifications .............................................................................................................1

1.3 Safety..........................................................................................................................2

Section 2 Set Up and Basic Operation........................................................................2

2.1 Sample Loading..........................................................................................................4

2.2 Power Conditions.......................................................................................................5

2.3 Gel Removal...............................................................................................................5

Section 3 Maintenance .................................................................................................6

Section 4 Troubleshooting............................................................................................6

Section 5 Product Information and Accessories........................................................8

Section 6 W arranty Information...............................................................................10

Section 1
General Information

1.1 Introduction

The Criterion cell is a dedicated electrophoresis cell for running Criterion precast gels. The
Criterion cell includes a tank with lower electrodes, a lid including power cables and upper
electrode, and sample loading guides. The cell can run one or two gels.

Fig. 1. Criterion Cell components.

1.2 Specifications

Tank Polycarbonate
Upper electrode Polycarbonate
Lower electrode Polycarbonate
Lid Polycarbonate
Sample loading guides Polycarbonate
Overall size 22.3 x 14.4 x 19.5 cm (LxWxH)
Precast gel compatibility Criterion Gels
Voltage limit 600 VDC and 15 watts
Weight 0.98 kg

Note: Criterion cell components are not compatible with acetone or ethanol. Use of organic
solvents voids all warranties.

1

Buffer overflow

Lower
electrode
carriers

Built-in cassette
opening wedge

Color-coded
banana plugs

Color-coded
power cables

Upper electrode carriers

2

1.3 Safety

Power to the Criterion cell is supplied by an external DC voltage power supply (not included).
The output of this power supply must be isolated from external ground to insure that the DC
voltage output floats with respect to ground. All Bio-Rad power supplies meet this
important safety requirement. Regardless of the power supply used, the maximum specified
operating parameters for the Criterion Cell are as follows:

600 VDC maximum voltage limit

15 watts maximum power limit

50 °C maximum ambient temperature limit

The current to the cell enters the unit through the lid assembly that provides a safety
interlock to the user. The current to the cell and the lid's upper electrodes is broken when the
lid is removed. Always turn off the power supply before removing the lid. Do not attempt to use

the cell without the safety lid.
Important: This Bio-Rad product is designed and certified to meet *EN61010-1 safety

standards. Certified products are safe to use when operated in accordance with the instruction
manual. This instrument should not be modified or altered in any way. Alteration of this
instrument will

• Void the warranty

• Void the EN61010-1 certification, and

• Create a potential safety hazard

Bio-Rad is not responsible for any injury or damage caused by use of this instrument for
purposes other than those for which it is intended or by modifications of the instrument not
performed by Bio-Rad or an authorized agent.

*EN61010-1 is an internationally accepted electrical safety standard for laboratory instruments.

Section 2
Set Up and Basic Operation

Criterion precast gel Cassette Preparation (see Criterion precast gel instruction manual for
details)

1. Remove the Criterion gel cassette from the storage container.

2. Gently remove the comb and rinse the wells thoroughly with distilled water or running

buffer.

3. Remove the tape from the bottom of the cassette.

4. Repeat for second Criterion gel.