Bio-Rad PowerPac HC High-Current Power Supply User Manual

PowerPac™ HC

Power Supply

Instruction Manual

Catalog Number

164-5052

Table of Contents

Page

Safety ...........................................................................................i

Section 1 Introduction ......................................................................................1

1.1 Overview.................................................................................................1

1.2 Unpacking...............................................................................................2

Section 2 Control Features.........................................................................3

Section 3 Setup and Operation ..................................................................4

3.1 Setup and Programming a Run...............................................................4

3.2 Editing Run Parameters During a Run ....................................................5

3.3 Ending a Run..........................................................................................6

3.4 Changing System Defaults using the Setup Menu ..................................6

Section 4 Maintenance and Troubleshooting............................................8

4.1 Maintenance ...........................................................................................8

4.2 Troubleshooting ......................................................................................8

4.2.1 Basic Troubleshooting................................................................8

4.2.2 Power Failure Detection .............................................................8

4.2.3 User Serviceable Error Messages ..............................................9

4.2.4 Bio-Rad Serviceable Error Messages.......................................11

4.3 Replacing a Fuse..................................................................................11

4.4 Expediting Technical Support................................................................11

Appendix A Specifications ...........................................................................12

Appendix B Warranty and Ordering Information ........................................13

List of Figures

1. Front View.

2. Rear View.

3. Front View with Legs in Lowered Position.

4. Front Panel.

5. Power Leads Connected Correctly.

6. Power Leads Connected Incorrectly.

7. Rear View Showing Fuse Drawer with Notches.

© 2013 Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc. All rights reserved.

Safety

!

Caution/Warning

PowerPac power supplies use high output voltages that are electrically isolated
from earth ground through a protective impedance to minimize the risk of electrical
shock to the user. The following guidelines should be observed and followed when
using a PowerPac power supply.

PowerPac power supplies have passed test for operation at temperatures between
0° and 40°C, with relative humidity between 0 and 95% non-condensing. Operating
the power supply outside these conditions is not recommended by Bio-Rad and
will void the warranty.

1. To ensure adequate cooling of the power supply, be sure that there is at least 6 cm

2. Always connect the power supply to a 3-prong, grounded AC outlet, using the

3. Bio-Rad electrophoresis cells have molded two-prong plugs that are inserted

4. Do not operate the power supply in extreme humidity (>95%) or where

5. When taking the power supply into a cold room, the unit can be operated

6. Never connect a high voltage output lead to earth ground. This defeats the floating

clearance around the power supply. Do not block the fan vents at the rear of the unit.

3-prong AC power cord provided with the power supply.

into the power supply's high voltage output jacks. These plugs have been EN
61010* certified for safety compliance for use with PowerPac power supplies.
Use of other plugs or banana jacks is done at the user's own risk and is not
recommended by Bio-Rad. When inserting and removing the molded two-prong
plug, always grasp the plug by the molded support at the rear of the plug. Do not
grasp the individual prong ends.

condensation can short the internal electrical circuits of the power supply.

immediately. However, when removing the power supply from the cold room,
let the unit equilibrate to room temperature for a minimum of 2 hours before
using it.

electrical isolation of the power supply and exposes the user to potentially lethal
high voltages.

Important

This instrument is intended for laboratory use only.
This product conforms to the class A standards for Electromagnetic Emissions,

intended for laboratory equipment applications. It is possible that emissions from
this product may interfere with some sensitive appliances when placed nearby or
on the same circuit as those appliances. The user should be aware of this potential
and take appropriate measures to avoid interference.

Bio-Rad's PowerPac power supplies are designed and certified to meet EN 61010*
safety standards. Certified products are safe to use when operated in accordance with
the instruction manual. This safety certification does not extend to electrophoresis
cells or accessories that are not EN 61010 certified, even when connected to this
power supply.

This instrument should not be modified or altered in any way. Alteration of this
instrument will void the manufacturer's warranty, void the EN 61010 certification,
and create a potential safety hazard for the user.

Bio-Rad is not responsible for any injury or damage caused by the 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.

*EN 61010 is an internationally accepted electrical safety standard for laboratory instruments.

Section 1
Introduction

1.1 Overview

The PowerPac HC power supply is designed to provide constant voltage, current or
power for electrophoresis applications. The power supply operates at the value
specified for the constant parameter, with limits for the other parameters. To prevent
damage to the electrophoresis cell, the PowerPac HC provides automatic
crossover to constant current, constant voltage, or constant power, depending on
which set limit is first reached. If the set limit of the non-constant parameter is
reached, the power supply will switch, making the limiting non-constant parameter
the new constant.

Output specifications:

Voltage: Adjustable from 5 to 250 volts (V), in 1 V increments

Current : Adjustable from 0.01 to 3.00 amperes (A), in 0.01 A increments

Power: Adjustable from 0.05 to 300 watts (W) in 1 W increments

Output jacks: Four sets of output jacks are provided to facilitate connection of

up to 4 identical electrophoresis cells simultaneously

Fig. 1. Front View.

Fig. 2. Rear View.

stop/home

setup

FRONT PANEL

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The PowerPac HC power supply has the following features:

• Programmable constant voltage, constant current or constant power operation
with automatic crossover.

• LCD screen displays all running parameters at once.

• Timer control to 99 hr, 59 min.

• Programmable methods with up to 3 steps.

• Pause mode for editing run parameters.

• Safety Features include automatic detection of no-load, short circuit, rapid
resistance change, ground leak, fan failure and system overheating.

• Automatic completion of a run interrupted by power failure.

• Adjustable LCD display contrast.

• Input power 100–120/220–240 VAC, auto-switching

• Four output terminals.

• Stackable case with adjustable viewing angle via flip down legs (See Figure 3)

Fig. 3. Front View with Legs in Lowered Position.

1.2 Unpacking

When you receive your power supply, carefully inspect the container for any
damage which may have occurred in shipping. Severe damage to the container
may indicate damage to the power supply itself. If you suspect damage to the unit,
immediately file a claim with the carrier in accordance with their instructions before
contacting Bio-Rad Laboratories.

After unpacking the PowerPac HC, remove the plastic film from the translucent
green top case. The plastic film may leave a residue. If so, clean with a soft, damp
cloth. Also remove the die-cut plastic film covering the display window. Contents
include:

• PowerPac HC power supply

• Power cord

• Instruction manual

• Warranty card

• Declaration of conformity
If any part is missing or damaged, contact Bio-Rad Laboratories immediately.

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