GE EPS 601 User Manual

Electrophoresis Power Supply EPS 601

GE Healthcare

User Manual Manuel d’Utilization Bedienungsanleitung Manual del usuario Manuale dell’operatore

Fig. 1. The front panel of the EPS 601.

Figure 1. Le panneau avant de l’EPS 601.

Abb. 1. Die Fronttafel des EPS 601.

Figura 1. Panel frontal de la EPS 601.

Figura 1. Pannello anteriore dell’EPS 601.

Fig. 2. The rear panel of the EPS 601.

Figure 2. Le panneau arrière de l’EPS 601.

Abb. 2. Die Rückwand des EPS 601.

Figura 2. Panel posterior de la EPS 601.

Figura 2. Pannello posteriore dell’EPS 601.

Program

HV on

Electrophoresis Power Supply - EPS 601

STOP

run exit enter

more set

pause

continue

Program

HV on

Electrophoresis Power Supply - EPS 601

STOP

run exit enter

more set

pause

continue

Voltage 100-120/220-240 V AC

Frequency 50/60 Hz

Power 140 W 2.5 A Max

100-120 220-240

MAINS

Disconnect before servicing

Important user information

Safety Standards

All users must read this entire manual to fully understand the safe use of EPS 601.

WARNING!

The WARNING! sign highlights instructions that must be followed to avoid personal injury. It is important not to proceed until all stated conditions are met and clearly understood.

CAUTION!

The CAUTION! sign highlights instructions that must be followed to avoid damage to the product or other equipment. It is important not to proceed until all stated conditions are met and clearly understood.

Note

The Note sign is used to indicate information important for trouble-free and optimal use of the product.

CE Certifying

This product meets the requirements of applicable CE-directives. A copy of the corresponding Declaration of Conformity is available on request.

The CE symbol and corresponding declaration of conformity, is valid for the instrument when it is:

– used as a stand-alone unit, or

– connected to other CE-marked GE Healthcare instruments, or

– connected to other products recommended or described in

this manual, and

– used in the same state as it was delivered from GE Healthcare

except for alterations described in this manual.

This product meets the requirement of the Low Voltage Directive (LVD) 73/23/EEC through the following harmonized standards:

• EN 61010-1

• IEC 61010-1

• CAN/CSA-C22.2 No. 61010-1

• UL61010-1

EMC Standards

This device meets the requirements of the EMC Directive 89/336/ EEC through the following harmonized standards:

• EN 61326 (emission and immunity)

• EN 55011, GR 1, Class A (emission)

• This device complies with part 15 of the FCC rules (emission). Operation is subject to the following two conditions:

1 This device may not cause harmful interference. 2 This device must accept any interference received,

including interference that may cause undesired operation.

WARNING!

This is a Class A product. In a domestic environment this product may cause radio interference in which case the user may be required to take adequate measures.

Recycling

This symbol indicates that the waste of electrical and electronic equipment must not be disposed as unsorted municipal waste and must be collected separately. Please contact an authorized representative of the manufacturer for information concerning the decommissioning of your equipment.

ITALIANOESPAÑOLDEUTCHFRANÇAISENGLISH

ENGLISHFRANÇAISDEUTCHESPAÑOLITALIANO

Contents

1. Introduction ..................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 7

2. Safety information ........................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 9

2.1 Safety precautions ................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 9

2.2 In-built safety features

................................................................................................................................................................................................ 10

3. Unpacking and installation ..................................................................................................................................................................................... 11

4. Technical description ............................................................................................................................................................................................................ 13

4.1 Front panel ........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................ 13

4.1.1 Display ................................................................................................................................................................................................................................ 13

4.1.2 Keyboard ........................................................................................................................................................................................................................ 13

4.1.3 Output sockets

4.2 Rear panel ........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 14

..................................................................................................................................................................................................... 14

5. Operation ......................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 15

5.1 Overview ................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................ 15

5.2 Programming ................................................................................................................................................................................................................................ 15

5.3 Running a program

5.4 Optional programming

................................................................................................................................................................................................ 19

5.5 Choosing run parameters ...................................................................................................................................................................................... 20

5.6 Short instructions .............................................................................................................................. .................................................................................... 22

6. Maintenance ............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................. 23

7. Trouble shooting .............................................................................................................................................................................................................................. 25

8. Technical specifications .................................................................................................................................................................................................. 27

9. Ordering information ............................................................................................................................................................................................................ 29

Electrophoresis Power Supply EPS 601 User Manual 18-1130-19 Edition AD

ITALIANOESPAÑOLDEUTCHFRANÇAISENGLISH

Contents

ENGLISHFRANÇAISDEUTCHESPAÑOLITALIANO

Electrophoresis Power Supply EPS 601 User Manual 18-1130-19 Edition AD

1 Introduction

Introduction 1

The GE Healthcare Electrophoresis Power Supply EPS 601 is a high quality, high precision and safe power supply for electrophoresis applications that require a maximum of 600 volts and 400 mA.

EPS 601 is primarily designed for the following techniques:

1. SDS-PAGE (Polyacrylamide Gel Electrophoresis)

2. Native PAGE

3. Agarose electrophoresis

4. Electroblotting

5. DNA pulsed field electrophoresis

6. DNA fragment separation

7. DNA submarine electrophoresis

Electrophoresis separations can be controlled by voltage, current or power. The EPS 601 automatically switches over the controlling parameter according to programmed limits and conductivity variations in the system.

Two electrophoresis units can be connected to the EPS 601 and run with the same programmed method at one time. Three programs can be saved.

Electrophoresis Power Supply EPS 601 User Manual 18-1130-19 Edition AD

ITALIANOESPAÑOLDEUTCHFRANÇAISENGLISH

1 Introduction

ENGLISHFRANÇAISDEUTCHESPAÑOLITALIANO

Electrophoresis Power Supply EPS 601 User Manual 18-1130-19 Edition AD

2 General Description

2.1 Safety precautions

Extreme caution should be exercised in the operation of this instrument as it can develop sufficient voltage and current to produce a lethal shock.

To avoid any risk of injury, the instrument should only be operated by properly trained personnel and always in accordance with the instructions provided.

Read this entire manual before using this power supply.

1. This instrument is designed for indoor use only.

2. The instrument must always be used with the protective earth lead of the power cord correctly grounded to earth at the mains outlet.

3. To permit sufficient cooling, ensure that the vents in the rear and sides of the instrument are not covered.

General Description 2

4. Do not operate the instrument in extreme humidity (above 95%). Avoid condensation by letting the unit equilibrate to ambient temperature when taking the power supply from a colder to a warmer environment.

5. Keep the instrument as dry and clean as possible. Wipe regularly with a soft damp cloth. Let the power supply dry completely before use. If wetted, unplug the power supply until the instrument is dry.

6. Use only undamaged electrical wire and equipment specified for the voltages you will use. High voltages wires must meet the requirements of the IEC 1010-2-031:1993 electrical standard. Any electrophoresis equipment connected to the power supply should meet the requirements of the IEC 1010-1:1993 electrical standard.

7. Note that the output is connected to the chassis/reference earth.

Electrophoresis Power Supply EPS 601 User Manual 18-1130-19 Edition AD

ITALIANOESPAÑOLDEUTCHFRANÇAISENGLISH

2 Geneal Description

ENGLISHFRANÇAISDEUTCHESPAÑOLITALIANO

2.2 Built-in safety features

The EPS 601 has been tested and complies with the IEC 61010-1 (EN 61010-1) electrical safety standard. The power supply also has several built-in safety functions. Error messages are also shown on the display (see 7. Trouble shooting):

1. Functional earth leakage. Should the power supply be connected to an electrophoresis unit that has a leakage path to earth, the EPS 601 will detect this fault and the high voltage is turned off.

2. Start current check. To ensure that an electrophoresis unit is connected correctly, the power supply checks that the resistance is not higher than a specified limit at a low safety voltage (<40V). If this resistance is too high, the voltage is turned off. Too high a resistance can also be caused by using buffers with extremely low conductivity. The high voltage is also turned off in this case and an error message is shown. This function can be disabled to perform certain applications (see 5.4 Optional programming).

3. Sudden load change detection. This function prevents accidents under running conditions due to a break in the electrical circuit such as a bad connection to the electrophoresis unit. The high voltage is turned off in such an event. Error messages for sudden fails are also shown on the display.

Electrophoresis Power Supply EPS 601 User Manual 18-1130-19 Edition AD

3 Unpacking and installation

Unpacking

Check the contents against the packing list supplied. Inspect for any damage that may have occurred during transit. Report any damage immediately to your local GE Healthcare representative and to the transport company concerned.

Mains connection

Select the appropriate voltage range, 100–120 or 220–240 V. See Fig. 2 inside front cover.

WARNING! If the power supply is connected to 220–240 V with the range set to 100–120 V, the instrument can be severely damaged.

WARNING! Only use mains cables delivered or approved by GE Healthcare.

Unpacking and installation 3

WARNING! Do not block the rear panel of the system. The mains power switch must always be easy to access.

Select the appropriate mains cable and connect one end to the mains socket on the EPS 601 power supply (see Fig. 2, inside front cover) and the other end to an AC grounded outlet.

Connection of the electrophoresis unit(s)

Connect the leads from the electrophoresis unit (red to red, and black or blue to blue), see Fig. 1 inside front cover. The red lead is the positive and black or blue is the negative.

WARNING! Use only undamaged electrical wire and equipment approved for the voltage you will use. Two electrophoresis units can be run simultaneously with the same program. Please remember to double the limiting current and power if two electrophoresis units are run at the same time. The voltage will be the same regardless of the number of units.

Electrophoresis Power Supply EPS 601 User Manual 18-1130-19 Edition AD

ITALIANOESPAÑOLDEUTCHFRANÇAISENGLISH

3 Unpacking and installation

ENGLISHFRANÇAISDEUTCHESPAÑOLITALIANO

Local regulation for Great Britain

WARNING IMPORTANT

This appliance must be earthed.

The wires in the mains lead are coloured in accordance with the following code:

Green and yellow Earth

Blue Neutral

Brown Live

If the plug provided is unsuitable for socket outlets, the plug must be cut off and suitable plug fitted. The cut-off plug should be disposed of and must not be inserted into any 13 amp socket as this can result in electric shock. The plug or adapter or the distribution panel should be provided with 13 amps fuse. As the colours of the wires in the mains lead of this appliance may not correspond with coloured markings identifying the terminals in your plug, proceed as follows:

The green and yellow wire must be connected to the terminal in the plug which is marked with the letter E or by the earth symbol, or coloured green, or green and yellow.

The blue wire must be connected to the terminal which is marked with the letter N or coloured black.

The brown wire must be connected to the terminal which is marked with the letter L or coloured red.

NOTE: After replacing or changing a fuse, the fuse cover in the plug must be replaced with a fuse cover which corresponds to the colour of the insert in the base of the plug or the word that is embossed on the base of the plug, and the appliance must not be used without a fuse cover. Only 13 Amps fuse approved to B.S. 1362 A.S.T.A. should be used.

Switch on the power. Each time the instrument is turned on a self diagnostic test is done. If an error is detected during the test a message will appear on the display and an alarm will sound.

Electrophoresis Power Supply EPS 601 User Manual 18-1130-19 Edition AD

4 Technical description

4.1 Front panel

The front panel consists of an alphanumeric display, a keyboard with 9 membrane keys, a light emitting diode (LED) that lights when voltage is applied (HV on) and connectors for two electrophoresis units.

4.1.1 Display

A 32 digit alphanumeric display guides you through the programming, shows current parameter values during the electrophoresis and final parameter values afterwards. It also asks questions and shows error messages. The display has an upper and lower row.

Fig. 1 (inside front cover) shows the display in the start position when power is switched on for the first time. The mode (in this case SET) is shown in the upper row on the left. The program number is in the center of the upper row. The number shown is that of the previously entered program. As no program has yet been entered, the first available program number, P1, is shown. The blinking figure, in this case “1”, indicates that it can be changed by using the /keys. The upper right shows the programmed breakpoint. In this case it is off.

Technical description 4

enter

set

run

The lower left, middle and right positions show voltage, current and power respectively.

4.1.2 Keyboard

ENTER Enters a value, locks the value if correct, and moves programming to the next field. Valid values are voltage 6–600 V, current 1–400 mA, power 1–100 W, time 0:01–500 h, volthours 1–500 000 Vh.

SET Puts the instrument into SET, its programming and starting mode. In the RUN mode, pressing SET also shows the programmed parameters for the actual run. In addition, SET allows you to make changes in the program during a run after first pressing PAUSE CONTINUE.

CHANGE UP/CHANGE DOWN Changes the parameter, value or other choice in the field which is blinking. Numerical values are changed in an accelerating manner when a key is held down. Clicking a key changes the value in preset increments. Parameters or units (e.g. Vh) and yes/no choices are changed with one key push. The keys can also be used to switch between time and volthours in RUN, PAUSE and END. The values scroll i.e. they automatically change from maximum to minimum value or vice versa.

RUN Pressing RUN starts the run and puts the program into RUN mode. The program number, current values for voltage, current and power are shown on the display. The elapsed time or volthours are also displayed. Switch between time and volthours with

ITALIANOESPAÑOLDEUTCHFRANÇAISENGLISH

Electrophoresis Power Supply EPS 601 User Manual 18-1130-19 Edition AD

4 Technical description

ENGLISHFRANÇAISDEUTCHESPAÑOLITALIANO

pause

continue

STOP

exit

PAUSE CONTINUE Puts the instrument in PAUSE mode and switches off the voltage. The display shows the status of the run at the time the key was pressed. PAUSE CONTINUE only operates in RUN mode. Time and integration values are retained. In the pause mode, SET can be used to make changes in the program. Return to RUN mode by pressing PAUSE CONTINUE or by pressing RUN.

STOP Stops the run and puts the instrument in END mode. The voltage is switched off and the end parameters are displayed. Switch between time and integrated voltage by pressing

. A run cannot be continued after pressing STOP.

Continue by pressing RUN to run the same method again or pressing SET to choose another program, program a new method or make changes in an existing method.

MORE You can disable the start current check that otherwise detects if the resistance is too high and switches off the power. See Section 5.4.

EXIT Stops the execution of an operation, such as the entry of a value. Only values/units that have already been confirmed by ENTER are retained. Returns the instrument to the mode that was left or the start position in SET.

4.1.3 Output sockets

There are two sets of output sockets to allow two electrophoresis units to be connected and run at the same time, see Fig. 1 inside front cover. The voltage output is 0–600 V. The negative output socket gives between 0 and –300 V and the positive gives between 0 and +300 V.

4.2 Rear panel

The rear panel is shown in Fig. 2, see inside front cover. On the rear panel there is:

1. A mains switch. Press in I to switch on the power to the power supply. Press 0 to switch off thepower.

2. A socket for the mains cable.

3. A switch for voltage range. The left position corresponds to 100–120 V and the right to 220–240 V.

4. Vent openings.

Electrophoresis Power Supply EPS 601 User Manual 18-1130-19 Edition AD

5 Operation

Operation 5

5.1 Overview

The operation of the EPS 601 is described in the following sequence.

1. Programming or editing a method.

2. Running a method.

When the method is running, it can be interrupted (put in PAUSE mode) to apply samples and/or change the program. During a run it is also possible to look at the program settings.

Programming and running are discussed in more detail in the following two sections.

Blinking characters are shown as bold characters.

5.2 Programming

Start position

When the power supply is switched on, the display shows the start position in SET mode. The previous program set is shown and that program number is blinking, for example:

SET: P1 2:00 h 200 V 40mA 10 W

(If the power supply is switched on for the first time, the breakpoint parameter and the alarm are off and the values for voltage, current, and power are 6 V, 400 mA and 100 W respectively).

Choosing a program

Up to 3 programs can be entered. Press ENTER to confirm the program shown on the display or use / keys to choose another. Confirm with ENTER. The programming procedure can be followed step by step in Fig. 3.

Setting voltage, current and power limits

The display will now flash for the set voltage limit. Using the / keys, select the maximum voltage desired for the run. Confirm with ENTER. Repeat the same procedure for limiting current and limiting power. Programmable values for voltage are 6–600 V, current, 1–400 mA, power, 1–100 W, time, 0:01–500 h, volthours, 1–500 000 Vh.

Setting break-point

Choose between manual break or automatic break. For automatic break, choose breakpoint units in either Volthours (Vh) or time (h). Select the correct unit or, for manual break, choose “OFF” with /. Confirm with ENTER. If volthours or h (time) were chosen, the display will flash for the break value. Set the value with / and confirm with ENTER.

Choosing alarm

When a breakpoint has been entered, the following question is shown: Alarm at End ? Y. Select YES or NO with / and confirm with ENTER. If YES is selected, a small “A” appears on theright of the program number, i.e. 2A.

Electrophoresis Power Supply EPS 601 User Manual 18-1130-19 Edition AD

ITALIANOESPAÑOLDEUTCHFRANÇAISENGLISH

5 Operation

ENGLISHFRANÇAISDEUTCHESPAÑOLITALIANO

1. Choose Program number

2. Set Voltage limit

3. Set Current limit

4. Set Power limit

5. Choose Breakpoint

unit (h or Vh) or no Breakpoint (OFF).

SET: P1 OFF 200 V 40 mA 10 W

Select by

Conﬁrm by

enter

SET: P2 OFF 6 V 400 mA 100 W

Select by

Conﬁrm by

enter

SET: P2 OFF 600 V 400 mA 100 W

Select by

Conﬁrm by

enter

SET: P2 OFF 600 V 50 mA 100 W

Select by

Conﬁrm by

enter

SET: P2 OFF 600 V 50 mA 30 W

6. Set Breakpoint

7. Choose Alarm YES or NO

8. Program ready

Select by

Conﬁrm by

enter

SET: P2 0:00 h 600 V 50 mA 30 W

Select by

Conﬁrm by

enter

Alarm at End ? Y

Select by

Conﬁrm by

SET: P2

enter

2:00 h

600 V 50 mA 30 W

Fig. 3.Step-by-step summary of programming.

Breakpoint off

SET: P2 OFF 600 V 50 mA 30 W

Electrophoresis Power Supply EPS 601 User Manual 18-1130-19 Edition AD

Operation 5

Back to start position

The program is now back to the start position in the SET mode with the program number flashing. It is possible to go back to this position at any stage during programming in SET mode by pressing EXIT or STOP. Note that the program is saved automatically when EXIT is pressed.

Disabling the current check

See Section 5.4 if you want to use this feature.

5.3 Running a program

Connect the leads from the electrophoresis unit (red to red, and black or blue to blue). Red is positive and black or blue negative. Up to two electrophoresis units can run at the same voltage at one time. Please remember to double the maximum current and power conditions if two units are to be run. Voltage will be the same regardless of how many units are run. The current should also be doubled if two gels are run on the same unit.

Choosing a program

Press SET and select the program you wish to run by pressing / until the value after the “P” is correct. Confirm with ENTER. (Omit this step if you have just programmed a method as described in section 5.2.)

Running a program is described schematically in Fig. 4.

Running

Press RUN to start the electrophoresis. The display will show current values for voltage, current, power and elapsed time or volthours. You can switch between showing the elapsed time or volthours by limit. The unit for that parameter is underlined. A light emitting diode shows when voltage is applied (HV on). If no current is displayed, please check the electrical connections to the electrophoresis equipment.

. The limiting parameter will attain the programmed

Pausing

You can interrupt the electrophoresis for sample loading and/or changing parameter values by pressing PAUSE CONTINUE. Voltage and current will no longer be supplied, the HV on LED goes off, and you may safely load your samples. The display shows the status of the run when PAUSE CONTINUE was pressed. Switch between time and integrated voltage by pressing /. When sample loading is complete, press PAUSE CONTINUE again or RUN and the run will continue from where it was interrupted. When in the PAUSE mode you can also press SET to make changes in the program. This mode is called the P-SET mode. When the P-SET mode is entered you can make changes as described under programming. The P-SET mode is the same as the SET mode apart from restrictions in setting the breakpoint. Naturally, it is not possible to enter a time or volthour that is already passed. PressEXIT or PAUSE CONTINUE to go back from P-SET to PAUSE. Press RUN or PAUSE CONTINUE to proceed with the electrophoresis.

View programmed values

It is also possible to view the programmed values during a run by pressing SET. Note that no values can be changed here. The display returns automatically to show RUN values after 5s. Alternatively use EXIT or RUN.

Electrophoresis Power Supply EPS 601 User Manual 18-1130-19 Edition AD

ITALIANOESPAÑOLDEUTCHFRANÇAISENGLISH

5 Operation

ENGLISHFRANÇAISDEUTCHESPAÑOLITALIANO

1. Choose Program number.

SET: P1 OFF 200 V 40 mA 10 W

Select by

2. Start the run.

SET: P2

2:00 h

600 V 50 mA 30 W

3. During a run you can view the settings. It is also possible to interupt the run and make changes in the program.

4. Stop the run manually.

5. The run is stopped automatically.

set

exit

or wait 5 s

SET: P2

2:00 h

600 V 50 mA 30 W

Start by

RUN: P2 300 V 50 mA

RUN: P2 500 V 50 mA

RUN: P2 600 V

50 mA 24 W

END: P2

run

0:01 h 25 W

0:30 h 25 W

1:45 h

2:00 h

600 V 35 mA 21 W

pause

continue

pause

continue

STOP

PAUSE: P2

0:30 h

500 V 50 mA 100 W

run

set

P-SET: P2

pause

continue

2:00 h

exit

600 V 50 mA 30 W

Programming

END: P2 600 V 40 mA 24 W

1:45 h

Fig. 4. Step-by-step summary of run and pause function.

Stopping the run and viewing end parameter values

When the programmed time or volthour is attained, the program will enter the End mode. It is also possible to break the run manually by pressing STOP. In both cases, the voltage, current and power will go to zero as indicated by the HV on LED switching off. The end parameter values are displayed. Switch between elapsed time and integrated voltage by /. An alarm will sound if selected in the program. You can stop the alarm by pressing STOP.

A run cannot be continued after pressing STOP.

Disconnect the leads and proceed with post-electrophoretic techniques. Since diffusion will begin as soon as the voltage is turned off, you should remove the gel and begin staining, blotting or autoradiography immediately.

Electrophoresis Power Supply EPS 601 User Manual 18-1130-19 Edition AD

Operation 5

5.4 Optional programming

You can disable the start current check that otherwise checks that the resistance is not higher than a specified limit. This disabling function is set in the MORE mode instead of the SET mode in order not to confuse users who do not need this feature, and for safety reasons.

The MORE mode is described in Fig. 5. After pressing MORE, the program asks you for the program number and if you want to keep the start current check. Choose program number and change between ”YES” and ”NO” by / and confirm with ENTER. Choosing ”NO” for start current check means that the function is disabled and high voltage can be applied despite a very high resistance. Leave the MORE mode byEXIT.

WARNING! By disabling the start current check, the power supply can deliver high voltage even if it is not connected to electrophoresis equipment.

1. Enter MORE

2. Select program

3. Choose current check no

4. Back to SET mode

Fig. 5. Disabling the current check.

SET: P2

2:00 h

600 V 50 mA 30 W

Select MORE by

MORE: P2 Select program

Select by

Conﬁrm by

enter

Current check at start? YES/no

Select by Conﬁrm and Exit by

SET: P2

enter

2:00 h

600 V 50 mA 30 W

Electrophoresis Power Supply EPS 601 User Manual 18-1130-19 Edition AD

ITALIANOESPAÑOLDEUTCHFRANÇAISENGLISH

5 Operation

ENGLISHFRANÇAISDEUTCHESPAÑOLITALIANO

5.5 Choosing run parameters

EPS 601 is an automatic cross-over power supply that allows the user to set limits for voltage, current and power. During electrophoresis, only one of the parameters is limiting at a time. The limiting parameter determines, together with the conductivity in the electrophoresis system, the values for the other two parameters. Voltage, current, power and conductivity are related by the following equations:

U = I / L (1) P = U × I (2)

Where U = Voltage, I = Current, P = Power and L = Conductivity

Equation (1) is more familiar if the conductivity is replaced by the reciprocal resistance (R):

U = R × I (Ohm’s law)

The electric field E, measured in V/cm, is the driving force behind electrophoresis.

E = U / d

where E = Electrical field strength, U = Voltage, d = distance

The electrical field strength is achieved by applying a voltage. The higher the voltage, the faster the electrophoresis. Fast electrophoresis is beneficial since it counteracts diffusion.

The disadvantage of increasing the voltage too much is that most of the generated electrical energy, the product of power and time, is transformed to heat. Therefore cooling of electrophoresis equipment is recommended. Cooling will also reduce “smiling” effects which are caused by mobility differentials across an electrophoresis gel resulting from poor heat transfer. Since the cooling efficiency cannot be increased indefinitely, the power should be limited when programming the power supply.

The parameter that should be chosen as the constant and thus control the electrophoresis depends on the type of electrophoresis. In the case of homogeneous buffers throughout the system (same electrode and gel buffer), the conductivity is constant during the electrophoresis. If the conductivity is constant, the voltage will be proportional to the current and the power to the square of the current, according to (1) and (2). This means that the result of the electrophoresis will be the same, regardless which parameter is chosen for constant. For historical and practical reasons, voltage is most commonly used for regulation. Submarine gel electrophoresis of DNA/RNA and pulsed field electrophoresis are usually run at constant voltage. SDS-PAGE using continuous buffer systems is run at constant voltage or current.

Electrophoresis Power Supply EPS 601 User Manual 18-1130-19 Edition AD

Operation 5

For discontinuous buffer systems, the resistance will increase as the electrophoresis proceeds due to a decrease in conductivity. Running at constant voltage will result in decreasing current and power. Constant voltage will thus be “safe” in the respect that the power will not increase and produce more and more heat. On the other hand, the separation will slow down and impair resolution due to an increased time available for diffusion. Running at constant power would give a faster electrophoresis and controlled power, while running at constant current would, at the first sight, seem to be problematic because of increasing voltage and power.

During discontinuous electrophoresis, however, the voltage is not distributed evenly across the gel. These gels have a region with low ionic strength that causes a high electrical field strength. This region increases as the electrophoresis proceeds. This means that the main part of the voltage is spread over a longer and longer distance and a higher and higher power is tolerated. This is the reason why constant current is chosen for such applications. It is, however, recommended to also limit the power as a precaution against overheating the gel. The power supply will propably switch over to limiting power at the end of the run due to increased voltage.

For detailed information about parameter values, always follow the gel supplier’s recommendations.

Electrophoresis Power Supply EPS 601 User Manual 18-1130-19 Edition AD

ITALIANOESPAÑOLDEUTCHFRANÇAISENGLISH

5 Operation

ENGLISHFRANÇAISDEUTCHESPAÑOLITALIANO

5.6 Short instructions

This section summarizes the main points covered earlier in this chapter. Use it as a check list once you are familiar with the detailed programming and running instructions. Refer also to the separate schematic operating guide included with the power supply. We recommend you keep this schematic guide close by the instrument.

1. Turn mains power ON. The display should have the program number flashing.

2. Press ENTER for the actual program number, or use / to select the program number desired. Press. ENTER.

3. For each of the parameters Voltage, Current and Power, press

until the value

desired is reached. Confirm by pressing ENTER after each one, and the display will automatically move to the next parameter.

4. Choose between manual break or automatic break. For automatic break, choose breakpoint units in either Volthours (Vh) or time (h). Select the correct unit or, for manual break, choose “OFF” with

. Confirm with ENTER.

5. If volthours or time were chosen, set the value to be used for the breakpoint with and ENTER.

6. If an automatic breakpoint was chosen under 4, you will be asked if you wish an

alarm to sound at the end of the run. Select YES or NO with

and press ENTER.

If YES was chosen, this is indicated by a small A as in “1A” to the right of the program number in the display.

7. When programming is completed, connect your electrophoresis unit to the outputs,

and press RUN.

8. The actual voltage, current and power are shown on the display together with the

elapsed time or volthours (switch with /).

9. PAUSE CONTINUE can be used to interrupt and then continue the run.

10. The programmed parameters can be checked during the run by pressing SET.

11. The programmed run stops automatically or by pressing STOP

Electrophoresis Power Supply EPS 601 User Manual 18-1130-19 Edition AD

6 Maintenance

Maintenance 6

Wipe the instrument regularly with a damp cloth. Let the instrument dry completely before use. Otherwise no user maintenance is necessary. All servicing should be entrusted to qualified personnel only. Please contact your local GE Healthcare representative for more service information.

Recycling

Electrophoresis Power Supply EPS 601 User Manual 18-1130-19 Edition AD

ITALIANOESPAÑOLDEUTCHFRANÇAISENGLISH

6 Maintenance

ENGLISHFRANÇAISDEUTCHESPAÑOLITALIANO

Electrophoresis Power Supply EPS 601 User Manual 18-1130-19 Edition AD

7 Trouble-shooting

If an error that can be corrected by the user occurs, either during a run or when switching on the power supply, the program enters the HALT mode and the output is switched off. Four different type of errors can cause HALT. The following list shows the error message on the display, the cause and the remedy.

Trouble-shooting 7

Error message

HALT: Low start current!

HALT: Ground leakage current

HALT: Mains Voltage too low!

HALT: Mains fail Program stopped

Cause

The current is less than the lower limit. This can be due to incorrect connection of the electrophoresis equipment or due to use of buffers with extremely low conductivity.

The current to ground leakage in the electrophoresis unit is too high.

The mains voltage is too low, see Speciﬁcations.

Mains power failure for more than 7 s.

If a serious error occurs, the program enters the FAIL mode. The output is switched off and an error message is shown in the display.

Remedy

1. Check connections and/or buffers.

2. Press MORE, switch off the start current check in the MORE mode.

IMPORTANT! Read Section 5.4 ﬁrst.

Check the electrophoresis unit.

Check voltage selector. Check mains voltage.

Press PAUSE CONTINUE to continue running a program or STOP to interrupt the run.

FAIL:Code No: xxx Call service

Please read the error code number and contact your GE Healthcare representative.

Recycling

Electrophoresis Power Supply EPS 601 User Manual 18-1130-19 Edition AD

ITALIANOESPAÑOLDEUTCHFRANÇAISENGLISH

7 Trouble-shooting

ENGLISHFRANÇAISDEUTCHESPAÑOLITALIANO

Electrophoresis Power Supply EPS 601 User Manual 18-1130-19 Edition AD

8 Technical Specifications

Regulation Maximum voltage, current and power with automatic cross over at preset limits

Output range Voltage: 0–600 V DC Current: 0–400 mA Power: 0–100 W

Programming range Voltage: 6–600 V DC Current: 1–400 mA Power: 1–100 W Time: 00:01–500 h Volthour: 1–500 000 Vh

Output resolution Voltage: 1 V Current: 100 μA, 0–39.9 mA 1 mA, 40–400 mA Power: 1W

Programming resolution Voltage: 1 V Current: 1 mA Power: 1 W Time: 1 min, 00:01–99:59, 1h, 100–500 h Volthour: 1 Vh, 1–9999 Vh, 100 Vh, 10.0–99.9 kVh 1 kVh, 100–500 kV

Accuracy Voltage: 1%, ±3 V Current: 1%, ±1 mA Power: 2%, ±1 W Timer: 0.1% ±1 min, 00:01–99:59 h

0.1%, ±10 min, 100–500 h

Line regulation < 0.2%

Load regulation < 1% at load change 10–90% of maximum load

Ripple < 1% at 600 V

Short term stability < 0.2% /10 h after warm up

Long term stability < 1% /year

Start current check Resistance not greater than 0.2 Mat 40 V (current less than 200 μA). Can be disabled

Sudden load change check

Ground leakage check Leakage not greater than 500 μA

Output protection Fully protected against any overload conditions

Recovery after power failure Duration < 8 s, The program continues automatically Duration ≥ 8 s, The program continues after manual restart

Technical Specifications 8

Electrophoresis Power Supply EPS 601 User Manual 18-1130-19 Edition AD

ITALIANOESPAÑOLDEUTCHFRANÇAISENGLISH

8 Technical Specifications

ENGLISHFRANÇAISDEUTCHESPAÑOLITALIANO

Ambient operating temperature 4–40 °C

Ambient operating humidity 0–95%

Ambient operating pressure 68–106 kPa, maximum altitude of 2000 m

Mains requirements 100–120/220–240 V ~ ; 50/60 Hz

Power consumption Max 140 W

Dimensions (W × D × H) 250 × 315 × 95 mm

Weight 3.8 kg

Electrophoresis Power Supply EPS 601 User Manual 18-1130-19 Edition AD

9 Ordering information

Designation Code No.

Electrophoresis Power Supply - EPS 601 18-1130-02

Ordering information 9

Electrophoresis Power Supply EPS 601 User Manual 18-1130-19 Edition AD

ITALIANOESPAÑOLDEUTCHFRANÇAISENGLISH

+ 67 hidden pages

GE EPS 601 User Manual

Specifications and Main Features

Frequently Asked Questions

User Manual