
LABORATORY REFRIGERATOR
Installation, Operation and
Maintenance Instructions
INSPECTION
When the equipment is received, all items should be carefully checked against the bill of lading to
insure all crates and cartons have been received. All units should be inspected for concealed
damage by uncrating the units immediately. If any damage is found, it should be reported to the
carrier at once, and a claim should be filed with the carrier. This equipment has been inspected and
tested at the manufacturing facility and has been crated in accordance with transportation rules and
guidelines. Manufacturer is not responsible for freight loss or damage.
Before connecting the refrigerator to the power supply, let it stand for approximately two hours to
reduce the possibility of malfunctions in the cooling system due to transport handling
INSTALLATION
GENERAL
After the unit crate and crate base have been removed, use a carpenter’s level to level the
refrigerator from front-to-back. Adjust the plastic leveling feet in front ½ bubble higher to ensure that
the door closes easily when left halfway open.
Note: It is extremely important that the refrigerator be level in order to function properly. If the
refrigerator is not properly leveled during installation, the door may be misaligned and not close or
seal properly causing cooling, frost or moisture problems. See the illustration below.
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Choose a location near a grounded electrical outlet. For the most efficient operation, the refrigerator
should be located where the temperatures will not drop below 10°F (-12°C) or exceed 110°F (43°C).
The Freeze Control Feature in the refrigerator is designed to automatically maintain the selected
interior refrigerator temperature within these temperature limits.
Allow adequate space around the unit for good air circulation. A minimum of 3 inches (75 mm)
space on all sides of the refrigerator is required for adequate air circulation.
Note: The exterior walls of the refrigerator may become quite warm as the compressor works to
transfer heat from the interior. Temperatures as much as 30°F (-1°C) warmer than room
temperature can be expected. It is particular in hotter climates to allow adequate space for air
circulation around the refrigerator.
ELECTRICAL
Check the proposed outlet to be used to insure that the voltage, phase, and current carrying
capacity of the circuit from the electrical panel correspond to the requirements of the cabinet.
NEVER use an extension cord or adapter plug to wire any unit. Refer to the serial tag for all
pertinent electrical information.
The refrigerator must be plugged into its own 115 volt, 60 Hz, single phase outlet. The power cord
of the refrigerator is equipped with a three-prong grounding plug for protection against shock
hazards. It must be plugged into a properly grounded three-prong receptacle. The receptacles must
be installed in accordance with local codes and ordinances.
If voltage varies by more than 10%, refrigerator performance may be affected. Operating the
refrigerator with insufficient power can damage the compressor.
To prevent the refrigerator from being accidentally turned off, do not plug the unit into an outlet
controlled by a wall switch or pull cord. Do not pinch, knot or bend the cord in any manner.
Observe all Warning Labels. Disconnect power supply to eliminate injury from electrical
shock or moving parts when servicing equipment.
OPERATION
Cool Down Period
For safe storage of product, allow a minimum of four hours for the refrigerator to cool down
completely. The refrigerator will run continuously for the first several hours.
Temperature Control
The temperature control is located inside the refrigerator. The temperature is factory preset to
provide satisfactory product storage temperatures. The temperature control is adjustable to provide
a range of temperatures for any desired application. If a colder temperature is required, turn the
temperature control knob toward COLDEST and allow several hours for temperatures to stabilize
between adjustments. The Automatic Freeze Control feature will maintain proper interior refrigerator
temperature even when the ambient exterior temperature drops to 10°F (-12°C).
Door Removal
If the door must be removed to fit through a narrow passageway:
1. Lay the refrigerator on its back on a cover protect its exterior surface.
2. Remove the base panel by unscrewing two screws from the front of the panel.
3. At the top of the cabinet, lift up the plastic hinge cover and fold back (see the illustration
below).
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4. Use a Phillips screwdriver to remove the screws on the top hinge.
5. Remove the top hinge from the cabinet and lift door off the lower hinge pin.
6. After the door is removed, remove the two screws from the bottom hinge.
7. Replace the door by reversing the above order.
MAINTENANCE
PERIODIC CLEANING
Disconnect the power supply before cleaning the refrigerator.
Beginning with the initial installation, the interior surfaces of the cabinet should be periodically
wiped down with a solution of warm water and baking soda (two tablespoons in one quart of warm
water). This solution will remove any odors from spillage that has occurred. The exterior of the
cabinet should also be cleaned frequently with warm water and a mild liquid detergent. Caution: Do
not use an abrasive or alkaline solution. Do not wash any removable parts in a dishwasher.
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MAINTENANCE SERVICE AND ANALYSIS GUIDE
MALFUNCTION POSSIBLE CAUSE SOLUTION
Refrigerator does not 1. Refrigerator plugged into a 1. Use another circuit.
run. ground fault interrupt circuit.
2. Temperature control is in the 2. See Temperature Control Section.
OFF position.
3. Fuse blown or tripped circuit 3. Check/replace fuse with a 15A time delay
breaker. fuse. Reset circuit breaker
Refrigerator runs too much 1. Refrigerator recently dis- 1. 4 hours required for refrigerator cool down.
or too long. connected for a lengthy period.
2. Large amount of product 2. Warm product will cause refrigerator to run
recently stored. more until desired temperature is reached.
3. Doors opened too frequently 3. Open doors less often.
or too long.
4. Refrigerator door may be 4. Refrigerator may not be level.
slightly open.
5. Temperature control set too low. 5. Reset temperature control.
6. Refrigerator gasket is dirty, worn, 6. Clean or replace gasket.
cracked or poorly fitted.
Vibrating or rattling noise. 1. Refrigerator not level. 1. Re-level the refrigerator as specified in the
INSTALLATION section.
2. Refrigerator is touching the wall. 2. Move the refrigerator away from the wall.
Moisture forms on refrigerator 1. Weather is hot and humid. 1. This is normal.
interior. 2. Door not seating properly. 2. Re-level the refrigerator.
3. Door kept open too long or too 3. Open door less often.
frequently.
Moisture forms on refrigerator 1. Door may not be sealing 1. Re-level the refrigerator.
exterior. properly.
Door will not close. 1. Refrigerator is not level. 1. Re-level the refrigerator.
Light bulb will not turn on. 1. Light bulb burned out. 1. Replace light bulb with a new bulb of the
Same wattage.
2. No electric current reaching the 2. Ensure refrigerator is plugged into power
refrigerator. receptacle.
3. Defective light bulb holder or 3. Contact a service technician.
Light switch.
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