Shellab SMI6E User Manual

ECONOMY INCUBATOR

SMI4E
SMI6E

Previously designated as:

1515E, 1516E

INSTALLATION AND OPERATIONAL MANUAL

4861661-1

Sheldon Manufacturing Inc. P.O. Box 627 Cornelius, Oregon 97113

EMAIL: [e-mail] INTERNET: http://www.Shellab.com/~Shellab

1-800-322-4897 [phone] FAX [phone]

11/2013

2

TABLE OF CONTENTS

SECTION 1.0 RECEIVING AND INSPECTION
SECTION 2.0 GRAPHIC SYMBOLS
SECTION 3.0 INSTALLATION
SECTION 4.0 CONTROL PANEL OVERVIEW
SECTION 5.0 OPERATION
SECTION 6.0 MAINTENANCE
SECTION 7.0 TROUBLESHOOTING

SECTION 8.0 PARTS LIST

UNIT SPECIFICATIONS
SCHEMATICS

This unit is a general purpose air incubator for professional, industrial or educational use
where the preparation or testing of materials is done at approximately atmospheric
pressure and no flammable, volatile or combustible materials are being heated. This unit
is not intended for hazardous or household locations or use.

3

RECEIVING AND INSPECTION

Section

Your satisfaction and safety require a complete understanding of this unit. Read
the instructions thoroughly and be sure all operators are given adequate training
before attempting to put the unit in service. NOTE: This equipment must be used
only for its intended application; any alterations or modifications will void your
warranty.

1.1 Inspection: The carrier, when accepting shipment, also accepts responsibility

for safe delivery and is liable for loss or damage. On delivery, inspect for visible
exterior damage, note and describe on the freight bill any damage found, and
enter your claim on the form supplied by the carrier.

1.2 Inspect for concealed loss or damage on the unit itself, both interior and exterior.
If necessary, the carrier will arrange for official inspection to substantiate your
claim.

1.3 Return Shipment: Save the shipping crate until you are sure all is well. If for
any reason you must return the unit, first contact your customer representative
for authorization. Supply nameplate data, including model number and serial
number.

1.4 Verify that all of the equipment indicated on the packing slip is included with the
unit. Carefully check all packaging before discarding. These units are equipped
with 2 shelves, 8 shelf clips, a thermometer, and a thermometer clip.

4

GRAPHIC SYMBOLS

Section

Your incubator is provided with a display of graphic symbols to help in identifying the
use and function of the available adjustable components.

2.1 Indicates “AC Power”

2.2 Indicates “Heating”

2.3 Indicates ”Adjustable Temperature”

2.4 Indicates “Manual Control”

2.5 Indicates “Earth Ground Symbol”

2.6 This symbol, when shown, indicates that you should consult

your manual for further description or discussion of a control
or item.

2.7 Indicates “Potential Shock Hazard” behind partition

2.8 Indicates “Unit should be recycled” (Not disposed of

in land-fill)

5

INSTALLATION

Section

Local city, county or other ordinances may govern the use of this equipment. If you have any questions about local
requirements, please contact the appropriate local agency. Installation may be performed by the end user.

Under normal circumstances this unit is intended for use indoors, at room temperatures between 5 above ambient to
40C, at no greater than 80% Relative Humidity (at 25C) and with a supply voltage that does not vary by more than
10%. Customer service should be contacted for operating conditions outside of these limits.

3.1 Power Source: The electrical supply circuit to the incubator must conform to all national and local electrical

codes. Consult the incubator’s serial data plate for the voltage and ampere requirements before making

connection. VOLTAGE SHOULD NOT VARY MORE THAN 10% FROM THE SERIAL PLATE RATING.
This unit is intended for 50/60 Hz application. A separate circuit is recommended to prevent possible loss of
product due to overloading or failure of other equipment on the same circuit.

3.2 Location: When selecting a site for the incubator, consider all conditions which may affect performance,
such as extreme heat from steam radiators, stoves, ovens, autoclaves, etc. Avoid direct sun, fast-moving air
currents, heating/cooling ducts, and high traffic areas. To ensure air circulation around the unit allow a
minimum of 10cm between incubators and any walls or partitions that might obstruct free airflow.

3.3 Lifting / Handling: This unit is heavy and care should be taken to use appropriate lifting devices that are
sufficiently rated for this load. The unit should only be lifted from its bottom surface. Doors, handles and
knobs are not adequate for lifting or stabilization. The unit should be completely restrained from tipping
during lifting or transport. All moving parts, such as shelves and trays should be removed and doors need to
be positively locked in the closed position during transfer to prevent shifting and damage.

3.4 Leveling: The unit must sit level and solidly. The unit is equipped with non-adjustable rubber feet to raise it
off the counter and prevent sliding; however, the counter must be level to provide optimum safety and
working conditions.

3.5 Cleaning: The incubator interior was cleaned at the factory, but not sterilized. Remove all interior parts,
including shelves and shelf clips and clean with a disinfectant that is appropriate to your application. DO
NOT USE spray cleaners that might leak through openings and cracks and get on electrical components, or
that may contain solvents that will harm coatings. DO NOT USE chlorine-based bleaches or abrasives as they
may damage the interior. Regular periodic cleaning is required. Special care should be taken when cleaning
around sensing heads to prevent damage.

WARNING: Never clean the unit with alcohol or flammable cleaners with the unit connected to the
electrical supply. Always disconnect the unit from the electrical service when cleaning and assure all
volatile or flammable cleaners are evaporated and dry before reattaching the unit to the power supply.

3.6 Place shelves in the desired position, see Figure 1.

6

CONTROL PANEL OVERVIEW

Section

4.1 Power Switch: The main power I/O (on/off) switch controls all power to the unit
and must be in the I or ON position before any systems are operational.

4.2 Temperature Controller: The controller is marked SET TEMPERATURE and is
equipped with an adjustment knob and a graduated dial. The graduated dial is
marked with 10 major increments and 50 minor increments. These increments
can be used as index points for setting and returning to set point temperatures.

4.3 Heating Lamp: This green pilot lamp is marked HEATING ACTIVATED. It
indicates when the element has been activated and the incubator is heating.
When set point is reached the pilot light will cycle on and off as the elements
maintain set point.

7

OPERATION

Section

5.1 Check power supply against unit serial plate; they must match. Plug service cord
into the grounded electrical outlet and turn the power switch ON.

5.2 Thermometer Placement: Place the thermometer and clip (provided in the
accessory kit) through the hole at the top of incubator. The thermometer is to
verify operating temperature. See Figure 3.

5.3 Set Temperature Controller: The temperature range for this incubator is 5C
above ambient to 70C. The increments of the graduated dial should be used as
reference points; for example, if 37C is the desired set point, start with an initial
control knob setting at or near mid point on the dial. Clockwise adjustments
increase the temperature. Wait at least two hours for the temperature to
stabilize, view the thermometer and adjust the control as necessary to reach the
desired temperature. Make small adjustments when final fine-tuning is being
done.

Figure 3

8

MAINTENANCE

Section

NOTE: Prior to any maintenance or service on this unit, disconnect service cord
from the power supply.

6.1 Cleaning: Clean interior of the incubator on a regular basis. Remove

shelves and shelf clips and sterilize the incubator with a disinfectant that is
appropriate for your application. The shelves and clips are autoclavable,
or can be cleaned with the same solution as the incubator. DO NOT USE
spray cleaners that might leak through openings and cracks and get on
electrical components, or that may contain solvents that may harm
coatings. DO NOT USE chlorine-based bleaches or abrasives as they may
damage the interior. Regular periodic cleaning is required. Special care
should be taken when cleaning around sensing heads to prevent damage.

WARNING: Never clean the unit with alcohol or flammable cleaners with
the unit connected to the electrical supply. Always disconnect the unit from
the electrical service when cleaning and assure all volatile or flammable
cleaners are evaporated and dry before reattaching the unit to the power
supply.

6.2 When washing interior, handle the door gasket carefully so as not to
impair the positive seal.

6.3 NO maintenance is required on the electrical components. If the incubator
fails to operate as specified, please see the Troubleshooting guide before
calling for service.

9

TROUBLESHOOTING

TEMPERATURE

Temperature too high

1/ controller set too high-see section 5.3
2/ controller failed on – call Customer Service
3/ wiring error – call Customer Service

Temperature too low

1/ controller set too low – see section 5.3
2/ unit not recovered from door opening – wait for heating indicator to turn
off.
3/ unit not recovered from power failure or being turned off – incubators
will need 2 hours to warm up and stabilize
4/ element failure – see if heating indicator is on; compare current draw to
data plate.
5/ controller failure – confirm with heating indicator that controller is
calling for heat.
6/ wiring problem – check all functions and compare wiring to wiring
schematic in manual – especially around any areas recently worked on.

Unit will not heat over a temperature that
is below set point

1/ confirm that amperage and voltage match data plate
2/ check connections to sensor
3/ check calibration – using reference thermometer, follow instructions in
section 5.2 and 5.3

Unit will not heat up at all

1/ verify that controller is asking for heat by looking for Heating indicator
light – if pilot light is not on continuously during initial start-up, there is a
problem with the controller.
2/check amperage – amperage should be virtually at maximum rated
(data plate) amperage.

Indicated chamber temperature unstable

1/ ±0.1 may be normal.
2/ is ambient radically changing – either door opening or room airflow
from heaters or air conditioning? – stabilize ambient conditions.

Will not maintain set point

1/ assure that set point is at least 5 degrees over ambient room
temperature.
2/ see if ambient is fluctuating; if so, stabilize ambient.

MECHANICAL

Door not sealing

1/ check physical condition of gasket
2/ assure that gasket is in original location
3/ Verify that door latch is operating correctly and not miss-aligned or
broken.

Section

FOR PERSONAL SAFETY, ALWAYS DISCONNECT THE POWER BEFORE SERVICING. Always
make a visual inspection of the incubator and control panel when troubleshooting. Look for loose or
disconnected wires that may be the source of the trouble.

10

OTHER

Wall fuse/circuit is blown

1/ check wall power source.
2/ compare current draw and compare to specs on data plate.
3/ see what other loads are on the wall circuit.

Unit will not turn on

1/ check wall power source
2/ check circuit breaker for power outlet
3/ check all wiring connections, esp. around the on/off switch

Unit is smoking – out of box

This is not an uncommon occurrence when the protective coatings heat
up during initial operation. Put unit under vent and run at full power for
one hour until the smoke dissipates.

Contamination in chamber

1/ see cleaning procedure in section 6.1
2/ develop and follow standard operating procedure for specific
application; include definition of cleaning technique and maintenance
schedule.

If following these troubleshooting suggestions does not solve the problem, call Customer Service for
assistance. Please see the manual cover for information on where to contact Customer Service.

11

PARTS LIST

Description

115V

220V

Heating Element, SMI4E / SMI4-2
(1515E / 1515E-2)

2350509

2350508

Heating Element, SMI6E / SMI6E-2
(1516E / 1516E-2)

2350511

2350510

HEATING Pilot Lamp

4650554

4650554

I/O Switch

7850570

7850570

Power Cord, European SMI4E-2,
SMI6E-2 (1515E-2. 1516E-2)

N/A

1800500

Power Cord, USA SMI4E, SMI6E
(1515E, 1516E)

1800529

1800537

Temperature Controller

1750862

1750862

CE Units Only

EMI 10 amp Filter

NA

2800502

Fuse

NA

3300515

Inlet With Fuse Holder

NA

4200505

Section

12

UNIT SPECIFICATIONS

Unit

Dimensions WxDxH

Weight

Capacity

Cubic Ft

Temperature

C

Exterior

Interior

Shipping

Net

SMI4E

SMI4E-2

(1515E,

1515E-2)

4

Amb+5°C to 70°C

SMI6E

SMI6E-2

(1516E

1516E-2)

24x23.5x36.5

20x19x28

155 lbs.

138 lbs.

6

Amb+5°C to 70°C

13

WIRE DIAGRAM

SHELDON MANUFACTURING, INC.

Sheldon Manufacturing, Inc., (“Manufacturer”) warrants for the original user of this product in the U.S.A. only that this product (parts only
if outside of the U.S.A.) will be free from defects in material and workmanship for a period of one year from the date of delivery of this

product to the original user (the “Warranty Period”). During the Warranty Period, Manufacturer, at its election and expense, will repair or
replace the product or parts that are proven to Manufacturer’s satisfaction to be defective, or, at Manufacturer’s option, refund the price or
credit (against the price of future purchases of the product) the price of any products that are proven to Manufacturer’s satisfaction to be

defective. This warranty does not include any labor charges if outside of the U.S.A. This warranty does not cover any damage due to
accident, misuse, negligence, or abnormal use. Use of Manufacturer’s product in a system that includes components not manufactured by
Manufacturer is not covered by this warranty. This warranty is void in the event that repairs are made by anyone other than Manufacturer
without prior authorization from Manufacturer. Any alteration or removal of the serial number on Manufacturer’s products will void this
warranty. Under no circumstances will Manufacturer be liable for indirect, incidental, consequential, or special damages. The
terms of this warranty are governed by the laws of the state of Oregon without regards to the principles of conflicts of laws thereof. If any
provision of this limited warranty is held to be unenforceable by any court of competent jurisdiction, the remainder of this limited warranty
will remain in full force and effect.

This warranty is in lieu of and excludes all other warranties or obligations, either express or implied. Manufacturer expressly
disclaims all implied warranties, including without limitation, the warranties of merchantability and fitness for a particular
purpose.

For fast and efficient support, please have the following information available anytime you request service:

Model __________

Serial No. __________

Part No. __________

LIMITED WARRANTY