Returning Your Unit .................................................................................................. 18
SHEL LAB Contact Information ............................................................................... 18
Replacement Parts ..................................................................................................... 19
2
SHEL LAB SSI5R-HS and SSI5R-HS-2 Shaking Incubator Operational Manual
UUssiinngg tthhee UUnniitt SSaaffeellyy
Introduction
Thank you for choosing a SHEL LAB shaking orbital
incubator. SHEL LAB sets the standard for quality and
reliability. Your unit is backed by over 30 years of design and
manufacturing excellence in the scientific, research, and
medical equipment industries.
Your unit is a general-purpose incubator designed 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.
These units are not intended for use at hazardous or
household locations.
Before you use the unit, read this entire manual carefully to
understand how to install, operate, and maintain the unit in a
safe manner. Your satisfaction with the unit will be
maximized as you read about its safety and operational
features. Keep this manual on-hand so it can be used by all
operators of the unit. Be sure all operators of the unit are
given appropriate training before you put the unit in service.
Use the unit only in the way described in this manual.
Failure to follow the guidelines and instructions in this
manual may be dangerous and illegal.
General Safety Considerations
Your incubator and its recommended accessories have been
designed and tested to meet strict safety requirements.
For continued safe operation of your incubator, always follow
basic safety precautions including:
Read this entire manual before using the incubator.
Be sure you follow any city, county, or other ordinances
in your area regarding the use of this unit.
Use only approved accessories. Do not modify system
components. Any alterations or modifications to your
incubator may be dangerous and will void your
warranty.
Always plug the unit’s power cord into a grounded
electrical outlet that conforms to national and local
electrical codes. If the unit is not grounded, parts such
as knobs and controls may conduct electricity and
cause serious injury.
Do not connect the unit to a power source of
any other voltage or frequency beyond the
range stated on the power rating overlay at
the rear of the unit.
Do not modify the power cord provided with
the unit. If the plug does not fit an outlet,
have a proper outlet installed by a qualified
electrician.
Avoid damaging the power cord. Do not
bend it excessively, step on it, place heavy
objects on it. A damaged cord can easily
become a shock or fire hazard. Never use a
power cord after it has become damaged.
Precautions for Your Unit
Observe the following additional safety guidelines for
your unit.
Operating Conditions For optimum performance,
use your incubator at room temperatures between
18 and 25C, at no greater than 80% relative
humidity (at 25C). If you intend to operate the unit
in conditions outside of these limits, contact
customer service.
Installing the Unit Installation of the unit can be
performed by the end user
Lifting and Handling The incubator is heavy and
should be moved by a lifting device, such as pallet
jack. If you must lift the device by hand, always
observe the following guidelines:
oDo not move the incubator while it is plugged
into the power source.
oRemove all moving parts, such as shelves
and trays, before you move the unit. Make
sure the door is securely shut.
o Use at least four people to lift the incubator.
o Lift the unit from its bottom surface only.
o Do not use doors, handles or knobs to lift or
stabilize the unit.
oKeep the unit from tipping.
Servicing Your Unit Only qualified personnel
should service your unit. Faulty service may be
dangerous and will invalidate the unit’s warranty.
Do not operate the unit if any parts are damaged
or missing.
Maintenance Unplug the unit from its power
source before attempting any maintenance.
3
SHEL LAB SSI5R-HS and SSI5R-HS-2 Shaking Incubator Operational Manual
Symbol
Indcation
You should consult this manual for a
description or discussion of a
control or item
Temperature
Over Temperature Safety
C
Degrees Centigrade
AC Power
Manual Adjustable Components
Oscillator
Timer
Light
Indicates “Unit should be
recycled” (Not disposed of in land-
fill)
WARNING
CAUTION
Meanings of Symbols
In this manual and on labels attached to the product, graphic
symbols have the following meanings:
About this Manual
Throughout this manual, the words WARNING
and CAUTION have the following meanings:
A potentially hazardous situation that, if not
avoided, could result in serious injury or
death.
A potentially hazardous situation that, if not
avoided, may result in minor or moderate
injury or damage to the equipment.
4
SHEL LAB SSI5R-HS and SSI5R-HS-2 Shaking Incubator Operational Manual
FFeeaattuurreess ooff YYoouurr UUnniitt
Product Description
Your shaking orbital incubator provides:
Controlled environment For continuous
growth of biological organisms.
Vibration-free operation A unique
adjustable counterbalance system provides
vibration-free operation regardless of load.
Large chamber A large six cubic foot
chamber facilitates throughput. Shelves in
the top provide space for static incubation
during shaking sessions.
Refrigeration All models are refrigerated,
which supports insect cell culture and
entomology studies.
Load Flexibility Our unique counterbalance
weighting system is adjustable to
accommodate off-center loads, varying
capacities and stroke lengths, which in turn
allows smoother running.
Sample protection All major functions—
temperature, RPM, and time—have audio
and visual alarms that immediately alert you
to deviations from set parameters.
Over-temperature protection Provided by a
safety thermostat that is independent of the
main temperature controller. Guards your
samples from inadvertent overheating.
Key Features
A brushless DC motor offers quiet and
maintenance-free orbital shaking
motion.
A PID microprocessor controller
provides precise uniformity.
The rotation platform is included with
each unit and is self-centering for easy
installation.
Large LED displays are easy to read.
Digital keypad operation allows
calibration of the main temperature
controller to a reference thermometer.
A fluorescent light allows you to see all
that's going on.
An interior electrical outlet and a one-
inch hermetically sealed, double-paned
glass viewing window.
Unit exteriors are formed of cold-rolled
steel finished with corrosion resistant
powder coat paint.
Chamber interiors and shelves are
made of polished stainless steel, which
provides excellent durability and an
easy-to-clean surface.
An interlock switch stops the shaking
mechanism if the door is opened.
These units refrigerate using a 1/6-
horsepower motorized compressor that
does not use CFCs or HCFC’s.
6
SHEL LAB SSI5R-HS and SSI5R-HS-2 Shaking Incubator Operational Manual
RReecceeiivviinngg YYoouurr UUnniitt
1 shelf
5100531
1 sample tray
9750758
4 shelf clips
1250512
15 counter weights
5071329
4 leveling feet
2700506
Unpacking and Inspecting
Your Unit
Before leaving our factory, all units are packaged
in high quality shipping materials designed to
provide protection from transportation related
damage.
Once a unit leaves our factory, however, safe
delivery becomes the responsibility of the carrier
who is liable for loss or damage to your unit.
Damage sustained during transit is not covered
under your unit warranty.
When you receive your unit, inspect it for
concealed loss or damage to its interior and
exterior. Should you find any damage to the unit,
follow the carrier’s procedure for claiming
damage or loss.
Inspection Guidelines
Carefully inspect the package for damage. If
the package is damaged, report the damage
to the carrier service that delivered the unit.
If the carton is not damaged, open the crate
and remove its contents. Verify that all of the
following equipment is included with the unit:
Carefully check all packaging before
discarding.
Save the unit’s shipping crate until you are sure
all is well. If you need to return your unit for any
reason, see “Getting Your Unit Serviced” on
Page 19.
Recording Data Plate
Information
Once you have determined the unit is free from
damage, locate the data plate at the back of the
unit.
The data plate indicates your unit’s model
number and serial number. Record this
information on the space provided on page 19,
“Getting Your Unit Serviced” for easy future
reference.
7
SHEL LAB SSI5R-HS and SSI5R-HS-2 Shaking Incubator Operational Manual
IInnssttaalllliinngg tthhee UUnniitt
CAUTION
that the door can swing opens at least 90
Installation Overview
To install your unit, you need to:
1. Select a suitable operating location for the
unit.
2. Level the unit.
3. Sterilize the unit.
4. Install the sample tray.
5. Plug the unit into a power source.
degrees. Do not block access to the
power cord, circuit breaker or fuses.
Cleanliness Good laboratory quality control
practice is the most efficient and reliable way
to keep your unit free from contamination.
If it is important that the interior of your unit
remain sterile, always pay attention to the
following guidelines:
Keep the air in the laboratory as clean
as possible.
Keep the floor around the unit clean.
Selecting a Location for the
Unit
The operating location of your unit has a
significant impact on your unit’s performance and
how often it must be cleaned and disinfected.
Use the following guidelines to select the best
location for your unit.
DO NOT MOUNT YOU UNIT TO A
FLAMMABLE SURFACE.
Operating Conditions For optimum
performance, use your incubator at room
temperatures between 18 and 25C (65 and
77 F) and at no greater than 80% relative
humidity (at 25C).
If you intend to operate the unit in conditions
outside of these limits, contact your
customer service representative.
Exposure Avoid exposing the unit to the
following:
Direct sun
High air movement, such as air vents,
heating and cooling ducts, doors and
other heavy traffic areas.
Extreme heat from steam radiators,
stoves, ovens, autoclaves, or other
sources of heat.
Level Surface The unit must be located on a
solid, flat and level surface.
Space requirements Allow a minimum of 20
cm (8 in.) between the rear and sides of the
unit, and any walls or partitions that can
obstruct free airflow. Allow enough room so
If the unit must be placed at the floor
level, use a platform, such as a caster
platform. This facilitates movement of
the unit during cleaning and allows for
easier access to the back of the unit.
Minimize the number of times access is
made to the chamber during normal
operation. Each time the door is
opened, room air is drawn in and can
lead to contamination of the unit.
After deciding on the location for your unit, follow
the installation instructions below.
Leveling the Unit
The unit must sit level from side to side and from
front to back. While the unit does not have to be
absolutely level, each of the four feet should be in
firm contact with the surface on which the
incubator is to be run.
Install the four leveling feet in the four holes in
the bottom of the unit. When the feet are
installed, you can raise or lower a corner of the
unit by turning its foot clockwise or
counterclockwise, respectively.
To level the incubator
1. Insert a leveling foot into each of the four
holes at the bottom of the unit.
2. Adjust the foot at each corner until the unit
stands level and solid without rocking.
If you move the incubator to a different location,
be sure to re-level the incubator at the new
location.
Sterilizing Your Unit
The interior of your incubator was cleaned at the
factory but is not sterile. For information on
7
SHEL LAB SSI5R-HS and SSI5R-HS-2 Shaking Incubator Operational Manual
WARNING
sterilizing your unit, see “Disinfecting Your Unit“
on page 14.
Installing Sample Tray
Your unit comes with a sample tray as standard
equipment.
To install the sample tray
1. Enclose all corners of the shaking mechanism
within the lips of the sample tray. This can be done
easily by positioning the front two corners and
then setting the rest of the tray down.
2. Shake the tray by its handles to confirm that it is
firmly in place.
Plugging the Unit into a
Power Source
We recommend that you plug your incubator into a
circuit separate from other equipment. This prevents
damage or destruction of the incubator caused by
overloading or failure of other equipment on the same
circuit.
The electrical supply circuit to the incubator must
conform to all national and local electrical codes. The
voltage supplied to your unit should not vary more than
10%.
For your own safety, do not plug the unit into a power
source until you have read and understood the safety and
operational instructions in this manual.
To connect the unit to a power source
1. Be sure the plug and the cord are in good
condition. If the power cord is worn, cut or
damaged in any way, do not use it. Contact
customer service for a replacement power cord.
For information on contacting customer service,
see page 20.
2. Plug the service cord firmly into a grounded
electrical outlet. If the plug does not fit the outlet,
have a proper outlet installed by a qualified
electrician.
8
SHEL LAB SSI5R-HS and SSI5R-HS-2 Shaking Incubator Operational Manual
OOppeerraattiinngg tthhee UUnniitt
WARNING
Control Panel Overview
Before turning the incubator on for the first time,
take a moment to familiarize yourself with its
controls and features. Following is an overview of
the control panel.
1. Main temperature control
Displays current chamber temperature.
Controls temperature set point and
calibration.
2. Shaker Speed (RPM) Control
Displays shaker platform speed.
Controls the rotational speed (RPM) of
the shaker mechanism.
3. Oscillation timer
Permits timed shaking at a preset RPM.
4. Over Temperature Protection
Provides backup protection for the main
temperature control.
Keeps the chamber temperature from
inadvertently rising above the set point.
5. Alarms
Error status lights and an audible alarm
immed0iately alert you to deviations of
temperature, RPM, or time.
Getting the Unit Ready for
Use
This equipment is NOT intended for
the processing of Flammable
materials.
Use the following guidelines to prepare the unit
for regular use. The guidelines illustrate how to
use all the features of your incubator. Your
laboratory protocol will determine your actual use
of these features.
1. Turn the unit on.
See “Turning the Unit On” below on this
page.
2. Set the chamber to the desired temperature
and wait for the chamber temperature to
stabilize.
See “Setting the Chamber Temperature” on
page 11.
3. Calibrate the main temperature control.
At any time, use the following features when
appropriate.
6. RPM Switch
Activates and deactivates the shaker
platform.
7. Light Switch
Controls the fluorescent light inside the
chamber.
8. Timer Switch
Activates and deactivates the timer.
9. Power Switch
Controls all power to the unit. The
switch is lit by a green light when the
power is on.
Turn the shaking mechanism on and adjust
the speed of the shaking mechanism.
Set the Over Temperature Protection (OTP)
to guard your samples from inadvertent overheating.
To account for the weight of different sample
loads, you will need to adjust the number of
counterweights being used.
To adjust the movement of the shaking
mechanism from vigorous to gentle, you will
need to adjust the shaking stroke and
counterweight position.
9
SHEL LAB SSI5R-HS and SSI5R-HS-2 Shaking Incubator Operational Manual
the samples. Be sure the thermometer is not
Turning the Unit On
The unit is equipped with an On/OFF switch that
controls power to the entire unit. The switch is lit by a
green light when the power is on.
To turn the unit on
1. Be sure the unit is plugged in.
2. Push the Power switch to the On (I) position.
3. When you turn the unit on for the first time, use a
screwdriver or coin to turn the Safety Temp knob
fully clockwise to its maximum position. This
deactivates the Over-Temperature Protection
(OTP) feature.
Setting the Chamber
Temperature
You raise or lower the temperature in the chamber
using the main temperature controller, which consists of
a digital display and UP and DOWN arrow pads marked
Set Temp.
To set the chamber temperature
To set temperature, press and release either up or
down key and display will blink. Then, press and
hold either up or down key to scroll up or down for
set point.
When you press either the Up or Down arrow key,
the display starts to blink from bright to dim and
shows the temperature set point, which is the
temperature to which the unit will stabilize.
The incubator accepts the new set point after you
release the arrow pads for 5 seconds. At that time,
the display stops blinking and indicates the present
chamber temperature.
After setting the chamber temperature, wait at least 1
hour for the chamber temperature to stabilize to
ambient conditions. To achieve maximum temperature
stability, wait 24 hours before you begin using the unit.
Calibrating the Main
Temperature Control
Calibrating your unit ensures that the temperature
inside the incubator matches the temperature reading
of a certified reference thermometer.
We recommend that you calibrate your unit once it has
been installed in its working environment and the
chamber temperature has been stable at the set point
for several hours.
You should calibrate your unit at or as close to the
temperature set point as possible. To maximize your
results, calibrate the unit each time you operate the unit
at a new temperature.
Use only a Certified (NIST) temperature-measuring
device to calibrate your unit.
To verify that your unit needs calibration
1. Be sure the temperature within the chamber has
stabilized at the set point for several hours.
2. Insert a certified reference thermometer through
the access porthole. To attain the best calibration,
place the thermometer as close to the location of
touching any shelving.
3. Allow the reference thermometer to stabilize until it
displays a constant value for one hour.
4. Compare the temperatures displayed by the
incubator and reference thermometer.
If they match, you do not need to calibrate your unit for
that temperature. If they do not match, you need to
calibrate your unit.
To calibrate your unit
1. Simultaneously press and hold the Set Temp Up
and Down arrow keys.
After approximately 5 seconds, the temperature
reading will blink off and on. Release the Up and
Down arrow key.
2. While the display is blinking, press the Up or Down
arrow keys to select the temperature that matches
your reference thermometer. When you hold an
arrow key, the display scrolls through the
temperature settings.
The incubator accepts the new temperature
reading after you release the arrow pads for 5
seconds. At that time, the display stops blinking.
3. For best results, recheck the calibration after the
unit has remained on for 24 hours and its
temperature has remained stable.
Setting the Shaker Speed
Your unit is equipped with a shaker mechanism that
provides maximum oxygenation of your samples.
You control the shaking mechanism using the shaker
control—which consists of a digital display that shows
RPM (rotations per minute) in increments of 1 and
UP/DOWN arrow pads marked Set RPM—and the
RPM switch.
To turn the shaking mechanism on
1. Be sure the door is completely closed.
2. Push the RPM switch to the On (I) position.
The shaker mechanism will increase the speed up
to the current set point, which is the speed at
which the unit will rotate per minute. Note that the
shaker motor runs continuously as long the RPM
switch is On (I).
To adjust the shaker speed (RPM)
1. Press either the Up or Down arrow key once. The
display starts to blink from bright to dim and shows
the RPM set point.
2. Press the Up or Down arrow keys to select the
desired RPM.
The incubator accepts the new set point after you
release the arrow pads for 5 seconds. At that time,
the display stops blinking and indicates the
present RPM.
Even if you turn the RPM switch off (O), the
controller remembers the last RPM value used.
10
SHEL LAB SSI5R-HS and SSI5R-HS-2 Shaking Incubator Operational Manual
CAUTION
To set the safety temperature thermostat
Using the Timer
Using the incubator’s timer, you can run the shaker
platform at a preset RPM for a preset time. The timer
can be set at intervals of one (1) minute up to a
maximum of a 999 (16 hours 39 minutes).
Upon completion of the timing cycle, the TIMER alarm
LIGHT will turn ON and an alarm will sound.
You can interrupt the timer if you need to access the
shaking platform before the timer completes.
To start a timed shaking process
1. Turn the TIMER switch to the ON (I) position.
2. Press the set timer up or down arrow key once.
The display starts to blink off and on and shows
the current set time. Press the up or down arrow
to select the desired time.
Approximately five seconds after you release the Up or
Down arrow keys, the display stops flashing and the
timing interval begins.
To interrupt a timed shaking process
Turn the TIMER switch and the RPM switch
to the OFF (O) position.
1. For best results, calibrate your unit before you set
the safety thermostat.
See “Calibrating the Main T emperature Control” on
page 11.
2. Be sure the temperature within the chamber has
stabilized at the set point for several hours.
3. Using a screw driver or a small coin, turn the
Safety Temp knob counterclockwise until the
Temp alarm light turns on and off, which
designates that the OTP has been activated. The
light will cycle on and off as the element is trying to
energize on and off.
4. Turn the Safety Temp knob slightly clockwise until
the Temp alarm light turns off.
NOTE: Temp Alarm will only sound when the
temp exceeds the set point by more than 1°C.
The OTP is now set at approximately 1C above the
main temperature set point. If, for any reason, the
chamber temperature rises to the safety thermostat
setting, the Temp alarm will go off and the heating
element will not raise the chamber temperature any
further.
Wait for the mechanism to come to a complete stop
before entering the chamber.
To restart an interrupted timed shaking
process
Turn the RPM and TIMER switch to the ON (I)
position.
Setting the Safety
Temperature Alarm
You can prevent the chamber temperature from
inadvertent over-heating by using the unit’s OverTemperature Protection (OTP), which consists of:
A thermostat independent of the main temperature
control.
A knob, marked Safety Temp, to set the safety
temperature threshold. The numbered scale
around the knob is for reference only and does not
correspond to any temperature points.
An alarm, marked Temp, that sounds if the
temperature exceeds the user-defined
temperature threshold.
Adding or Removing
Counterweights
To allow the smoothest operation of the shaker, you
should adjust the number of counterweights used
based on the weight of the load.
To add or remove counterweights
1. Unplug the unit from its power source. When
the shaker mechanism comes to a complete
halt, remove the sample tray.
2. Rotate the counterweight platform until the
counterweight(s) appear. Remove the
securing nut and add or remove
counterweights. You should have one (1)
counterweight per loaded 96 deep-well plate
and its clamping hardware.
3. Replace the securing nut and sample tray.
11
SHEL LAB SSI5R-HS and SSI5R-HS-2 Shaking Incubator Operational Manual
Interior Accessory Outlet
This unit features an accessory outlet to provide power
for equipment such as magnetic stirrers, rockers, etc.
The weight of this equipment should not exceed 25
pounds (55.125 kg) per shelf. This equipment may
provide additional heat that could affect the temperature
range of this incubator. We recommend testing the
incubator and any accessory equipment to ensure that
the desired operating conditions can be met.
Caution: This incubator operates at
conditions that might damage
accessory equipment. Verify
that your accessory equipment is
capable of operating under the
same conditions as the
incubator.
The outlet is located inside the incubator in the upper
right rear of the chamber. The voltage available at the
accessory outlet is the SAME as the voltage supplied to
the incubator. For example, a 120-vac incubator will
have 120 vac at the accessory outlet, and a 240-vac
incubator will have 240 vac at the accessory outlet. DO
NOT exceed 500 va rating of the accessory outlet.
12
SHEL LAB SSI5R-HS and SSI5R-HS-2 Shaking Incubator Operational Manual
MMaaiinnttaaiinniinngg tthhee UUnniitt
WARNING
WARNING
The only regular maintenance required for your unit is
to keep it clean and free from contamination. Use the
guidelines and instructions in this section to maximize
the life of your incubator and help prevent
contamination of your samples.
Do NOT Use Flammable Cleaning Detergents.
Do NOT store Flammable materials In, On or Near
this equipment.
Disinfecting Your Unit
Although your operating conditions and related protocol
should determine the actual decontamination
procedures you use, always keep the following
guidelines in mind when decontaminating your unit:
Use cleaning materials known to be
compatible with your unit. If any questions
arise about compatibility issues, contact
Customer Service, see page-21.
Clean and disinfect the incubator interior on a
regular basis. If the inside of your incubator
smells strangely or contains rust, mold, or dirt,
you need to clean your incubator more
frequently
Dust the outside walls of the incubator at least
every two months.
For incubators placed on the floor, move the
incubator every two months to clean and
disinfect the floor below.
Clean all gaskets and hinges every month.
Do not use chlorine-based bleaches or
cleaners with abrasives as they will corrode
and pit the interior of you incubator and any
other stainless steel surfaces. Use only nonabrasive cleaners.
Do not use spray cleaners that might leak
through openings and cracks and get on
electrical parts. These cleaners may also
contain solvents that will harm the coatings.
Do not use hard tools such as metal wire
brushes or steel wool. Use only soft tools such
as plastic brushes.
Do not depend on the use of antibiotics to
maintain completely sterile conditions, as this is
an inadequate technique for sterilization.
Instead, use the aseptic techniques described
in this section to maintain sterile conditions in
the incubator.
You can use an autoclave to decontaminate
stainless steel parts by following the
manufacturer’s instructions.
Otherwise, wash all parts and surfaces with
soap and water to remove any organic material.
Disinfect the parts with a 70% alcohol solution.
Rinse with distilled water and wipe dry with a
soft cloth.
A Typical Decontamination
Procedure
Following is decontamination procedure that will suit
most situations.
Regardless of which decontamination procedure
you follow, always turn the unit off and disconnect
the service cord from its power supply.
Before you reattach the unit to its power supply, be
sure all cleaners are evaporated and dry.
To decontaminate the unit
1. Unplug the unit from its power source.
2. Remove all interior parts, including shelves and
shelf clips.
3. Remove all gaskets and hinges. Clean and
disinfect all mounting grooves for the door
gaskets.
4. Clean and disinfect all rubber or plastic tubing, as
well as the fan and fan housing.
5. Clean and disinfect all access ports, shaft holes,
electrical pass-throughs and any other passages
into the chamber.
6. Wash and disinfect all interior surfaces.
7. Let the chamber dry out fully before replacing the
removed parts or reattaching the unit to a power
supply.
Control Maintenance
The main temperature controller, over-temperature
protection thermostat and main temperature probe do
not require any maintenance. If the unit appears to be
having trouble maintaining a temperature see
“Troubleshooting” on page 14.
13
SHEL SSI5R-HS and SSI5R-HS-2 Shaking Incubator Operational Manual
TTrroouubblleesshhoooottiinngg
WARNING
Temperature
What is the problem?
Possible Causes
To solve the problem...
The temperature indicated by the
Main Temperature Control is higher
than my reference thermometer.
Controller is calibrated too high.
1. Calibrate the Main Temperature
Controller. See page 11.
2. Call customer service.
Display reads “HI” or “400+”.
Probe is unplugged
- Or -
Wire to the probe is broken.
- Or -
Probe is plugged in backwards.
1. Be sure the temperature probe
is properly plugged in.
If this doesn’t solve the
problem...
2. Call customer service.
Chamber temperature spikes over the
set point.
Unit is not calibrated properly.
1. Calibrate the Main Temperature
Controller. See page 11.
The temperature indicated by the
Main Temperature Control is lower
than my reference thermometer.
The temperature inside the unit
has not yet stabilized after the
door has been opened.
- Or -
The temperature inside the unit
has not yet stabilized after the
unit has been turned off or a
power failure.
- Or -
Controller is calibrated too low.
- Or -
Over Temperature Protection
(OTP) is set too low.
- Or -
Heating element failure.
1. Wait for the temperature
indicated by the Main
Temperature Controller to
stabilize. If you have just turned
the unit on, wait 24 hours for the
incubator to stabilize at a
warmer temperature. A
fluctuation of no more than + 0.1
C is normal.
If this is not the problem...
2. Recalibrate the Main
Temperature Controller. See
page 11.
If this doesn’t solve the
problem...
3. Be sure your reference
thermometer is certified.
If this is not the problem...
4. Turn the OTP fully clockwise.
If this doesn’t solve the
Solving Problems
Should the proper function of your unit come into
question, use this section to help you determine what
the problem is and how to fix it.
Check if your question is similar to those listed below.
Then follow the guidelines found in that section:
The temperature control inside the unit does not
appear to be working correctly. What’s wrong?
The refrigeration of my unit does not appear to be
working correctly. What’s wrong?
The temperature inside the unit is difficult to control. What’s wrong?
Replacing fuses with wrong type and value can
result in serious damage to the equipment and
property. ONLY Replace fuses with the same type
and amperage indicated on the replacement fuse
labels.
There are no user serviceable components inside
the unit. Potentially lethal voltages exist. Do not
attempt to service your unit beyond the procedures
described here. See “Getting Your Unit Serviced on
page-21”
14
SHEL SSI5R-HS and SSI5R-HS-2 Shaking Incubator Operational Manual
What is the problem?
Possible Causes
To solve the problem...
problem...
Call customer service.
The Main Temperature Control
displays “LO”.
Probe has shorted out.
Call customer service.
The unit will not heat up to set point.
The amperage and voltage of
the unit’s power source do not
match the unit’s requirements.
- Or -
Over Temperature Protection
(OTP) is set too low.
1. Make sure the power source
matches the data plate. (ie.
voltage, hz, etc.)
If this does not solve the
problem...
2. Turn the OTP clockwise until the
heating light or safety light turns
on.
The unit will not heat at all.
The OTP is not set high
enough.
- Or -
Temperature Controller failure.
- Or -
Element failure.
1. For diagnostics purposes, turn
the OTP fully clockwise. See
OTP section.
Call customer service.
The indicated temperature inside the
chamber is fluctuating more than + 0.1
C.
The unit has not had time to
stabilize to ambient conditions.
- Or -
Temperature sensor not
positioned properly.
- Or -
The temperature sensor is
faulty.
- Or -
Electrical noise
1. If you have just turned the unit
on, wait 24 hours for the
incubator to stabilize at a
warmer temperature.
If this is not the problem...
2. If you have just opened the
unit’s door, wait for the
temperature to stabilize.
If this is not the problem...
3. Stabilize ambient conditions.
If this is not the problem...
4. Call customer service.
Cannot adjust set points or calibration.
This is a controller failure.
1. Turn entire unit off and then on
to reset the unit. This may
temporarily solve the problem,
but controller may be faulty.
If this does not solve the
problem...
2. Call customer service.
Refrigeration (SI6R models only)
The unit will not cool.
The evaporator has too much
ice built up on it.
- Or -
The unit is not calibrated
correctly.
- Or -
There is not enough space
between the unit and adjacent
walls or partitions.
- Or -
The door seal does not work
properly.
1. For diagnostics purposes, turn
the OTP fully clockwise. See
OTP section.
If this does not solve the
problem...
2. Recalibrate the Main
Temperature Controller. See “ “
on page .
If this does not solve the
problem...
3. Be sure there is 5 cm (2 in.) of
space between the rear and
sides of the unit, and any walls
or partitions that can obstruct
free airflow.
15
SHEL SSI5R-HS and SSI5R-HS-2 Shaking Incubator Operational Manual
What is the problem?
Possible Causes
To solve the problem...
Ice built up in the chamber.
The door gasket leaks.
The door is opened too often.
There’s an open container
letting moisture collect inside
the chamber.
1. Check door seal.
2. Try to limit door opening/closing.
3. Seal the container.
Power
The unit will not turn on.
Power cord not firmly plugged
into the outlet.
- Or -
The unit or wall fuse/circuit
breaker has blown.
- Or -
The outlet is defective.
- Or -
The unit is plugged into a circuit
that already has too many
electrical loads.
1. Be sure the voltage and
frequency specifications of the
outlet are within the range stated
on the power rating overlay at
the rear of the unit.
If this does not solve the
problem...
2. Check the power cord at the
electrical outlet for proper fit.
3. Make sure the unit is plugged in
firmly.
If this does not solve the
problem...
4. Replace fuse/circuit breaker in
the unit or wall as necessary.
If this does not solve the
problem...
5. Make sure the outlet is in proper
working condition.
6. Replace if defective.
If this does not solve the
problem...
7. Check to see what other loads
are on the same circuit as the
unit. We recommend that you
plug your incubator into a circuit
separate from other equipment.
8. Call customer service.
The unit fuse/circuit breaker blows
often.
Wrong fuse installed.
Wire is shorting out.
1. Check fuse for right amperage.
2. Call customer service.
The wall fuse/circuit break blows
often.
Too many things may be
plugged in.
1. Check to see what other loads
are on the same circuit as the
unit. We recommend that you
plug your incubator into a circuit
separate from other equipment.
The front panel displays fail to turn on
but the rest of the unit receives power.
Controller failure
1. Call customer service.
The Main Temperature Controller is
locked up.
Controller failure
1. Turn entire unit off and then on
to reset the unit. This may
correct the problem, but the
controller may still be faulty.
2. Call customer service.
Mechanical
The door is not sealing.
The door gasket does not
function properly.
- Or -
The door latch bolts are not
1. Check the gasket visually. Make
sure it’s secure and smooth and
free from rolls or tears, which
would interfere with the
magnetic seal.
16
SHEL SSI5R-HS and SSI5R-HS-2 Shaking Incubator Operational Manual
What is the problem?
Possible Causes
To solve the problem...
tightened enough.
- Or -
The hinges are not adjusted
properly.
- Or -
The door has been twisted.
- Or -
The unit has been damaged
and the body is not square.
If this does not solve the
problem...
2. Tighten the door latch bolts with
a screwdriver.
If this does not solve the
problem...
3. To tighten hinges, use wrench to
adjust and to check if the bolts
are tight.
If this does not solve the
problem...
4. Call customer service.
The shaker motor squeals
continuously with a constant pitch.
Changes in intensity only when rpm
varies. Stops when the oscillate switch
is turned off. Sound appears to be
coming directly from the motor, not the
mechanism.
Motor cable plugs not seated
properly.
- Or -
May have motor bearing
failure..
1. May need to replace motor.
Perform a visual inspection on
motor to decide.
If this does not solve the
problem...
2. Call customer service.
Contamination
The chamber is contaminated.
Your unit is not cleaned and
decontaminated often enough.
- Or -
If your unit becomes
contaminated even after you
follow an appropriate
maintenance regimen, the
source of the contamination is
probably not the incubator.
1. See “Maintaining the Unit” on
page 14 for recommendations
and instructions on
decontaminating your unit.
If this does not solve the
problem...
2. There are many sources of
contamination, such as water
baths, hoods, autoclaves,
reagents, disposables,
incubators and personnel. If your
unit becomes contaminated
even after you follow an
appropriate maintenance
regimen, the source of the
contamination is probably not
the incubator.
3. Call customer service.
17
SHEL LAB SSI5R-HS and SSI5R-HS-2 Shaking Incubator Operational Manual
GGeettttiinngg YYoouurr UUnniitt SSeerrvviicceedd
Getting Assistance
Obtaining Nameplate Information
Returning Your Unit
SHEL LAB Contact Information
Your incubator will provide years of trouble-free operation.
Should you require assistance, however, SHELLAB
customer service and support is available to assist you.
If your unit is still covered under warranty, repair or
replacement will be made at no cost to you according to the
warranty given at the back of this manual. If the warranty for
your unit has expired, you can still return the unit for repair. If
the unit proves to be beyond repair, we will promptly inform
you of its condition and, if you want, return the unit to you.
Before you contact customer service, obtain the following
information about your unit from the data plate at the back of
the unit. Use the spaces below to record the information.
________________________________________
Model Number
________________________________________
Serial Number
If you need to return your unit for any reason, first contact
your customer representative for return authorization
number (RA#). Be sure to print the RA# clearly on the
package in which you ship your unit.
No return is accepted without:
prior authorization by SHEL LABS
a clearly visible RA# on the package.
Please allow at least 24 hours from the time that you
contact our service manager for service to be scheduled.