Revco RLE series, Forma 89000
series, HERAfreeze HLE series and
Thermo Scientific TLE series
Installation and Operation
328398H01 Rev. BApril 2017
Visit us online to register your warranty
www.thermofisher.com/labwarranty
IMPORTANT Read this instruction manual. Failure to follow the instructions in this manual can result
in damage to the unit, injury to operating personnel, and poor equipment performance.
CAUTION All internal adjustments and maintenance must be performed by qualified service personnel.
Material in this manual is for informational purposes only. The contents and the product it describes are
subject to change without notice. Thermo Fisher Scientific makes no representations or warranties with
respect to this manual. In no event shall Thermo be held liable for any damages, direct or incidental,
arising from or related to the use of this manual.
Forma - 89xxx86*300 / 400 / 500 / 600A / D / V
Thermo Scientific –TLExxx86*300 / 400 / 500 / 600A / D / V
HERAfreeze –HLExxx86*300 / 400 / 500 / 600A / D / V
Revco -RLExxx86*300 / 400 / 500 / 600A / D / V
Thermo Fisher Scientific Ultra Low Temperature Installation and Operation1
Safety Precautions
2 Safety PrecautionsIn this manual, the following symbols and conventions are used:
This symbol used alone indicates important operating instructions which
reduce the risk of injury or poor performance of the unit.
CAUTION: This symbol, in the context of a CAUTION, indicates a
potentially hazardous situation which if not avoided could result in minor to
moderate injury or damage to the equipment.
WARNING: This symbol indicates potentially hazardous situations which,
if not avoided, could result in serious injury or death.
WARNING: This symbol indicates situations where dangerous voltages
exist and potential for electrical shock is present.
The snowflake symbol indicates extreme low temperatures and high risk of
frostbite. Do not touch bare metal or samples with unprotected body parts.
This symbol indicates a need to use gloves during the indicated procedures.
If performing decontamination procedures, use chemically resistant gloves.
Use insulated gloves for handling samples and when using liquid nitrogen.
Before installing, using or maintaining this product, please be sure to read
this manual and product warning labels carefully. Failure to follow these
instructions may cause this product to malfunction, which could result in
injury or damage.
2 Installation and OperationThermo Fisher Scientific Ultra Low Temperature
Safety Precautions
Below are important safety precautions that apply to this product:
Use this product only in the way described in the product literature and in
this manual. Before using it, verify that this product is suitable for its
intended use. If this equipment is used in a manner not specified by the
manufacturer, the protection provided by the equipment may be impaired.
Do not modify system components, especially the controller. Use OEM
exact replacement equipment or parts. Before use, confirm that the product
has not been altered in any way.
WARNING: Your unit must be properly grounded in conformity with
national and local electrical codes. Never connect the unit to overloaded
power sources.
WARNING: Disconnect the unit from all power sources before cleaning,
troubleshooting, or performing other maintenance on the product or its
controls.
WARNING: “Caution, risk of fire”. This unit is charged with hydrocarbon
refrigerants.
Thermo Fisher Scientific Ultra Low Temperature Installation and Operation3
Unpacking
3 UnpackingAt delivery, examine the exterior for physical damage while the carrier’s
representative is present. If exterior damage is present, carefully unpack and
inspect the unit and all accessories for damage.
If there is no exterior damage, unpack and inspect the equipment within five
days of delivery. If you find any damage, keep the packing materials and
immediately report the damage to the carrier. Do not return goods to the
manufacturer without written authorization. When submitting a claim for
shipping damage, request that the carrier inspect the shipping container and
equipment.
4 Installation and OperationThermo Fisher Scientific Ultra Low Temperature
4 Packing ListInside the freezer cabinet is a bag containing:
•This manual
•A handle lock key
•A CD with user’s manuals, including translated versions
•Certificates of conformance and calibration
•A remote alarm contact connector
•Posts for rear spacing
If you have ordered a field-installed chart recorder, the bag will also contain:
•Recorder installation instructions
•Extra inkless paper
If you have ordered a backup system, the cabinet will also contain:
Packing List
•A hose assembly
•English and metric connectors
If specified on the order, the bag may also include:
•A QC temperature graph and test log
•Calibration information
If you have ordered the Proximity Access Card Option, the cards will be in a
bag attached to the front of the freezer.
Thermo Fisher Scientific Ultra Low Temperature Installation and Operation5
General Recommendations
5 General
Recommendations
5.1 Temperature
Monitoring
5.2 General UsageThis refrigeration system is designed to maintain ultra-low temperatures
IMPORTANT NOTE We recommend the use of a redundant and
independent temperature monitoring system so that the freezer can be
monitored continuously for performance commensurate with the value of
product stored.
with safety in an ambient environment within 15°C to 32°C (59°F to 90°F),
only when the freezer is used for storage.
WARNING: This unit is not a “rapid-freeze” device. Freezing large
quantities of liquid, or high-water content items, will temporarily increase
the chamber temperature and will cause the compressors to operate for a
prolonged time period.
Avoid opening the door for extended time periods since chamber
temperature air will escape rapidly. Also, keep the inner doors closed as
much as possible. When room air, which is higher in humidity, replaces
chamber air, frost may develop in the chamber more rapidly.
5.3 Initial LoadingAllow the freezer to operate at the desired temperature for a minimum
of 12 hours before loading.
Load the freezer one shelf at a time, beginning with the top shelf. After
loading each shelf, allow the freezer to recover to the desired set point before
loading the next shelf. Repeat this process until the freezer is fully loaded.
CAUTION: Failure to follow these procedures or overloading the unit may
cause undue stress on the compressors or jeopardize user product safety.
6 Installation and OperationThermo Fisher Scientific Ultra Low Temperature
General Recommendations
5.4 Battery Door
Opening / Closing
To open the grille door, pull the door from the top right corner as shown in
the figure below.
To close the grille door, push the door against frame to hold latch in
position.
Figure 1. Door Opening
Thermo Fisher Scientific Ultra Low Temperature Installation and Operation7
Operating Standards
6 Operating
Standards
6.1 Electrical
Specifications
The freezers described in this manual are classified for use as stationary
equipment in a Pollution Degree 2 and Overvoltage Category II
environment.
These units are designed to operate under the following environmental
conditions:
•Indoor use
•Altitude up to 2000m
•Maximum relative humidity 60% for temperatures within 15°C to 32°C
(59°F to 90°F).
•Main supply voltage fluctuations not to exceed ±10% of the nominal
voltage.
The last character in the model number listed on the dataplate identifies the
electrical specifications for your unit.
Specific unit current rating is listed on
the dataplate.
The voltage types are A, D and V as specified in the following table:
Table 1. Revco RLE series, Forma 89000 series, HERAfreeze HLE
series and Thermo Scientific TLE series Electrical Specifications
ModelVoltageFrequencyCurrent
300A115 V60 Hz12.6 A
300D208-230 V60 Hz5.6 A
300V230 V50 Hz5.9 A
400A115 V60 Hz13.0 A
400D208-230 V60 Hz5.9 A
400V230 V50 Hz5.3 A
500A115 V60 Hz12.5 A
500D208-230 V60 Hz5.0 A
500V230 V50 Hz5.9 A
600A115 V60 Hz12.7 A
600D208-230 V60 Hz6.2 A
600V230 V50 Hz6.1 A
8 Installation and OperationThermo Fisher Scientific Ultra Low Temperature
7 Installation
WARNING: Do not exceed the electrical rating printed on the data plate
located on the lower left side of the unit.
7.1 LocationInstall the unit in a level area free from vibration with a minimum of 8 inch
(20 cm) of space on the top and sides, 6 inch (15 cm) in back. Refer to
Section 7.3 for further instructions on leveling cabinets. Allow enough
clearance so that door can swing open at least 85°.
The rear spacing posts provided with the freezer can be used to ensure
proper clearance. To install the spacing posts, screw them into the back in
the rear deck area.
Do not position the equipment in direct sunlight or near heating diffusers,
radiators, or other sources of heat. The ambient temperature range at the
location must be 15°C to 32°C (59°F to 90°F).
Installation
7.2 Wiring
CAUTION: Connect the equipment to the correct power source. Incorrect
voltage can result in severe damage to the equipment.
CAUTION: For personal safety and trouble-free operation, this unit must
be properly grounded before it is used. Failure to ground the equipment
may cause personal injury or damage to the equipment. Always conform to
the National Electrical Code and local codes. Do not connect the unit to
overloaded power lines.
CAUTION: Do not position the unit in a way that impedes access to the
disconnecting device or circuit breaker in the back of the unit.
CAUTION: Always connect the freezer to a dedicated (separate) circuit.
Each freezer is equipped with a service cord and plug designed to connect it
to a power outlet which delivers the correct voltage. Supply voltage must be
within ±10% of the freezer rated voltage.
CAUTION: Never remove or disable the grounding prong from the service
cord plug. If the prong is removed, the warranty is invalidated.
Thermo Fisher Scientific Ultra Low Temperature Installation and Operation9
Installation
7.3 LevelingMake sure that the floor is level. The unit must be level both front to back
and side to side.
300 and 400 box capacity models are equipped with one or two leveling legs
on the right hand side. These may be used to help prevent the unit from
shifting during a door opening.
Be certain to lock the brakes for units equipped with casters.
7.4 Backup System
(Optional)
7.5 Super Insulated
Cabinet Construction
If you are using a CO2 or LN2 backup system, refer to Section 11 for
installation and operation instructions.
In all models, the cabinet walls have a vacuum insulation core encapsulated
by a sealed film laminate.
CAUTION: Never drill holes in or near the cabinet walls. Drilling could
damage the insulation and make the unit inoperable.
7.6 Door OperationUpright freezer models are equipped with an advanced assembly specifically
designed for ultra-low temperature freezers.
Features include:
•One-hand operation
•A front-accessible lock
•Hasps for a standard padlock to provide additional security. Length of
the shackle should be between 3/4 inch (1.9 cm) and 11/2 inch (3.8 cm).
•Durable construction for reliable operation and safe product storage.
•Door ramp alignment feature
•Optional controlled access to the freezer with Proximity Access cards.
CAUTION: When moving the freezer, always grasp cabinet surfaces; never
pull the freezer by the latch handle.
7.6.1 Opening the DoorFor freezers with the Proximity Access Card option:
1. Remove the padlock if installed.
10 Installation and OperationThermo Fisher Scientific Ultra Low Temperature
Installation
2. To unlock the door, pass the card in front of the freezer below the LCD
display.
3. Grasp the latch handle and pull it toward yourself until the latch
disengages from the cabinet strike.
4. Keep pulling by the latch handle to open the main door.
For freezers without the Access Card option:
1. Remove the padlock if installed.
2. Grasp the latch handle and pull it toward yourself until the latch
disengages from the cabinet strike.
3. Keep pulling by the latch handle to open the main door.
7.6.2 Opening the Door During
a Power Outage
7.6.3 Closing the DoorNote The latch does not self-engage automatically when you close the door. You
In case of power outage and a unit that has the Proximity Access Card
option, you may use a 9 volt battery to activate the system. To access the 9
volt terminal, remove the USB cover and locate the battery terminals.
Once the terminals are exposed, open the door by holding the 9 volt battery
against the terminals and pass a valid proximity card below the display area.
Once the door is open, remove the 9 volt battery.
Note The terminals are polarized therefore orient the 9 volt battery properly.
must rotate the latch into the open position first.
1.Grasp the latch handle (preferably with your left hand) and pull it
toward yourself, rotating the latch into the open position.
2. Move the freezer door into the closed position and gently push the
handle away from you, making sure that the latch engages fully with the
cabinet strike.
3. Keep applying gentle pressure to the latch handle until the latch is
securely in closed position.
4. Insert the key and rotate counterclockwise to lock.
5. Replace the padlock as required.
Thermo Fisher Scientific Ultra Low Temperature Installation and Operation11
Installation
7.7 Pressure
Equalization Port
7.8 Installing the
Remote Alarm
Connector
When an upright ultra-low temperature freezer door is opened, room
temperature air rushes into the storage compartment. When the door is
closed, the fixed volume of air is cooled rapidly. Pressure drops below
atmospheric pressure, resulting in a substantial vacuum. Re-entry into the
cabinet is impossible until internal pressures are returned to atmospheric
pressure. Without a pressure equalization mechanism, it can take, in
extreme cases, several hours before the door can easily be reopened.
All upright models feature a port that provides vacuum relief after door
openings. The pressure equalization port is located in the door behind the
eye-level panel on the front of the freezer. Although the port is designed to
self-defrost, excessive frost accumulation on the inner door could eventually
restrict air flow. Therefore you should periodically inspect the inner door
and brush away any loose frost using a stiff nylon brush.
The remote alarm contacts are located on the back of the freezer above and
to the left of the power switch. After installing the wiring from the remote
alarm to the connector, install the connector to the freezer micro-board.
The pin configuration is shown in Figure 2 below.
Figure 2. Remote Alarm Pin Configuration
The contacts will trip in the event of a power outage, high temperature
alarm, low temperature alarm or door ajar alarm.
12 Installation and OperationThermo Fisher Scientific Ultra Low Temperature
Installation
7.9 Intended UseThe -86°C freezer (refer to Section 1 for the specific model series) described
in this manual are high performance units for professional use. These
products are intended for use as cold storage in research use and as a general
purpose laboratory freezer, storing samples or inventory at operating
temperatures between -50°C and -80°C.
It is not considered a medical device and has therefore not been registered
with a medical device regulatory body (e.g. FDA): that is, it has not been
evaluated for the storage of samples for diagnostic use or for samples to be
re-introduced to the body.
This unit is not intended for use in classified hazardous locations, nor to be
used for the storage of flammable inventory.
Thermo Fisher Scientific Ultra Low Temperature Installation and Operation13
Start Up
8 Start Up
8.1 Initial Start UpTo start up the freezer, complete the following steps:
1. Plug the freezer into the power outlet.
2. Turn the power switch in back of the freezer, on the bottom right, to the
ON position.
3. Once the freezer is powered up, the Thermo Scientific logo is displayed
on the front screen. If this is the first time the unit is being turned on, an
initial setup must be completed. Tap the Start Setup button to initiate
the setup.
Figure 3. Main Screen
The first step of the setup is to select the language. This screen allows you to
specify the preferred display language. Once the language is selected, tap the
Next button.
Figure 4. Language Selection Screen
14 Installation and OperationThermo Fisher Scientific Ultra Low Temperature
Start Up
The next screen allows you to select the date and date format. After setting
the date, tap the Next button.
Figure 5. Date Setup Screen
The next screen allows you to specify the time and time format. After setting
the time, tap the Next button.
Figure 6. Time Setup Screen
Thermo Fisher Scientific Ultra Low Temperature Installation and Operation15
Start Up
The next screen allows you to specify the temperature unit. After selecting
the unit, tap the Next button.
Figure 7. Units Setup Screen
The next 3 screens provide installation instructions.
The first screen provides information regarding power source and ambient
temperature conditions. Tap the Next button to continue through the
installation instructions.
Figure 8. Installation Instructions (Power and Temperature) Screen
16 Installation and OperationThermo Fisher Scientific Ultra Low Temperature
Start Up
The second screen provides information regarding unit positioning, spacing
and leveling. Tap the Next button after reviewing.