Coolworks IceProbe IPAC-50W Installation instructions manual

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IceProbe
Thermoelectric Aquarium Chiller
Model IPAC-50W
Instructions & Warranty
(For U.S.A. Only)

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Safety Precautions
To operate your CoolWorks IceProbe Aquarium Chiller:
1. Read all instructions.
2. To protect against electrical shock, do not place cord, plugs, or appliance in water or other liquid.
3. Do not operate this device with a damaged cord or plug or if the device malfunctions. Return device to the factory for
examination, repair or adjustment. See Warranty.
4. Do not use outdoors or in damp area.
5. Do not let cord hang over edge of table or counter, or touch hot surfaces.
6. Do not use device for other than intended use.
7. Provide four to six inches of air space around the fan and heat sink for air circulation.
8. Do not plug the IceProbe directly into a 120VAC power source (i.e. standard wall outlet). This device is intended to
operate at 12VDC and draws approximately 5 amps.
9. Only power the IceProbe with the power supply included with the device.
10. Do not attempt to service this product. Repairs should be done by authorized service personnel.
IMPORTANT:
! When unpacking or installing the unit, do not scratch or chip the protective coating covering the probe.
! Keep the IceProbe’s electrical components and Power Supply away from salt spray.

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Introduction
CoolWorks’ IceProbe Thermoelectric Aquarium Chiller (IPAC-50W) is the ideal cooling solution for small aquariums and
insulated bait or specimen tanks. Quiet, reliable and efficient, the chiller uses advanced thermoelectric technology to directly
convert electricity into cooling power.
With its threaded probe, nylon nut, and silicon washer, the IceProbe can be easily bulkheaded through a 1.25” hole into siphon
overflows, prefilters, sumps, or aquarium walls, or suspended from the top of the aquarium.
In a standard aquarium, a single chiller can cool 10 gallons of water 6ºF to 8ºF below ambient air temperature . Multiple
Aquarium Chillers can be used to achieve higher temperature differentials.
Chillers
10 20 40
1 6-8 3-4 1-2
2 10-12 6-8 3-4
Greater temperature differentials can be achieved by insulating the exterior surfaces of the aquarium. For example, a single
Aquarium Chiller can maintain a temperature differential of over 20ºF in a fully insulated 10 gallon aquarium.
Pre-Installation Preparation
Before installing this product, please read this entire manual carefully.
Assess the area where you intend to bulkhead the IceProbe before drilling any holes. It is important to ensure there is adequate
clearance for the probe and ample space for air circulation around the fins and fan. In larger aquariums (20 to 55 gallons), two or
more Aquarium Chillers may be needed to achieve the desired temperature differential. If you intend to install multiple units in a
single sump/prefilter/aquarium, space the units so that the heat sinks do not contact each other.
Ventilation
The IceProbe’s thermoelectric cooling system chills water by removing heat from the water reservoir and dissipating it via the
system’s fan into the surrounding area. It is critical that the heat can easily escape, as excessive heat build up can adversely affect
the chiller’s cooling ability. To ensure optimum chiller performance, place the unit in a clean environment with adequate
ventilation. There should always be four to six inches of open space around the chiller. Do not place the chiller in a
completely enclosed cabinet. Without proper ventilation, the cooling system will not function properly and could be
permanently disabled by the system’s built in safety feature.
T
y
pical Temperature Pulldown (ºF)
Gallons of Water

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Bulkhead Installation
To achieve a watertight bulkhead installation of the IceProbe:
1. Drill a 1.25-inch diameter hole into your sump/prefilter/aquarium.
Note: The hole can be easily drilled through a plastic or acrylic wall using a standard hole
saw available at most hardware stores. An experienced glass cutter should be consulted
for bulkhead installations in glass aquariums.
2. Remove the white nylon nut from the threaded probe.
3. Insert the probe through the hole with the clear silicon washer
on the outside (dry side) of the reservoir wall.
4. Tighten the nylon nut on the threaded probe. While a watertight seal can often be achieved by
hand tightening the nut, we recommend using an adjustable wrench. However, be careful not
to over tighten the nut by applying excessive force.
The IceProbe can be oriented in any way. Provided that the probe is fully submerged in water and air can freely circulate around
the IceProbe’s fins and fan, it can be installed through a top, side, or bottom wall. Alternatively, a simple bracket or lid can be
used to suspend the IceProbe for top mounting.
Installation Overview

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Power Converter
Normal Operation
The IceProbe will begin operating once the proper electrical connections are made (there is no “on/off” switch). The system is
designed to run continuously when plugged in. The green LED indicates that power is being delivered to the cooling element.
When the system is running, you should be able to see the fan quietly turning and you should be able to feel warm air being
exhausted through the aluminum heat sink.
In applications where the IceProbe is cooling large volumes of water, such as in aquariums, the temperature of the probe will
only be slightly cooler than the liquid around it. To achieve the maximum temperature pull down, the unit must run continuously
for several days.
Optional Temperature Controller
The chiller cools continuously when powered. In most aquarium implementations, the CoolWorks Proportional Temperature
Controller is added to regulate the IceProbe’s cooling power.
Temperature Controller
IceProbe
CoolWorks offers two Proportional Temperature Controllers for aquarium applications. Our TEC-65 controller is designed for
tropical aquarium environments, with an adjustable temperature range of 65ºF to 85ºF. Our TEC-45 is designed for cold water
aquariums with a temperature range of 45ºF to 65ºF.
. For more information, please visit our website at www.coolworksinc.com or contact CoolWorks Customer Service.

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Maintenance
The CoolWorks IceProbe Small Aquarium Chiller is made with high quality components and is thoroughly tested prior to
shipment to assure years of dependable operation. Please follow these instructions to properly maintain your chiller after
installation.
Operating Environment
Always ensure that the operating environment around the IceProbe and power supply is clean, dry and uncluttered. Keep all
electrical components away from excessive salt spray. Continual exposure to salt spray will corrode the electrical components
and lead to premature failure. When cleaning or changing water in your aquarium, be careful not to splash or spill water onto the
IceProbe, temperature controller or power supply. If the power supply is exposed to water, its safety fuse will open to prevent an
unsafe electrical condition and the power supply will have to be replaced.
Ventilation
In order to effectively chill water, the IceProbe must be able to dissipate the heat it is removing from the water into the
atmosphere. Occasionally verify that fan motor is operating properly and ensure that nothing is obstructing the flow of air
through the IceProbe’s fins. The IceProbe’s fan motor is designed to run continuously, even when used in conjunction with
CoolWorks temperature controllers. Compressed air, a small vacuum cleaner attachment, or a small soft brush can be used to
remove dust and lint from the fan and thereby extending its useful life. If the fan motor is not running at all or very slowly,
contact CoolWorks Customer Service.
Probe Coating
The solid aluminum probe which contacts the water is coated with a very durable FDA compliant material. Care should always
be taken when handling and installing the IceProbe to ensure that this coating is not scratched or chipped. If the coating is
compromised, salt water will begin to corrode the aluminum and the coating will eventually fail. While failure of the coating
material degrades the appearance of the probe, it will not affect the IceProbe’s cooling performance or the watertight seal. While
aluminum exposure is generally considered safe (e.g. aluminum cookware), you may want to verify that the aquatic life in your
aquarium will not be adversely affected by exposure to aluminum if corrosion occurs.
Exterior Cleaning
Clean the outside of the IceProbe, temperature controller, and power supply as necessary with a soft damp cloth. Never
submerge any of these devices in water or allow water to enter the housings which protect the electrical components. Never use
abrasive cleaners or equipment. To prevent electrical shock and hazards, always unplug electrical devices before cleaning.

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Diagnostics
The CoolWorks IceProbe has a straightforward diagnostic system that makes it easy to determine the cause of performance
problems. By observing the status of the LED on the electrical cover and determining if the fan motor is operating, the most
common failures can be identified and resolved.
The easiest way to verify whether or not the IceProbe is functioning properly is to simply remove it from the reservoir and run it
with the probe in the open air. If working properly, the probe should be noticeably cold to the touch within several minutes and
should get cold enough to form dew or even frost within 30 minutes. If the probe does not get cold, please refer to this diagnostic
chart:
LED FAN Most Likely Causes
OFF OFF
Power cord not properly connected at wall outlet or to chiller.
No power at electrical outlet.
Power supply failure.
ON OFF Fan failure.
OFF ON Safety thermal fuse has opened.
ON ON Thermoelectric cooling module failure.
Please contact a qualified electrician if the cause of the problem is related to your electrical outlet. Replacement power supplies
can be purchased from CoolWorks Resellers or CoolWorks Customer Service and can be easily installed. Fan motor, safety
thermal fuse, and thermoelectric cooling module repairs must be performed by the CoolWorks Repair Center.
Power Specifications
The IceProbe is a “low voltage” device that is designed to draw about 5 amps at 12 volts DC (60 watts). The power converter
provided with your chiller will convert the 120 volt AC electricity from your wall outlet to the correct 12 volt DC output required
by the chiller.
NEVER ATTEMPT TO POWER THE ICEPROBE BY PLUGGING IT DIRECTLY INTO A 120 VAC ELETRICAL OUTLET.
Place the power converter in a clean, dry place, where air can circulate around it freely.
Connect the 4-prong plug into the chiller and the 2-prong plug into the wall outlet.
DO NOT SUBMERGE THE ENTIRE UNIT OR ANY ELECTRICAL WIRES IN WATER. ONLY THE PROBE PORTION
OF THE DEVICE SHOULD CONTACT WATER.

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Limited One Year Warranty
CoolWorks Inc. warrants this product, to original purchaser, for one year from purchase date to be free of defects in material and
workmanship.
Should any defect be discovered within one year of date of purchase, CoolWorks Inc. agrees to repair or replace the defective part or
product at no charge other than handling and return freight charges, provided said part or product is returned with all shipping charges
prepaid to CoolWorks Inc., Service Department, 819 A Street, San Rafael, CA 94901, accompanied by proof of purchase and a letter
detailing the nature of the defect. The Customer Service Department of CoolWorks Inc. should be contacted prior to any action in the
event it is possible to correct the defect without returning the unit.
This warranty does not apply to any unit that has been tampered with, or to damages incurred through negligence in use, faulty
packing, or mishandling in transit by any common carrier. Your remedy does not include loss of aquatic life, cost of inconvenience,
or damage due to product failure. In no event shall CoolWorks Inc. be liable for incidental or consequential damages.
This warranty gives you specific legal rights; you may also have other rights, which vary from state to state.
Service Information
To assure years of dependable service, our products are made with high quality materials and are thoroughly tested prior to shipment.
At CoolWorks, your satisfaction with our products is our top priority. Should you encounter any form of product failure, please contact our
Customer Service Department:
CoolWorks Inc.
819 A Street
San Rafael, CA 94901
Phone: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
Email: [e-mail]
www.coolworksinc.com
This device should be serviced only by properly trained repair technicians. Please do not attempt to service this product yourself.
CoolWorks and Ice Probe are registered trademarks of CoolWorks Inc.