TestEquity 115A Operation manual

Copyright © 2012-2018 TestEquity LLC Rev. 3.2 – January 8, 2018
Model 115A
Temperature Chamber
Operation and Service Manual
TestEquity LLC
6100 Condor Drive
Moorpark, CA 93021
Support: 877-512-3457 Toll Free
805-480-0638
Corporate: 800-732-3457
805-498-9933
http://www.testequity.com

Table of Contents
Chapter 1 – Safety Instructions________________________________________________ 1-1
Introduction ____________________________________________________________________1-1
Installation Safety Notices _________________________________________________________1-1
Operation Safety Notices __________________________________________________________1-1
Chapter 2 – Installation ______________________________________________________ 2-1
Uncrating_______________________________________________________________________2-1
Preparation For Use ______________________________________________________________2-1
Installation Location _____________________________________________________________2-2
Condensate Drain ________________________________________________________________2-2
Reversible Chamber Door _________________________________________________________2-2
Chapter 3 – Operation _______________________________________________________ 3-1
Introduction ____________________________________________________________________3-1
Summary of Chamber Operation ___________________________________________________3-1
Front Panel Switches and Lights____________________________________________________3-2
POWER Switch________________________________________________________________________ 3-2
CONDITIONING Switch – ON Mode ______________________________________________________ 3-2
CONDITIONING Switch – EVENT 1 Mode _________________________________________________ 3-2
LIGHT Switch_________________________________________________________________________ 3-2
HEAT Light __________________________________________________________________________ 3-2
COOL Light __________________________________________________________________________ 3-2
Loading the Chamber ____________________________________________________________3-3
Port Plugs ____________________________________________________________________________ 3-3
Performance Considerations ______________________________________________________________ 3-4
Avoiding Moisture _____________________________________________________________________ 3-4
Internal Test Fixtures ___________________________________________________________________ 3-4
Chapter 4 - Limit Controller __________________________________________________ 4-1
Introduction ____________________________________________________________________4-1
Limit Controller Keys and Displays ________________________________________________________ 4-2
How to Set the High and Low Temperature Safety Limits _______________________________________ 4-2
Resetting an Out of Limit Condition________________________________________________________ 4-2
Silencing the Audible Alarm______________________________________________________________ 4-2
Chapter 5 – Purge ___________________________________________________________ 5-1
Introduction ____________________________________________________________________5-1
GN2 (Gaseous Nitrogen) Installation (Option TE-1009) ________________________________________ 5-1
Dry Air Installation (Option TE-0017) ______________________________________________________ 5-1
Purge Operation _______________________________________________________________________ 5-2
Adjusting the Purge Flow ________________________________________________________________ 5-2
Relief Vent ___________________________________________________________________________ 5-2
Chapter 6 – Frequently Asked Questions________________________________________ 6-1
Chapter 7 – Specifications ____________________________________________________ 7-1
Model 115A Chamber Specifications ________________________________________________7-1
Chapter 8 – Maintenance _____________________________________________________ 8-1
Preventive Maintenance Intervals __________________________________________________8-1
Maintenance Procedures __________________________________________________________8-2
How to clean the chamber interior and exterior _______________________________________________ 8-2
How to listen for abnormal noise or vibration_________________________________________________ 8-2
How to inspect the door seal ______________________________________________________________ 8-2
How to clean the condenser ______________________________________________________________ 8-2
How to inspect the electrical & refrigeration machinery compartments _____________________________ 8-3
How to verify the calibration. _____________________________________________________________ 8-3
How to verify the chamber performance. ____________________________________________________ 8-4

Table of Contents
Theory of Operation______________________________________________________________8-5
Overview_____________________________________________________________________________ 8-5
Heating System ________________________________________________________________________ 8-5
Refrigeration System____________________________________________________________________ 8-5
Troubleshooting _________________________________________________________________8-7
Refrigeration System Charging Instructions __________________________________________8-8
R-404A High-Stage Charge ______________________________________________________________ 8-8
R-508B Low-Stage Charge _______________________________________________________________ 8-8
Recommended Spare Parts ________________________________________________________8-9
Major Electrical Parts __________________________________________________________________ 8-10
Major Refrigeration Parts _______________________________________________________________ 8-10
General Parts _________________________________________________________________________ 8-10
EZ-Zone Limit Controller Setup Parameters ________________________________________8-11
Setup Menu __________________________________________________________________________ 8-11
Operations Menu______________________________________________________________________ 8-11
Chapter 9 - Warranty________________________________________________________ 9-1
Chapter 10 – Drawings______________________________________________________ 10-1

Chapter 1 – Safety
TestEquity 115A Temperature Chamber Page 1-1
Chapter 1 – Safety Instructions
Introduction
Follow all CAUTION notices to prevent damage to the chamber or your test sample. Failure to
follow all CAUTION notices may void your warranty. CAUTION may also indicate a
potentially hazardous situation which, if not avoided, may result in minor or moderate personal
injury.
WARNING indicates a potentially hazardous situation which, if not avoided, could result in
death or serious injury.
The safety alert symbol !precedes a general CAUTION or WARNING statement.
The electrical hazard symbol 2precedes an electric shock hazard CAUTION or WARNING
statement.
Installation Safety Notices
2WARNING: The power cord is equipped with a NEMA 5-20P grounded/polarized plug. To
prevent a shock hazard, DO NOT defeat the ground or polarization feature.
This device MUST be plugged DIRECTLY into a properly grounded and
polarized NEMA 5-20R receptacle. Due to high current demand on start-up,
use of an extension cord is NOT recommended.
!CAUTION: The minimum clearance you should allow for proper ventilation around the
chamber must be at least 6" from both the left and right side, and 12" from the
rear.
!CAUTION: This chamber is designed for operation in a conditioned laboratory
environment. Operation above 30°C (85°F) or below 16°C (60°F) ambient
room temperature is NOT recommended.
Operation Safety Notices
!CAUTION: The Temperature Controller’s “Alarm” functions are NOT used in the
chamber’s safety system and are NOT connected. TestEquity does NOT
recommend using the Temperature Controller’s alarm function as the main
protection device. The independent EZ-Zone Limit Controller functions as the
main protection device.
!CAUTION: Always verify that the Limit Controller’s high and low limits are set to
temperatures that are appropriate for your test sample.
!WARNING: Do NOT put items in the chamber that could burn or explode at high
temperatures. This chamber uses open wire heating elements which generate
surface temperatures over 1000ºF. This is NOT an explosion-proof chamber.

Chapter 1 – Safety
Page 1-2 TestEquity 115A Temperature Chamber
!WARNING: Do NOT put items in the chamber that can emit corrosive vapors or
substances.
!WARNING: This chamber is NOT a curing oven. There are NO provisions for venting
fumes.
!WARNING: The chamber door must remain closed while the chamber is operating. If you
need to open the door while the chamber is operating, wear safety goggles to
prevent the high velocity airflow from blowing particles or objects into your
eyes.
!WARNING: This chamber operates at extreme temperatures. Avoid contact with air,
objects, and surfaces that are hot or cold to prevent severe burns or frostbite.
Protective gloves are recommended.
!CAUTION: If your test sample is energized, it may be capable of raising the workspace
temperature beyond safe limits. This could occur if your test sample exceeds
the live load rating of the chamber or if the chamber’s refrigeration system
fails. You are responsible for providing thermal protection devices to your test
sample.
!CAUTION: To prevent damage to your test sample and the chamber’s compressor, do not
exceed the live load rating of the chamber.

Chapter 2 – Installation
TestEquity 115A Temperature Chamber Page 2-1
Chapter 2 – Installation
Uncrating
Inspect the shipping container for any signs of visible damage. Notify the carrier and TestEquity
immediately if there are signs of shipping damage.
1. Cut the bands that hold the packaging together.
2. Remove the top cover and top foam inserts.
3. Remove the outer box.
4. Remove the front and one side 2x4 retainer from the base of the pallet.
5. Remove the foam inserts from the base of the pallet.
6. Carefully roll (for model 115A-F) and/or lift the chamber off the pallet. This should be done
with at least four people.
Preparation For Use
2WARNING: The power cord is equipped with a NEMA 5-20P grounded/polarized plug. To
prevent a shock hazard, DO NOT defeat the ground or polarization feature.
This device MUST be plugged DIRECTLY into a properly grounded and
polarized NEMA 5-20R receptacle. Due to high current demand on start-up,
use of an extension cord is NOT recommended.
YES NO!
NEMA 5-20R NEMA 5-15R
20 Amp Receptacle 15 Amp Receptacle
1. Inspect the chamber for signs of shipping damage.
2. Read this entire manual.
3. Select a suitable location to install the chamber.
4. Connect to a 120 VAC, 60 Hz power source with a minimum 20 Amp breaker.
5. Perform the procedure “How to verify the chamber performance” in the Maintenance chapter
of this manual to make sure that no damage has occurred in shipment.

Chapter 2 – Installation
Page 2-2 TestEquity 115A Temperature Chamber
Installation Location
The chamber will produce a moderate amount of heat during normal operation. Locate the
chamber in an area with adequate ventilation to prevent excessive heat build-up. The chamber
must be on a solid and level surface that is rated to hold at least 350 pounds.
!CAUTION: The minimum clearance you should allow for proper ventilation around the
chamber must be at least 6" from both the left and right side, and 12" from the
rear.
!CAUTION: This chamber is designed for operation in a conditioned laboratory
environment. Operation above 30°C (85°F) or below 16°C (60°F) ambient
room temperature is NOT recommended.
Condensate Drain
The condensate drain connection is located on the rear of the chamber. This provides a way to
remove condensate that may accumulate on the evaporator (cooling coil) during temperature
cycling or when the refrigeration system runs to maintain moderate temperatures.
Any time the ambient air is subjected to temperatures below the dew point, moisture will
condense out of the air. The effect is ice or frost during low temperature operation. When the
chamber is heated above 0°C or the cooling system turns off, the ice or frost will turn into water.
The drain fitting accommodates a 1/4-inch male pipe thread. The chamber drain water is not
under pressure and is fed by gravity. Therefore, it must empty into a container or open floor
drain. Alternatively, the chamber drain can empty into a condensate pump. You can purchase a
condensate pump from suppliers such as Grainger (www.grainger.com).
Under most circumstances, you will not see any water coming out of the drain.
Reversible Chamber Door
The chamber door can be mounted to open from the left or right side. The chamber cabinet has
mounting holes on both sides for the hinges and door latch. If you reverse the door, see “How to
inspect the door seal” in the Maintenance chapter of this manual to make sure the hinges and
door latch are adjusted correctly.

Chapter 3 – Operation
TestEquity 115A Temperature Chamber Page 3-1
Chapter 3 – Operation
Introduction
The Front Panel Switches control power to the temperature controller and all chamber functions.
The Limit Controller is a protection device. It turns the chamber OFF and sounds an alarm if the
workspace temperature exceeds either a high temperature or low temperature limit set point.
The Temperature Controller controls the temperature of the chamber. The Temperature
Controller automatically turns the refrigeration system on or off as required based on the
deviation from temperature set point.
Refer to the separate F4 or F4T Temperature Controller manual for details on how to use
the Temperature Controller.
Summary of Chamber Operation
1. Turn the POWER Switch ON.
2. Enter the desired temperature safety limits on the Limit Controller.
3. Enter the desired temperature set point on the Temperature Controller.
4. Load your test sample in the chamber.
5. Turn the CONDITIONING Switch ON. Alternatively, turn the CONDITIONING Switch to
the EVENT 1 position and turn EVENT 1 on the F4 controller or the Power button on the
F4T controller ON.

Chapter 3 – Operation
Page 3-2 TestEquity 115A Temperature Chamber
Front Panel Switches and Lights
POWER Switch
The POWER Switch controls power to the entire chamber. The POWER Switch illuminates
when it is ON.
CONDITIONING Switch – ON Mode
The CONDITIONING Switch enables all chamber functions. When the CONDITIONING
Switch is OFF and the POWER Switch is ON, only the Temperature Controller and Limit
Controller is operational. When both the CONDITIONING and POWER Switches are ON, the
chamber’s temperature conditioning system will function to maintain the temperature set point.
The CONDITIONING Switch does NOT illuminate in any position.
CONDITIONING Switch – EVENT 1 Mode
When the CONDITIONING Switch is in the EVENT 1 position, you can enable and disable all
chamber functions through Event 1 (Digital Output 1) of the F4 Temperature Controller or the
Power button on the F4T Temperature Controller.
LIGHT Switch
The LIGHT Switch controls the workspace light. The LIGHT Switch illuminates when it is ON.
HEAT Light
The HEAT Light will illuminate when the Temperature Controller turns on the heater to
maintain the workspace temperature. The HEAT Light will cycle on/off as the workspace
temperature approaches and reaches the temperature set point.
COOL Light
The COOL Light will illuminate when the Temperature Controller turns on the cooling valve to
maintain the workspace temperature. The COOL Light will cycle on/off as the workspace
temperature approaches and reaches the temperature set point.