TestEquity 115R Operation manual

Copyright © 2012-2019 TestEquity LLC Rev. 1.0 – August 21, 2019
Model 115R
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
Chamber Stacking Racks__________________________________________________________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 115R Chamber Specifications ________________________________________________7-1

Table of Contents
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
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 115R 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 115R 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 115R 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 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 115R 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 never 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.
Chamber Stacking Racks
Model 115R Temperature Chamber is designed to be stacked by using our specially designed
racks. Model 115-2L Two Level Rack can stack two chambers high while Model 115-3L Three
Level Rack can stack three chambers high. For installation instructions regarding stacking using
these racks, please refer to the separate manual for each of these.
We do not recommend placing one chamber directly on top of the other one without using a
system that supports each from the floor.

Chapter 3 – Operation
TestEquity 115R 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 F4T or F4 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 the Power button on the F4T controller or EVENT 1 on the
F4 controller ON.

Chapter 3 – Operation
Page 3-2 TestEquity 115R 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 the Power button on the F4T Temperature Controller or Event 1
(Digital Output 1) of the F4 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.

Chapter 3 – Operation
TestEquity 115R Temperature Chamber Page 3-3
Loading the Chamber
!WARNING: Do NOT put items in the chamber that could burn or explode at high
temperatures. This chamber uses open wire heating elements that generate
surface temperatures over 1000ºF. This is NOT an explosion-proof 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.
!CAUTION: To prevent damage to your test sample and the chamber’s compressor, do not
exceed the live load rating of the chamber.
Live Load Capacity for Model 115R
Temp +23°C 0°C –40°C –55°C –65°C
Watts 300 W 255 W 160 W 110 W 80 W
Port Plugs
Foam port plugs are provided with a gray silicone surface on one side. The port plug must be
inserted with the gray silicone surface facing the inside of the chamber. Port plugs should be
considered expendable and be replaced when they no longer provide a good seal.

Chapter 3 – Operation
Page 3-4 TestEquity 115R Temperature Chamber
Performance Considerations
The performance of all chambers is significantly affected by the characteristics of your test
sample. Factors include size, weight, material, shape, and power dissipation if energized.
The test sample should be placed in the chamber in a manner that allows for air circulation. The
air plenum is located on the top ceiling of the chamber, where air is sucked in from the left side
top and exits from the fan on the right-side top. You should not place the test sample directly on
the chamber floor. It should be placed on the shelf. Multiple test samples should be distributed
throughout the chamber to ensure even airflow and minimize temperature gradients. If necessary,
additional shelves should be used to evenly distribute the load. Verify that the temperature
gradients are within acceptable limits, by measuring the chamber temperature at strategic points
using a multipoint thermocouple meter or data logger.
You may find that the temperature throughout the chamber is even, but always different from
what the temperature controller indicates. The correct way to adjust what the temperature
controller “displays” compared to what is measured at some point other than the controller’s
sensor is with the “Calibration Offset” parameter, NOT by recalibrating the controller.
Avoiding Moisture
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, or water
when maintaining over 0°C and cooling is required.
To avoid moisture condensation, make sure the port plugs are inserted at all times. Also, avoid
opening the chamber door while the chamber is operating at temperatures below room ambient.
When a low temperature test is completed, warm the chamber to at least room ambient before
opening the chamber door and before removing your test sample.
Internal Test Fixtures
Some applications require internal fixtures to support test samples and provide a convenient
method of connecting wires and sensors. Fixtures must be designed to minimize their impact on
chamber functionality and performance.
Fixtures should be designed for easy removal to permit maintenance and cleaning of the
chamber. The chamber liner should never be drilled or screwed into. This will compromise the
integrity of the liner and permit moisture migration due to condensation into the insulation,
which will eventually impact performance and lead to premature rusting of the outer cabinet.
Fixtures should be constructed from stainless steel or aluminum. All screws and fasteners should
be made from stainless steel. If stainless steel is used, all welds should be passivated. To prevent
rust and corrosion, never use iron or mild steel even if it is painted or plated. Aluminum has
almost twice the specific heat of stainless steel but weighs less than one-half as much per unit
volume. Careful consideration in fixture design balances the test fixture’s mass times its
material specific heat to arrive at the lowest effective total.
Make sure that all connectors, wiring, pc boards, and auxiliary components can withstand the
temperature extremes that they will be subjected to. In some cases, these components may not be
able to last after repeated tests and should be considered expendable.

Chapter 4 – Limit Controller
TestEquity 115R Temperature Chamber Page 4-1
Chapter 4 - Limit Controller
Introduction
The EZ-Zone Limit Controller is a protection device. It turns the chamber OFF if the workspace
temperature exceeds either a high temperature or low temperature limit. You can set these limits
to correspond to the maximum and minimum temperature that your test sample can safely
withstand. This provides protection against someone setting the Temperature Controller to a
temperature that is unsafe for the test sample. It also provides protection in the unlikely event of
a chamber system component failure. The Limit Controller has its own temperature sensor
(thermocouple) and functions completely independent of the Temperature Controller.
This section provides a brief overview on how to operate the Limit Controller. For more detailed
instructions, see the “EZ-Zone User’s Manual”.
!CAUTION: The “EZ-Zone User’s Manual” is a general manual and is written by the
manufacturer, Watlow, for a wide variety of applications and configurations.
Not all features or functions are applicable. Only the capabilities of a model
PM6L1AJ-AAAABAA are applicable.
!CAUTION: The EZ-Zone Limit Controller has been properly configured by TestEquity to
match the chamber’s system requirements. Improper modifications to these
setup values can result in unreliable and unsafe operation. Do not attempt to
modify the setup values, unless you thoroughly understand what you are
doing. The correct values are documented in the “EZ-Zone Limit Controller
Setup Parameters” section of this manual.
!CAUTION: Always verify that the Limit Controller’s high and low limits are set to
temperatures that are appropriate for your test sample.
!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. This chamber has a set of contacts that can be used to remove power to
your test sample if the Limit Controller’s temperature limits are exceeded.

Chapter 4 – Limit Controller
Page 4-2 TestEquity 115R Temperature Chamber
Limit Controller Keys and Displays
Advance Key
‰
Advances through the
parameter prompts
Output Indicator
Lit when the limit setting is exceeded.
Only light 2 is applicable for this
configuration.
Up/Down Keys ¿¯
When in a menu, scrolls
through available options for
any given prompt. In other
menus can change set points
and modify the upper display
to a higher or lower value.
Upper Display
Indicates the actual chamber
temperature, or displays the
value of the parameter in the
lower display.
RESET Key
Returns to the Home Page.or
Resets the limit after a trip
condition has cleared.
Lower Display
Indicates [SAFE] during normal
operation or [FAiL] in an out of
limit condition, or the parameter
whose value appears in the
upper display.
Temperature Units Indicato
r
Indicates whether the temperature is
displayed in Fahrenheit or Celsius.
EZ Key
Resets the limit after a
trip condition has cleared.
Figure 4-1 – Limit Controller Keys and Displays
How to Set the High and Low Temperature Safety Limits
1. Press the ‰key once to get the [`LL;s] prompt in the lower display. This is the Low Limit
Set Point prompt.
2. Press the ▲or ▼key to enter the desired Low Limit Set Point in the upper display. Make
sure it is lower than your actual chamber temperature set point, and at least below room
temperature to prevent nuisance tripping.
3. Press the ‰key once again to get the [`lh;s] prompt in the lower display. This is the High
Limit Set Point prompt.
4. Press the ▲or ▼key to enter the desired High Limit Set Point in the upper display. Make
sure it is higher than your actual chamber temperature set point to prevent nuisance tripping.
5. Press the RESET Key to return to the Home Page.
6. The upper display will show the actual chamber temperature while the lower display will
show [SAFE] as long as the limits are not exceeded.
Resetting an Out of Limit Condition
If the limit is exceeded, the Limit Controller will flash [Li;h1] (high limit) or [Li;L1] (low
limit) in the upper display and [Attn] in the lower display, alternating with the actual chamber
temperature in the upper display and [FAiL] in the lower display. It will also shut down all
chamber functions. The Limit Controller cannot be reset until the temperature returns to within
the limit set points. Then, you must press the RESET or EZ Key to resume normal operation.
Silencing the Audible Alarm
Turning off the TEMP switch on the chamber front panel lets you temporarily turn off the
Audible Alarm, even though the High or Low Limit condition may still exist.

Chapter 5 – Purge
TestEquity 115R Temperature Chamber Page 5-1
Chapter 5 – Purge
Introduction
Optional GN
2
(gaseous nitrogen) Purge or optional Dry Air Purge can be used to reduce to
possibility of condensation in the chamber at low temperatures.
!CAUTION: Nitrogen cannot be detected by human senses. Nitrogen is non-toxic.
However, if adequate ventilation is not provided, nitrogen will displace air.
This can cause dizziness, unconsciousness or death without warning. The
chamber must be located in a well-ventilated area. Do not open the chamber
door with the GN
2
flowing.
GN2 (Gaseous Nitrogen) Installation (Option TE-1009)
Connect a supply of GN
2
with a maximum pressure of 100 psig to the 1/4-inch FPT fitting which
is designated PURGE on the rear panel.
Dry Air Installation (Option TE-0017)
Connect the hose from the Dry Air system to the fitting which is designated PURGE on the rear
panel. Connect a supply of compressed air to the 3/8-inch FPT shutoff valve of Dry Air system.
This system requires a 5 cfm supply air flow rate at 100 psig (175 psig max).
Figure 5-1 – Dry Air Purge System Installation (typical)
Compressed Air Inlet to Dry Air System.
Shutoff valve on the Dry Air System is shown in the off
position. Valve must be in the on position to operate.
Purge Inlet from Dry Air System
Connect to PURGE fitting on chamber.

Chapter 5 – Purge
Page 5-2 TestEquity 115R Temperature Chamber
Purge Operation
The Purge mode is enabled through the Purge button on the F4T controller or Event 2 (Digital
Output 2) in the F4 Controller.
Adjusting the Purge Flow
A flowmeter is located on the front panel to adjust the flow of purge gas into the chamber. The
flowmeter has a scale, calibrated in SCFM. The flow of purge gas should be adjusted to the
minimum amount required to obtain the desired drying in the chamber for your particular
conditions. A suggested starting setting is 2 SCFM.
Relief Vent
Excess pressure in the chamber workspace is vented through a pressure-relief check-valve,
which is located within the electrical compartment. There is no need to vent this externally.

Chapter 6 – Frequently Asked Questions
TestEquity 115R Temperature Chamber Page 6-1
Chapter 6 – Frequently Asked Questions
I need to send the chamber outside North America. Will it work with their power?
Outside North America, most countries have 50 Hz. Nominal voltages in are typically 220 V to
240 V. You CANNOT simply step the voltage down to 120 V because the compressors have a
50 Hz rating of 100 V nominal (95 V min. to 110 V max.).
We do make a special export version for this purpose, model 115R-EX. It has 230 V, 50 Hz
compressors and an internal step-down transformer for the heater and control circuitry.
Why does my chamber heat or cool slower than the published specifications?
Performance is significantly affected by the characteristics of your test sample. Factors include
size, weight, material, shape, and power dissipation if energized. The test sample should be
placed in the chamber in a manner that allows for air circulation. You should not place the test
sample directly on the chamber floor. It should be placed on the shelf. Multiple test samples
should be distributed throughout the chamber to ensure even airflow and minimize temperature
gradients. If necessary, additional shelves should be used to evenly distribute the load. You can
determine if the chamber is operating properly by following the procedure in “How to verify the
chamber performance”.
How can I modify the chamber to cool faster?
Unfortunately, there is little you can do to improve upon the designed-in performance.
TestEquity does NOT recommend using CO 2 or LN 2 in this chamber to achieve faster cooling
due to reliability and safety considerations, so it is NOT an available option. Modifying the
chamber to add CO 2 or LN 2 will void the warranty.
Why is there water/ice/snow in the chamber?
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, the ice or frost will turn into water. To avoid moisture
condensation, make sure the port plugs are inserted at all times. Also, avoid opening the chamber
door while the chamber is operating at temperatures below room ambient. When a low
temperature test is completed, warm the chamber to at least room ambient before opening the
chamber door and before removing your test sample.
My test specification requires convection heat only. Can I turn the circulator motor off?
NO! This will damage the heating and refrigeration systems and void the warranty. You need a
“gravity convection oven” for that kind of test.

Chapter 6 – Frequently Asked Questions
Page 6-2 TestEquity 115R Temperature Chamber
How accurate is the chamber?
That’s a loaded question! There is no “chamber accuracy” specification as such. The answer
requires an understanding of several performance parameters.
Control Tolerance – The Temperature Controller uses a thermocouple control sensor, which is
located in the discharge airflow. Control tolerance is a measure of how much the temperature
varies after stabilization at the control sensor. It is a measure of the relative variations, NOT the
absolute accuracy of the readout. The control tolerance specification for this chamber is ±0.5°C,
or a total of 1°C. For example, the temperature set point may be –25.0°C. The actual temperature
varies between –25.4°C and –24.5°C. This corresponds to –0.4°C and +0.5°C or a total of 0.9°C
of RELATIVE variations. These specifications are for an empty chamber. The addition of a test
sample may affect the control variations. In some instances, the test sample will reduce these
variations.
Uniformity – Also known as Gradients. This is a measure of variations in temperature at
different locations throughout the chamber interior, at the same time, after stabilization. The
uniformity specification for this chamber is ±1.0°C or a total of 2°C, when measured at least 3"
away from the chamber interior walls. These specifications are for an empty chamber. The
addition of a test sample may affect the temperature uniformity. For example, an energized test
sample will produce a higher temperature near the sample.
Controller Accuracy – This is the ability of the temperature controller to accurately display a
temperature measurement when compared to a standard. The controller display accuracy is
±1.66°C. However, the total measurement accuracy in the chamber includes the thermocouple
sensor wire accuracy. Thermocouple wire accuracy is ±1°C or 0.75% of reading, whichever is
greater. Therefore, total system accuracy over the chamber’s operating range can be as much as
±2.66°C, although the typical accuracy is often better than ±1.0°C.
Can I tilt the chamber to move it?
You should be able to tilt the chamber 45 degrees to move it. After tilting it and moving it into
place, perform the steps as outlined in “How to inspect the refrigeration machinery
compartment” and “How to check the refrigerant charge” before placing the chamber back into
service to make sure that no damage has occurred.
I’m not going to use the chamber for a while. Is there anything I should do to prepare it for
storage?
Perform ALL the steps in the Preventive Maintenance Schedule before placing the chamber into
storage. This will ensure that the chamber will be ready to operate when it is taken out of storage.
If the chamber has a problem and is still under warranty, these problems should be resolved
before being placed into storage, since the warranty period starts from the date of shipment. The
chamber should be stored in a conditioned environment. Do not store it outside or where it will
be subjected to dirt or excessive moisture.
I haven’t used the chamber for a while. Is there anything I should do to prepare it for operation?
Perform ALL the steps in the Preventive Maintenance Schedule before placing the chamber back
into service. This will ensure that nothing has been damaged and that a leak has not developed.

Chapter 6 – Frequently Asked Questions
TestEquity 115R Temperature Chamber Page 6-3
Can the person who services our air conditioning also service the chamber?
Probably not. Most air conditioning mechanics are not familiar with low-temperature cascade
refrigeration systems. While this chamber is relatively easy to maintain and repair, most air
conditioning mechanics do not have the necessary refrigerants and may not be familiar with the
microprocessor-based controls. This chamber should only be serviced by a qualified mechanic
that is familiar with low-temperature cascade refrigeration systems. Call TestEquity to
recommend one in your area, or to check if the one you would like to use is qualified.
Can/Should I put a filter in front of the condenser air inlet?
No, TestEquity does not recommend this. Just follow the maintenance procedures and clean the
condenser fins periodically.
How often should I charge the refrigeration system?
This chamber uses a closed-loop refrigeration system. Just like your refrigerator at home, it does
not need periodic charging. If the charge is low, this means that there is a leak. Leaks should be
repaired before recharging.
What kind of Freon does the chamber use?
The word Freon
™
is a Chemours (formerly DuPont) registered trademark and is incorrectly used
as a generic term for refrigerants. The high-stage system uses refrigerant R-404A, which is also
known as Freon
™
HP62. The low-stage system uses refrigerant R-508B, which is also known as
Freon
™
95.