TestEquity 123C Operation manual

Copyright © 2011-2018 TestEquity LLC Rev. 2.2, February 1, 2018
Model 123C
Temperature Chamber
Serial Number 330218 and above
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 __________________________________________________________1-2
Chapter 2 – Installation ______________________________________________________ 2-1
Uncrating_______________________________________________________________________2-1
Preparation For Use ______________________________________________________________2-1
Installation Location _____________________________________________________________2-2
Condensate Drain ________________________________________________________________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
Protecting an Energized Test Sample _______________________________________________________ 4-3
Chapter 5 – Purge ___________________________________________________________ 5-1
Introduction ____________________________________________________________________5-1
GN2 (Gaseous Nitrogen) Installation (Option TE-1239) ________________________________________ 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 123C Chamber Specifications ________________________________________________7-1
Chapter 8 – Maintenance _____________________________________________________ 8-1
Preventive Maintenance Intervals __________________________________________________8-1
Daily or As Needed_____________________________________________________________________ 8-1
Every 3 Months________________________________________________________________________ 8-1
Every 6 Months________________________________________________________________________ 8-1
Every 12 Months_______________________________________________________________________ 8-1

Table of Contents
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 Inspect the Refrigeration Machinery Compartment ______________________________________ 8-3
How to Verify the Performance ___________________________________________________________ 8-4
How to Inspect the Electrical Compartment __________________________________________________ 8-5
How to Clean the Condenser______________________________________________________________ 8-5
How to Verify the Temperature Calibration __________________________________________________ 8-6
Theory of Operation______________________________________________________________8-7
Troubleshooting _________________________________________________________________8-9
Refrigeration System Charging Instructions _________________________________________8-11
R-404A High-Stage Charge _____________________________________________________________ 8-11
R-508B Low-Stage Charge ______________________________________________________________ 8-11
Recommended Spare Parts _______________________________________________________8-12
Major Electrical Parts ___________________________________________________________8-13
Major Refrigeration Parts ________________________________________________________8-14
General Parts __________________________________________________________________8-14
EZ-Zone Limit Controller Setup Parameters ________________________________________8-15
Setup Menu __________________________________________________________________________ 8-15
Operations Menu______________________________________________________________________ 8-15
Chapter 9 - Warranty________________________________________________________ 9-1
Chapter 10 – Drawings______________________________________________________ 10-1

Chapter 1 – Safety
TestEquity 123C 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.

Chapter 1 – Safety
Page 1-2 TestEquity 123C Temperature Chamber
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 F4T/F4 alarm function as the main protection device.
The independent EZ-Zone Limit Controller functions as the main protection
device.
!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.
!CAUTION: To prevent damage to your test sample and the chamber’s compressors, do not
exceed the live load rating of 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 which generate
surface temperatures over 1000ºF. This is NOT an explosion-proof chamber.
!WARNING: Do NOT put items in the chamber which 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.

Chapter 2 – Installation
TestEquity 123C 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.
The pallet is designed with ramps so the chamber can be rolled off without the need for a forklift
or pallet jack.
1. Cut the two metal bands that hold the packaging to the pallet.
2. Remove the top cover.
3. Remove the plastic fasteners that hold the outer box together and remove the outer box.
4. Locate the retainer in the front of the pallet. Remove the two screws, then remove the
retainer. Keep in mind that there is also Velcro that holds the retainer in place. Place the
retainer in the front of the pallet on the floor.
5. Locate the two ramps under the chamber and remove them.
6. Attach the ramps to the front of the pallet using the Velcro straps. The retainer will be under
the ramps and act as a support.
7. Carefully roll the chamber off the pallet, onto the ramps. This should be done with at least
two people.
Preparation For Use
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 the power source.
5. Perform following the procedures as described in the Preventive Maintenance section:
a. Inspect the electrical compartment.
b. Inspect the refrigeration machinery compartment.
e. Verify the chamber performance.

Chapter 2 – Installation
Page 2-2 TestEquity 123C Temperature Chamber
Installation Location
The chamber will produce a significant amount of heat during normal operation. Locate the
chamber in a room with adequate ventilation to prevent excessive heat build-up. The chamber
generates a heat load of up to 5,000 btuh during a continuous cool down from a high
temperature.
The chamber must be on a solid and level floor. Allow enough space around the chamber to
permit serviceability and the removal of the service access panels, which are located on each side
and the rear.
!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 chamber has a condensate drain connection on the rear of the chamber. This provides a way
to remove condensate that may accumulate in the chamber during low-to-high 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, the ice or frost will turn into water.
The fitting accommodates a ½-inch male pipe thread. The chamber drain water is not under
pressure, and is fed by gravity. Therefore, it must empty into an 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.

Chapter 3 – Operation
TestEquity 123C Temperature Chamber Page 3-1
Chapter 3 – Operation
Introduction
The Front Panel Switches control power to the chamber. The Front Panel Lights provide
indication of heat and cool functions.
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 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 appropriate high and low temperature safety limits on the Limit Controller.
3. Enter the desired set points (or program) 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 123C 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 are
operational. When both the Power and Conditioning Switches are ON, the chamber’s
conditioning system will function to maintain the temperature set point. The Conditioning
Switch does not illuminate.
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.