TestEquity TEC1 Operation manual

Model TEC1
Thermoelectric Temperature Chamber
For TEC1 s/n 0100222 and above
For TEC1-001 s/n 1100168 and above
Operation and Service Manual
TestEquity LLC
6100 Condor Drive
Moorpark, CA 93021
Support: 877-512-3457 Toll Free
805-480-0636
Corporate: 800-732-3457
805-498-9933
http://www.testequity.com
Copyright © 2010-2018 TestEquity LLC Rev. 2.1 – April 9, 2018

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
Unpacking______________________________________________________________________________ 2-1
Preparation For Use _____________________________________________________________________ 2-1
Installation Location _____________________________________________________________________ 2-1
Condensate Drain _______________________________________________________________________ 2-2
Input Voltage Configuration_______________________________________________________________ 2-2
Chapter 3 – Operation............................................................................................................... 3-1
Introduction ____________________________________________________________________________ 3-1
Summary of Chamber Operation___________________________________________________________ 3-1
Front Panel Switches _____________________________________________________________________ 3-1
POWER Switch................................................................................................................................................ 3-1
TEMP Switch................................................................................................................................................... 3-1
Convenience Outlet ______________________________________________________________________ 3-1
Loading the Chamber ____________________________________________________________________ 3-2
Performance Considerations ............................................................................................................................ 3-3
Internal Test Fixtures ....................................................................................................................................... 3-3
Chapter 4 – Temperature Controller....................................................................................... 4-1
Introduction ____________________________________________________________________________ 4-1
Temperature Controller Keys and Displays __________________________________________________ 4-2
Home Page _____________________________________________________________________________ 4-3
Home Page Parameters .................................................................................................................................... 4-3
Temperature Set Point Control......................................................................................................................... 4-3
Profile Programming_____________________________________________________________________ 4-4
Operations Page _________________________________________________________________________ 4-5
Setup Page _____________________________________________________________________________ 4-5
Factory Page____________________________________________________________________________ 4-5
Computer Interface ______________________________________________________________________ 4-6
RS-232C........................................................................................................................................................... 4-6
GPIB (optional)................................................................................................................................................ 4-6
Ethernet (optional) ........................................................................................................................................... 4-6
GPIB and Ethernet Programming .................................................................................................................... 4-7
Chapter 5 – Frequently Asked Questions................................................................................ 5-1
Chapter 6 – Specifications......................................................................................................... 6-1
Model TEC1 Chamber Specifications _______________________________________________________ 6-1

Table of Contents
Chapter 7 – Maintenance .......................................................................................................... 7-1
Preventive Maintenance Schedule __________________________________________________________ 7-1
Daily or As Needed.......................................................................................................................................... 7-1
Every 6 Months................................................................................................................................................ 7-1
Every 12 Months.............................................................................................................................................. 7-1
How to clean the chamber interior and exterior............................................................................................... 7-1
How to verify the chamber performance.......................................................................................................... 7-2
How to verify the calibration ........................................................................................................................... 7-3
Theory of Operation _____________________________________________________________________ 7-4
Thermoelectric Cooling and Heating ............................................................................................................... 7-4
Temperature Control ........................................................................................................................................ 7-4
Troubleshooting _________________________________________________________________________ 7-5
Recommended Spare Parts ________________________________________________________________ 7-6
Major Electrical Parts ____________________________________________________________________ 7-6
General Replaceable Parts ________________________________________________________________ 7-6
EZ-Zone Temperature Controller Setup Parameters __________________________________________ 7-7
EZ-Zone Setup Menu Parameters .................................................................................................................... 7-8
EZ-Zone Custom Menu Parameters............................................................................................................... 7-10
EZ-Zone Operations Page Parameters ........................................................................................................... 7-10
Chapter 8 – Warranty ............................................................................................................... 8-1
Chapter 9 – Drawings................................................................................................................ 9-1

Chapter 1 – Safety
TestEquity TEC1 Thermoelectric 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 grounded/polarized plug. To prevent a
shock hazard, DO NOT defeat the ground or polarization feature. This device
MUST be plugged into a properly grounded and polarized outlet.
!CAUTION: This chamber is designed for operation in a conditioned laboratory
environment. Operation above 27°C (80°F) will have a significant impact on
low-temperature operation.
!CAUTION: For optimum performance, there should be a minimum of 4-inch clearance
between the fans on the back of the chamber and a wall. Operation of the
chamber directly against a wall will result in 25% less cooling capacity.
Operation Safety Notices
!CAUTION: The “EZ-Zone PM 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
PM6R1CC-2AAAAAA, as described on page 112 of the “EZ-Zone PM
User’s Manual” are applicable.
!CAUTION: The EZ-Zone Temperature Controller has been properly configured by
TestEquity to match the chamber’s system requirements and to perform
optimally over a wide range of operating conditions. Improper modifications
to these setup values can result in erratic performance and unreliable
operation. Do not attempt to modify the setup values, unless you thoroughly
understand what you are doing. If there is any doubt, please call TestEquity
before proceeding.

Chapter 1 – Safety
Page 1-2 TestEquity TEC1 Thermoelectric Temperature Chamber
!CAUTION: NEVER select “Factory Default” in the Diagnostic Menu. “Factory Defaults”
are NOT the TestEquity configuration parameters for this chamber. If you
select “Factory Defaults”, you must reconfigure all System and Operation
Parameters as documented in the TestEquity manual, NOT the “EZ-Zone PM
User’s Manual”.
!CAUTION: The EZ-Zone Temperature Controller “Alarm” function is NOT used in the
chamber and is NOT connected.
!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.
!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 cooling system fails.
You are responsible for providing thermal protection devices to your test
sample.
!CAUTION: To prevent damage to your test sample and the thermoelectric devices, do not
exceed the live load rating of the chamber.
Live Load Rating
Temp
+37°C
+23°C
+15°C
+10°C
Watts
90 W
50 W
35 W
20 W

Chapter 2 – Installation
TestEquity TEC1 Thermoelectric Temperature Chamber Page 2-1
Chapter 2 – Installation
Unpacking
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. Carefully lift the chamber out of the box. This should be done by two people, since the unit
weighs 52 pounds.
5. Do NOT handle the chamber by the thermoelectric modules which protrude from the rear.
Preparation For Use
2WARNING: The power cord is equipped with a grounded/polarized plug. To prevent a
shock hazard, DO NOT defeat the ground or polarization feature. This device
MUST be plugged into a properly grounded and polarized outlet.
1. Inspect the chamber for signs of shipping damage.
2. Read this entire manual.
3. Select a suitable location to place the chamber for use.
4. Plug the power cord to a 115 VAC, 60 Hz power source (or 230 V, 50 Hz if configured for
export use. See “Input Voltage Configuration” on the next page).
5. Perform following 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.
Installation Location
!CAUTION: This chamber is designed for operation in a conditioned laboratory
environment. Operation above 27°C (80°F) ambient room temperature will
have a significant impact on the ability to reach low temperature and is NOT
recommended.
!CAUTION: For optimum performance, there should be a minimum of 4-inch clearance
between the fans on the back of the chamber and a wall. Operation of the
chamber directly against a wall will completely block airflow to the fans,
resulting in 25% less cooling capacity.

Chapter 2 – Installation
Page 2-2 TestEquity TEC1 Thermoelectric Temperature Chamber
Condensate Drain
Any time the ambient air is subjected to temperatures below the dew point, moisture will
condense out of the air.
Example 1: If the room temperature is 23°C (74°F) and the humidity is ≥45%RH, moisture will
condense if the chamber is held at 10°C (51°F).
Example 2: If the room temperature is 23°C (74°F) and the room humidity is ≥59%RH,
moisture will condense if the chamber is held at 15°C (58°F).
The condensate drain connection is located on the rear of the chamber. The chamber drain water
is not under pressure and is fed by gravity. Therefore, it must empty into a container. The drain
fitting accommodates a 3/8-inch ID hose.
Under most controlled laboratory or office conditions, there will be no condensation and the
Condensate Drain can be ignored.
Input Voltage Configuration
(Does not apply to model TEC1-001, which is only rated for 115V input)
This chamber can be configured for 115V (88 to 132VAC) or 230 V (176 to 264VAC), 50/60 Hz
input. The chamber ships pre-configured for the correct input voltage based on the county it
ships to. To change the input voltage, use the following procedure:
1. Make sure the chamber is NOT plugged into the power source.
2. Remove the 6 screws on the perimeter of the right side panel.
3. Locate the red voltage selection switch on the DC power supply on the side which normally
faces up.
4. Select either 115 V or 230 V as applicable.
5. Reattach the right side panel, ensuring that no wires are pinched.
6. Plug the chamber into the power source.
7. Turn the POWER switch ON.
8. On the Temperature Controller, enter the Setup Menu\Global Menu. Change the AC Line
Frequency (AC.FL prompt) to either 50 or 60 (Hz) as appropriate. See EZ-Zone Temperature
Controller Setup Parameters in Chapter 7 for instructions on how to navigate to this menu.

Chapter 3 – Operation
TestEquity TEC1 Thermoelectric Temperature Chamber Page 3-1
Chapter 3 – Operation
Introduction
The Front Panel Switches control power to the Temperature Controller and all chamber
functions. The Temperature Controller controls the temperature of the chamber. The chamber
automatically heats or cools as required based on the deviation from temperature set point and
according to the PID tuning values.
Summary of Chamber Operation
1. Turn the POWER Switch ON.
2. Enter the desired temperature set point on the Temperature Controller.
3. Load your test sample in the chamber and close the door.
4. Turn the TEMP Switch ON.
5. When you are completed with your test, turn the TEMP Switch OFF to ensure the longest
possible life for the fans, while reducing power consumption and audible noise. You may
also turn the POWER Switch OFF.
Front Panel Switches
POWER Switch
The POWER Switch controls power to the entire chamber.
TEMP Switch
The TEMP Switch enables all chamber functions.
When the POWER Switch is ON and the TEMP Switch is OFF, only the Temperature Controller
is operational.
When both the POWER and TEMP Switches are ON, the chamber fans will turn on and the
temperature conditioning system will function to maintain the temperature set point.
Convenience Outlet
(Applies to model TEC1-001 only)
The rear panel has a convenience outlet. It is provided for the AC power adapter for the GPIB or
Ethernet interface converter only. The power is unswitched and is the same voltage as the outlet
that the chamber is plugged into. Thus, the TEC1-001 is rated for 115 V input only.

Chapter 3 – Operation
Page 3-2 TestEquity TEC1 Thermoelectric Temperature Chamber
Loading the 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.
!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 cooling system fails.
!CAUTION: To prevent damage to your test sample and the chamber’s thermoelectric
devices, do not exceed the live load rating of the chamber.
Live Load Rating
Temp
+37°C
+23°C
+15°C
+10°C
Watts
90 W
50 W
35 W
20 W