Thermo Scientific ULT185-5-A User manual

Benchtop Ultra-Low
Temperature Freezers
Installation and Operation
326684H01 Rev. B May 2015
Visit us online to register your warranty
www.thermoscientific.com/labwarranty

IMPORTANT Read this instruction manual. Failure to follow the instructions in this manual can result in
damage to the unit, injury to operating personnel, and poor equipment performance.
CAUTION All internal adjustments and maintenance must be performed by qualified service personnel.
Material in this manual is for informational purposes only. The contents and the product it describes are subject
to change without notice. Thermo Fisher Scientific makes no representations or warranties with respect to this
manual. In no event shall Thermo be held liable for any damages, direct or incidental, arising from or related to
the use of this manual.
© 2014 Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. All rights reserved.

Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Introduction..............................................................................1
Safety Precautions....................................................................2
General Recommendations .....................................................4
Initial Loading ......................................................................4
Pre-Installation.........................................................................5
Unpacking ............................................................................5
Installation................................................................................6
Location ...............................................................................6
Wiring ..................................................................................6
Intended Use ........................................................................7
Operation (Benchtop Freezer)................................................8
Control Panel Features .........................................................8
Start Up ................................................................................9
Maintenance and Troubleshooting Contents ......................10
Condenser Maintenance .....................................................10
Gasket Maintenance ...........................................................10
Defrost Procedures .............................................................10
Alarm Battery Maintenance ...............................................11
Chart Recorders (Optional)..................................................12
Set Up and Operation .........................................................12
Power Supply .....................................................................13
Changing Chart Paper ........................................................13
Calibration Adjustment ......................................................13
Warranty ................................................................................14
Warranty (International) ......................................................15
Electrical Specifications .....................................................6

Introduction
Thermo Scientific Benchtop Ultra-Low Temperature Freezers Installation and Operation Manual 1
1 Introduction
Standard features include:
• Hermetically sealed industrial-grade compressors
• Foamed-in-place CFC-free urethane insulation
• All-steel cabinet with high-impact epoxy finish for easy cleaning
•Thermal insulated interior sublid
• Heavy-duty counterbalanced lid with key lock
• Solid-state temperature control system with adjustable setpoints
• Integrated preset over temperature safety alarm with battery backup
• Digital temperature display with 1ºC resolution
• Key-operated main power switch
6-inch temperature recorders are available as optional accessory.
Ultra-low temperature Benchtop freezers are designed for personal or
clinical trial applications. They have a compact footprint of 30.75"(78
cm)W x 24.25"(62 cm)D without handle and 25.5"(65 cm) with handle x
20"H with a 1 cu. ft. (28L) capacity.

Safety Precautions
2 Installation and Operation Manual Thermo Scientific Benchtop Ultra-Low Temperature Freezers
2 Safety Precautions In this manual and on labels attached to this product, the words DANGER,
WARNING and CAUTION mean the following:
DANGER: An immediately hazardous situation, which if not avoided, will
result in death or serious injury.
WARNING: A potentially hazardous situation, which if not avoided, could
result in serious injury or death.
CAUTION: A potentially hazardous situation which, if not avoided, may
result in minor or moderate injury or damage to the equipment.
CAUTION (without Safety Alert Symbol) indicates a situation that may
result in property damage.
This symbol indicates the potential for electrical shock or death by
electrocution if safety precautions are not followed.
Cold Surfaces (-86C) Bodily contact with samples or metal racks pose a
serious and immediate frost bite risk. Use appropriate Personal Protection
Equipment. In case of accidental contact, seek medical evaluation.
Handling samples stored at -86 C poses an immediate frost bite risk upon
body contact. Use appropriate insulated gloves for handling samples and
racks.
DANGER: This unit is not intended for use in classified hazardous
locations, nor to be used for the storage of flammable inventory.

Safety Precautions
Thermo Scientific Benchtop Ultra-Low Temperature Freezers Installation and Operation Manual 3
Before installing, using or maintaining this product, please be sure to read
this manual and product warning labels carefully. If the equipment is used
in a manner not specified by the manufacturer, protection provided by the
unit may be impaired.
Below are important safety precautions that apply to this product:
• Use this product only in the way described in the product literature and
in this manual. Before using it, verify that this product is suitable for its
intended use.
• Do not modify system components, especially the controller. Use OEM
exact replacement equipment or parts. Before use, confirm that the
product has not been altered in any way.
• Your unit must be properly grounded in conformity with national and
local electrical codes. Never connect the unit to overloaded power
sources.
• Disconnect the unit from all power sources before cleaning, trouble
shooting, or performing other maintenance on the product or its
controls.

General Recommendations
4 Installation and Operation Manual Thermo Scientific Benchtop Ultra-Low Temperature Freezers
3 General
Recommendations
The refrigeration system is designed to maintain ultra-low
temperatures with safety in an ambient environment up to +32°C (90°F),
only when the freezer is used for storage.
Note This unit is not a “rapid-freeze” device. Freezing large quantities of
liquid, or high-water content items, will temporarily increase the chamber
temperature and will cause the compressors to operate for a prolonged time
period. Attempting to utilize this freezer improperly may jeopardize safety or
cause undue stress or damage to the refrigeration compressors.
Avoid opening the lid for extended time periods since chamber temperature
air will escape rapidly. Room air, which is higher in humidity, replacing
chamber air may cause frost to develop in the chamber more rapidly.
After reading and completing the Safety Considerations, Pre-Installation,
Installation, and Operation sections of this manual, turn the Key Switch to
the POWER ON position.
3.1 Initial Loading When loading the unit with “pre-frozen” materials, the operating
temperature set point of the freezer should be set no lower than the
temperature of the “pre-frozen” material. Allow the unit to operate at the set
point for eight hours. The set point may then be lowered in increments no
greater than 10°C. Allow a stabilizing period of eight hours for each ten
degree adjustment, until the desired set point is achieved.
Note Failure to follow these procedures or overloading the unit may cause undue
stress on the compressors or jeopardize user product safety.

Pre-Installation
Thermo Scientific Benchtop Ultra-Low Temperature Freezers Installation and Operation Manual 5
4 Pre-Installation
4.1 Unpacking At delivery, examine the exterior for physical damage while the carrier’s
representative is present. If exterior damage is present, carefully unpack and
inspect the unit and all accessories for damage.
If there is no exterior damage, unpack and inspect the equipment within five
days of delivery. If you find any damage, keep the packing materials and
immediately report the damage to the carrier. Do not return goods without
written authorization. When submitting a claim for shipping damage, request
that the carrier inspect the shipping container and equipment.
Note Do not discard the sublid. The sublid is necessary to maintain correct
temperature, moisture control, and economy of operation.

Installation
6 Installation and Operation Manual Thermo Scientific Benchtop Ultra-Low Temperature Freezers
5 Installation
WARNING: Do not exceed the electrical and temperature ratings printed
on the data plate located on the lower left side of the unit.
CAUTION: Improper operation of the equipment could result in
dangerous conditions. To preclude hazard and minimize risk, follow all
instructions and operate within the design limits noted on the dataplate.
5.1 Location Install the unit in a level area free from vibration with a minimum of six
inches of space on the sides, rear, and top. Allow enough clearance so that
the lid can swing open at least 90°.
Do not position the equipment in direct sunlight or near heating diffusers,
radiators, or other sources of heat. The ambient temperature range at the
location must be 59 to 90°F (15 to 32°C).
CAUTION: To allow for proper air flow, a minimum of six inches of
clearance space is required behind the freezer.
5.2 Wiring
CAUTION: Connect the equipment to the correct power source. Incorrect
voltage can result in severe damage to the equipment.
WARNING: For personal safety and trouble-free operation, this unit must
be properly grounded before it is used. Failure to ground the equipment
may cause personal injury or damage to the equipment. Always conform to
the National Electrical Code and local codes. Do not connect the unit to
overloaded power lines.
5.3 Electrical
Specifications
The models and voltage types are as specified in the following table:
Table 1. Electrical Specifications
Model Voltage Frequency Current
ULT185-5-A 115V 60Hz 16A, 1Phase
ULT185-5-V 230V 50Hz 12A, 1Phase

Thermo Scientific Benchtop Ultra-Low Temperature Freezers Installation and Operation Manual 7
Figure 1
Always connect the freezer to a dedicated (separate) circuit. Each freezer is
equipped with a service cord and plug designed to connect it to a power
outlet which delivers the correct voltage. The supply voltage must be within
±10% of the nominal voltage.
5.4 Intended Use The -80°C freezer described in this manual are high performance units for
professional use. These products are intended for use as cold storage in
research use and as a general purpose laboratory freezer, storing samples or
inventory at operating temperatures between -50°C and -80°C.
It is not considered a medical device and has therefore not been registered
with a medical device regulatory body (e.g. FDA): that is, it has not been
evaluated for the storage of samples for diagnostic use or for samples to be
re-introduced to the body.
Samples stored in this unit are extremely cold as are internal surfaces.
Contact with bare skin may cause frost bite. Always use proper insulated
gloves for handling samples
Installation
Your freezer is equipped with NEMA plug or continental EU plug (refer to
Figure 1).

Operation (Benchtop Freezer)
8 Installation and Operation Manual Thermo Scientific Benchtop Ultra-Low Temperature Freezers
6 Operation
(Benchtop Freezer)
6.1 Control Panel
Features
Before the initial start up, take some time to become familiar with the
controls on your freezer. Figure 2 illustrates the control panel for the -80°C
Benchtop Freezer (refer to Figure 2).
Figure 2. Benchtop Freezer Control Panel
1. LED digital temperature display.
2. Recessed temperature control setpoint adjustment.
3. Power On/Alarm On switch.
4. Audio Silence switch.
5. Temperature Failure LED indicator.
6. Setpoint Display button.

Operation (Benchtop Freezer)
Thermo Scientific Benchtop Ultra-Low Temperature Freezers Installation and Operation Manual 9
6.2 Start Up Refer to Figure 2 as you complete the following procedures.
6.2.1 Turning the Power On To start up the Benchtop Freezer, complete the following steps:
1. Plug the freezer into the power outlet (refer to Section 5.2 ).
2. Turn the key switch to the POWER ON position. The digital
temperature display shows the cabinet temperature, the temperature
failure light illuminates and the audio alarm sounds.
3. To silence the audio alarm, press the Audio Silence switch to ON
position.
6.2.2 Setting the Cabinet
Temperature
To set the cabinet temperature, complete the following steps:
1. Insert a small screwdriver into the slotted screw labeled Temperature
Setpoint and simultaneously press and hold the Setpoint Display
button. The temperature display changes to read the existing setpoint
value.
2. Turn the setpoint screw (clockwise for a colder setting and
counterclockwise for a warmer setting) until the desired setpoint shows
in the digital temperature display.
3. Release the Setpoint Display button. The digital temperature display
returns to the cabinet temperature.
6.2.3 Warm Alarm The alarm is preset at the factory: For units designed to operate at -80°C,
the alarm setpoint is 90% of the freezer temperature setpoint.
To activate the audio alarm, wait until the freezer reaches operating
temperature and turn the Audio Silence switch to OFF position.
If the cabinet temperature rises above the alarm setpoint, the temperature
failure light illuminates and the audio alarm sounds.
To silence the audio alarm, press the Audio Silence switch to ON position.

Maintenance and Troubleshooting Contents
10 Installation and Operation Manual Thermo Scientific Benchtop Ultra-Low Temperature Freezers
7 Maintenance and
Troubleshooting
Contents
Note Unauthorized repair of your freezer will invalidate your warranty.
Contact Unity Lab Service at 1-800-438-4851 for additional information.
CAUTION: Maintenance should only be performed by trained personnel.
7.1 Condenser
Maintenance
Clean the condenser at least every six months; more often if the laboratory
area is extremely dust prone.
To clean the condenser, complete the following steps:
1. Pull the grill open.
2. Check the fans. If a fan is not operating, contact an Authorized Service
Company immediately.
3. Vacuum the condenser.
4. Close the grill.
7.2 Gasket Maintenance Periodically check the gaskets around the lid for punctures or tears. Leaks
are indicated by a streak of frost which forms at the point of gasket failure.
Make sure that the cabinet is level.
Keep the lid gaskets clean and frost free by wiping gently with a soft cloth.
7.3 Defrost Procedures To defrost the equipment, complete the following steps:
1. Remove all products and place in another cabinet.
2. Turn off the unit and allow the interior to warm to room temperature.
3. Dispose of the ice and wipe out any water standing in the bottom of the
cabinet.
If there is freezer odor, wash the interior with a solution of baking soda and
warm water. Clean the exterior with any common household cleaning wax.

Maintenance and Troubleshooting Contents
Thermo Scientific Benchtop Ultra-Low Temperature Freezers Installation and Operation Manual 11
7.4 Alarm Battery
Maintenance
Have a technician check the condition of the alarm battery at least once a
year.
To replace the alarm battery, complete the following steps:
1. Remove the panel on the left side of the freezer. The alarm battery is
located directly behind the grill. The terminals are the “push on” type.
2. Grasp the terminal with pliers and work it gently back and forth while
pulling it off. The fittings are tight.
3. Remove the battery and put the new battery in place.
Note You may have to cut a strip of silicone rubber in order to remove the
battery.
4. Connect the battery terminals and replace the front grill.

Chart Recorders (Optional)
12 Installation and Operation Manual Thermo Scientific Benchtop Ultra-Low Temperature Freezers
8 Chart Recorders
(Optional)
Panel-mounted six-inch seven-day recorders are available as optional accessories.
8.1 Set Up and
Operation
To prepare the recorder to function properly, complete the following steps:
1. Open the recorder door to access the recorder.
2. Connect the nine volt DC battery located at the recorder’s upper right
corner. This battery provides backup power.
3. Install clean chart paper (refer to Section 8.3).
4. Remove the plastic cap from the pen stylus and close the recorder door.
Recorder operation begins when the system is powered on. The recorder may
not respond until the system reaches temperature within the recorder’s range.
9 Volt Battery
Imprinting
Stylus
Reference
Mark
Hub-Nut and
Retaining Wire Chart
Chart Buttons
Figure 3. Chart Recorder
Figure 4. Chart Buttons
IMPORTANT: Do not use sharp or pointed objects to depress the
chart buttons. This may cause permanent damage to the recorder.

Chart Recorders (Optional)
Thermo Scientific Benchtop Ultra-Low Temperature Freezers Installation and Operation Manual 13
8.2 Power Supply The recorder normally uses AC power when the system is operating. If AC
power fails, the LED indicator flashes to alert you to a power failure. The
recorder continues sensing cabinet temperature and the chart continues
turning for approximately 24 hours with back-up power provided by the
nine-volt battery.
The LED indicator glows continuously when main power is functioning
and the battery is charged.
When the battery is low, the LED flashes to indicate that the battery needs
to be charged.
8.3 Changing Chart
Paper
To change the chart paper, complete the following steps:
1. Locate the pressure sensitive buttons at the front, upper left of the
recorder panel.
2. Press and hold the Change Chart button (#3) for one second.The pen
will move off the scale.
3. Unscrew the center nut, remove the old chart paper, and install new
chart paper. Carefully align the day and time with the reference mark 
(a small groove on the left side of the recorder panel).
4. Replace the center nut and make sure it is hand tightened. Press the
Change Chart button again to resume temperature recording.
8.4 Calibration
Adjustment
This recorder has been accurately calibrated at the factory and retains
calibration even during power interruptions. If required however,
adjustments can be made as follows:
1. Run the unit continuously at the control setpoint temperature.
Continue steady operation for at least two hours to provide adequate
time for recorder response.
2. Measure cabinet center temperature with a calibrated temperature monitor.
3. Compare the recorder temperature to the measured cabinet
temperature. If necessary, adjust recorder by pressing the left (#1) and
right (#2) chart buttons.
Note The stylus does not begin to move until the button is held for five seconds.

Warranty
14 Installation and Operation Manual Thermo Scientific Benchtop Ultra-Low Temperature Freezers
9 Warranty Be sure to register your warranty online:
www.thermoscientific.com/labwarranty
THERMO FISHER SCIENTIFIC USA FREEZER WARRANTY
The Warranty Period starts two weeks from the date your equipment is
shipped from our facility. This allows for shipping time so the warranty will
go into effect at approximately the same time your equipment is delivered.
The warranty protection extends to any subsequent owner during the
warranty period.
During the first two years of the warranty period, component parts proven
to be non-conforming in materials or workmanship will be repaired or
replaced at Thermo's expense, labor included. Installation and calibration is
not covered by this warranty agreement. The Technical Services Department
must be contacted for warranty determination and direction prior to any
work being performed. Expendable items, i.e., glass, filters, pilot lights, light
bulbs and door gaskets are excluded from this warranty.
Replacement or repair of component parts or equipment under this
warranty shall not extend the warranty to either the equipment or to the
component part beyond the original two year warranty period. The
Technical Services Department must give prior approval for the return of
any components or equipment.
THIS WARRANTY IS EXCLUSIVE AND IN LIEU OF ALL OTHER
WARRANTIES, WHETHER WRITTEN, ORAL, OR IMPLIED. NO
WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A
PARTICULAR PURPOSE SHALL APPLY. Thermo shall not be liable for
any indirect or consequential damages including, without limitation,
damages relating to lost profits or loss of products.
Your local Thermo Scientific Sales Office is ready to help with
comprehensive site preparation information before your equipment arrives.
Printed instruction manuals carefully detail equipment installation,
operation, and preventive maintenance.
If equipment service is required, please call your Technical Services
Department at 1-800-438-4851 (USA and Canada). We're ready to answer
your questions on equipment warranty, operation, maintenance, service,
and special applications. Outside the USA, contact your local Thermo
Scientific office or distributor for warranty information.

10 Warranty
(International)
THERMO FISHER SCIENTIFIC FREEZER INTERNATIONAL
WARRANTY
The Warranty Period starts two months from the date your equipment is
shipped from our facility. This allows for shipping time so the warranty will
go into effect at approximately the same time your equipment is delivered.
The warranty protection extends to any subsequent owner during the
warranty period. Dealers who stock our equipment are allowed an
additional four months for delivery and installation, providing the warranty
card is completed and returned to the Technical Services Department.
During the first two years of the warranty period, component parts proven
to be non-conforming in materials or workmanship will be repaired or
replaced at Thermo's expense, labor excluded. Installation and calibration is
not covered by this warranty agreement. The Technical Services Department
must be contacted for warranty determination and direction prior to any
work being performed. Expendable items, i.e., glass, filters, pilot lights, light
bulbs and door gaskets are excluded from this warranty.
Replacement or repair of component parts or equipment under this
warranty shall not extend the warranty to either the equipment or to the
component part beyond the original two year warranty period. The
Technical Services Department must give prior approval for the return of
any components or equipment.
THIS WARRANTY IS EXCLUSIVE AND IN LIEU OF ALL OTHER
WARRANTIES, WHETHER WRITTEN, ORAL, OR IMPLIED. NO
WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A
PARTICULAR PURPOSE SHALL APPLY.
Thermo shall not be liable for any indirect or consequential damages
including, without limitation, damages relating to lost profits or loss of
products.
Your local Thermo Scientific Sales Office is ready to help with
comprehensive site preparation information before your equipment arrives.
Printed instruction manuals carefully detail equipment installation,
operation, and preventive maintenance.
If equipment service is required, please contact your local Thermo Scientific
office or local distributor.
We're ready to answer your questions on equipment warranty, operation,
maintenance, service, and special applications. Outside the USA, contact
your local Thermo Scientific office or distributor for warranty information.
Warranty (International)
Thermo Scientific Benchtop Ultra-Low Temperature Freezers Installation and Operation Manual 15

WEEE Compliance
WEEE Compliance. This product is required to comply with the European Union’s Waste
Electrical & Electronic Equipment (WEEE) Directive 2012/19/EU. It is marked with the
following symbol. Thermo Fisher Scientific has contracted with one or more
recycling/disposal companies in each EU Member State, and this product should be
disposed of or recycled through them. Further information on our compliance with these
Directives, the recyclers in your country, and information on Thermo Scientific products
which may assist the detection of substances subject to the RoHS Directive are available at
www.thermo.com/
Great Britain
WEEE Konformittät. Dieses Produkt muss die EU Waste Electrical & Electronic
Equipment (WEEE) Richtlinie 2012/19/EU erfüllen. Das Produkt ist durch folgendes
Symbol gekennzeichnet. Thermo Fisher Scientific hat Vereinbarungen getroffen mit
Verwertungs-/Entsorgungsanlagen in allen EU-Mitgliederstaaten und dieses Produkt muss
durch diese Firmen widerverwetet oder entsorgt werden. Mehr Informationen über die
Einhaltung dieser Anweisungen durch Thermo Scientific, dieVerwerter und Hinweise die
Ihnen nützlich sein können, die Thermo Fisher Scientific Produkte zu identizfizieren, die
unter diese RoHS. Anweisungfallen, finden Sie unter www.thermo.com/
Deutschland
Conformità WEEE. Questo prodotto deve rispondere alla direttiva dell’ Unione Europea
2012/19/EU in merito ai Rifiuti degli Apparecchi Elettrici ed Elettronici (WEEE). 
È marcato col seguente simbolo.Thermo Fischer Scientific ha stipulato contratti con una o
diverse società di riciclaggio/smaltimento in ognuno degli Stati Membri Europei. Questo
prodotto verrà smaltito o riciclato tramite queste medesime. Ulteriori informazioni sulla
conformità di Thermo Fisher Scientific con queste Direttive, l’elenco delle ditte di
riciclaggio nel Vostro paese e informazioni sui prodotti Thermo Scientific che possono
essere utili alla rilevazione di sostanze soggette alla Direttiva RoHS sono disponibili sul sito
www.thermo.com/
Italia
Conformité weee. Ce produit doit être conforme à la directive euro-péenne (2012/19/EU)
des Déchets d’Equipements Electriques et Electroniques (DEEE). Il est marqué par le
symbole suivant. Thermo Fisher Scientific s’est associé avec une ou plusieurs compagnies de
recyclage dans chaque état membre de l’union européenne et ce produit devraitêtre collecté
ou recyclé par celles-ci. Davantage d’informations sur laconformité de Thermo Fisher
Scientific à ces directives, les recycleurs dans votre pays et les informations sur les produits
Thermo Fisher Scientific qui peuvent aider le détection des substances sujettes à la directive
RoHS sont disponibles sur www.thermo.com/
France

Important
For your future reference and when contacting the factory, please have
the following information readily available:
The above information can be found on the dataplate attached to the
equipment. If available, please provide the date purchased, the source
of purchase (manufacturer or specific agent/rep organization), and
purchase order number.
IF YOU NEED ASSISTANCE:
Thermo Scientific products are backed by a global technical support
team ready to support your applications. We also offer cold storage
accessories, including remote alarms, temperature recorders and
validation services. Visit www.thermoscientific.com or call:
Model Number:
Serial Number:
Date Purchased:
USA/Canada Germany international
Sales: [phone] Sales: [phone]
India toll free Germany national toll free
Sales: 1800 22 8374 Sales: 0800 1 536 376
India Italy
Sales: [phone] Sales: [phone]
China Netherlands
Sales: [phone] (or)
[phone] Sales: [phone]
Japan Nordic/Baltic/CIS countries
Sales: [phone] Sales: [phone]
Australia Russia
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