VWR International 1915 Quick start guide

REACH-IN INCUBATOR
MODEL: 1915/1925
INSTALLATION AND OPERATIONAL MANUAL
10/12
4861401
Sheldon Manufacturing Inc. P.O. Box 627 Cornelius, Oregon 97113
EMAIL: [e-mail] INTERNET: http://www.Shellab.com/~Shellab
1-800-322-4897 [phone] FAX [phone]

TABLE OF CONTENTS
SECTION 1.0 RECEIVING AND INSPECTION
SECTION 2.0 INSTALLATION
SECTION 3.0 GRAPHIC SYMBOLS
SECTION 4.0 CONTROL OVERVIEW
SECTION 5.0 OPERATION
SECTION 6.0 CHART RECORDER INSTALLATION
SECTION 7.0 MAINTENANCE
SECTION 8.0 TROUBLESHOOTING
SECTION 9.0 PARTS LIST
UNIT SPECIFICATIONS
SCHEMATICS
These units are general purpose incubators for professional, industrial or educational
use where the preparation or testing of materials is done at approximately atmospheric
pressure and no flammable, volatile or combustible materials are being heated. These
units are not intended for hazardous or household locations or use.

RECEIVING AND INSPECTION
Your satisfaction and safety require a complete understanding of this unit. Read
the instructions thoroughly and be sure all operators are given adequate training
before attempting to put the unit in service. NOTE: This equipment must be used
only for its intended application; any alterations or modifications will VOID your
warranty.
1.1 Inspection: The carrier, when accepting shipment, also accepts responsibility
for safe delivery and is liable for loss or damage. On delivery, inspect for visible
exterior damage, note and describe on the freight bill any damage found, and
enter your claim on the form supplied by the carrier.
1.2 Inspect for concealed loss or damage on the unit itself, both interior and exterior.
If necessary, the carrier will arrange for official inspection to substantiate your
claim.
1.3 Return Shipment: Save the shipping crate until you are sure all is well. If for
any reason you must return the unit, first contact your customer representative
for authorization. Supply nameplate data, including model number and serial
number. Please see the manual cover for information on where to contact
customer service.
1.4 Accessories: Verify that all of the equipment indicated on the packing slip is
included with the unit. Carefully check all packaging before discarding. These
units are equipped with 6 shelves, 24 shelf clips and 4 leveling feet.
Section
1

INSTALLATION
Local city, county or other ordinances may govern the use of this equipment. If you have any questions
about local requirements, please contact the appropriate local agency. Installation may be performed by
the end user.
Under normal circumstances this unit is intended for use indoors, at room temperatures between 5and
40C, at no greater than 80% Relative Humidity (at 25C) and with a supply voltage that does not vary by
more than 10%. Customer service should be contacted for operating conditions outside of these limits.
2.1 Power Source: The electrical supply circuit to the incubator must conform to all national and
local electrical codes. Consult the incubator’s serial data plate for the voltage and ampere
requirements before making connection. VOLTAGE SHOULD NOT VARY MORE THAN 10%
FROM THE SERIAL PLATE RATING. This unit is intended for 50/60 Hz application. A separate
circuit is recommended to prevent possible loss of product due to overloading or failure of other
equipment on the same circuit.
2.2 Location: When selecting a site for the incubator, consider all conditions which may affect
performance, such as extreme heat from steam radiators, stoves, ovens autoclaves, etc. Avoid
direct sun, fast-moving air currents, heating/cooling ducts, and high traffic areas. To ensure air
circulation around the unit allow a minimum of 10cm between the unit and any walls or partitions
which might obstruct free airflow.
2.3 Lifting / Handling: These units are heavy and care should be taken to use appropriate lifting
devices that are sufficiently rated for these loads. Units should only be lifted from their bottom
surfaces. Doors, handles and knobs are not adequate for lifting or stabilization. The unit should
be completely restrained from tipping during lifting or transport. All moving parts, such as shelves
and trays should be removed and doors need to be positively locked in the closed position during
transfer to prevent shifting and damage.
2.4 Leveling: The unit must sit level and solidly. Leveling feet (supplied) are to be installed in the
holes at the base of the incubator. Turn the leveling feet counterclockwise to raise level. If the
unit must be moved, turn the leveling feet in all the way to prevent bending of the feet.
2.5 Cleaning: The incubator was cleaned at the factory, but not sterilized. Remove all interior parts,
including shelves and shelf clips and clean all parts and the chamber with a disinfectant that is
appropriate for your application. A thorough periodic cleaning is strongly recommended.
WARNING: Never clean the unit with alcohol or flammable cleaners with the unit connected to the
electrical supply. Always disconnect the unit from the electrical service when cleaning and assure
all volatile or flammable cleaners are evaporated and dry before reattaching the unit to the power
supply.
Section
2

2.6 Place shelves into chamber at desired position. See Figure 1.
Figure 1

GRAPHIC SYMBOLS
Your incubator is provided with a display of graphic symbols on the control panel which
are designed to help identify the use and function of the adjustable components.
1. Indicates that you should consult your manual for further
description and discussion of a control or user item.
2. Indicates “Temperature”
3. Indicates “Overtemperature”
4. CIndicates “Degrees Centigrade”
5. Indicates “AC Power”
6. Indicates “Manual Adjustment”
7. Indicates “Potential Shock Hazard” behind partition
8. Indicates “Earth Ground”
9. Indicates “Unit should be recycled” (Not disposed of in
land-fill)
Section
3

CONTROL PANEL OVERVIEW
4.1 Power Switch: The main power I/O (on/off) switch controls all power to the unit and must be in
the I/ON position before any systems are operational.
4.2 Main Temperature Control: The Main Temperature Control consists of the digital display and
UP/DOWN arrow pads for inputting set point temperatures and calibration.
4.3 HEATING Lamp: This green pilot lamp in ON when the unit is heating up to set point and is
blinking when controlling temperature at set point.
4.4 Overtemperature Thermostat: Marked SET OVERTEMPERATURE, the Thermostat is a
completely independent control that acts as an override in the event that the Main control fails in
the ON position. The Thermostat will regulate chamber temperature at approximately 1C above
the set point of the Main controller.
4.5 OVER TEMP Lamp: This red pilot lamp is On when the Overtemperature Thermostat has taken
control of the unit. Under normal operating conditions this lamp should never be on.
4.6 Circuit Breaker: (Non-CE units) Located adjacent to the power cord, the circuit breaker is an
added measure of protection against power source variations that, if tripped, can be reset by
pushing in the button once the reason for the interruption has been cleared.
4.7 Fuse: (CE units) Located adjacent to the power cord in place of the circuit breaker. The fuse is
an added measure of protection against power source variations, and if blown must be replace
once the source of the interruption has been cleared.
Section
4

OPERATION
5.1 Check power supply against unit data plate, they must match. Plug service cord into the
grounded electrical outlet, and turn the unit on.
5.2 Turn the Overtemperature Thermostat to its maximum position, clockwise, using a coin or a flat
edged tool.
5.3 There are four (4) electrical outlets inside the chamber for use with electrical equipment not
exceeding 1 amp.
5.4 Operating Electrical Apparatus Inside Chamber: Place the shaker, roller, spinner, etc. inside
the incubator chamber. Plug apparatus into 1 amp outlet at rear of chamber. Be sure apparatus
draws 1 amp or less (the power switch turns power on & off to outlets inside chamber).
5.5 Set Main Temperature Controller: Enter desired set point temperature. To enter set point mode
on the controller, press either the Up or Down arrow pad one time. The digital display will start to
blink, going from bright to dim. While blinking, the digital display is showing the set point. To
change the set point, use the Up and Down arrow pads. If the arrow pads are not pressed for five
(5) seconds, the display will stop blinking and will read the chamber temperature. Note that the
Overtemperature Thermostat should be turned to its maximum position, (clockwise) until the unit
has stabilized at desired set point temperature. Allow the incubator at least 24 hours to stabilize.
5.6 Calibration: It is recommended that calibration is done once the unit is installed in its working
environment and has been stabile at set point for several hours. Place a certified reference
thermometer in the chamber where it can be easily viewed through the window. Be certain the
thermometer is not touching any shelving. Allow the temperature to stabilize again until the
thermometer reads a constant value for one hour. Compare the digital display with the reference
thermometer. If there is an unacceptable difference, put the display into calibration mode by
pressing both the Up and Down arrow pads at the same time for five (5) seconds until the two
outside decimal points begin to flash. While the decimal points are flashing the display can be
calibrated by pressing the Up or Down arrow pads until the display reads the correct value. Allow
the incubator temperature to stabilize again, and recalibrate if necessary.
5.7 Set Overtemperature Thermostat: As mentioned in step 5.2, the Overtemperature Thermostat
should be initially set to its maximum position, to allow the unit to stabilize. Once the incubator is
stabile at the desired set point, turn the Thermostat counterclockwise until the OVER TEMP light
turns on. Next, turn the Thermostat clockwise just until the light turns off. This will set the
Overtemperature Thermostat at approximately 1C above Main temperature set point.
Section
5

CHART RECORDER INSTALLATION
Please note that the following information is a general guide for installation. Chart recorders are
available from your dealer. Before attempting installation please read the instructions provided
with your chart recorder thoroughly for specific installation instructions. Note: Unplug unit from
the power supply before installing the Chart Recorder.
6.1 Remove cover for Chart Recorder, located on the right side of control panel.
6.2 Remove steel plate from the back of the Chart Recorder.
6.3 Open the front glass door on the Chart Recorder and loosen the two screws on the face of the
recorder. (Screws are on the top and bottom right of the face.)
6.4 Inside the unit, behind the cover plate, you will see two wires that say “Recorder Power”. Cut off
the butt connectors and strip the wires about 3/8 inch.
6.5 Put the Recorder Power wires through the hole in back of your Chart Recorder and connect the
Recorder power wires to the terminal inside.
6.6 Run the Chart Recorder probe through the probe hole and slide into probe clips provided inside
the chamber of the unit.
6.7 Inside the Chart Recorder you will see a piece of masking tape and a metal clip; remove these;
screw face bolts back in; screw in Chart Recorder; shut the glass door on the Chart Recorder;
plug unit into power supply; then turn on the unit.
6.8 In moving or mounting a chart, the pen arm and stylus must be raised by pressing on the tab at
the uppermost end of the arm. Even if the recorder is not to be used, a fresh chart should be
mounted or some sort of padding placed under the stylus to protect the sapphire tip.
6.9 To remove and replace a chart, unscrew the hub knob and swing it 90clockwise, or to the 3
o’clock position. Press the upper tab on the pen arm; lift the chart forward off the hub and slide
down and away. DO NOT release the pen arm, but install a new chart.
6.10 Now the pen arm may be gently released and the chart knob rotated counterclockwise back to
the hub. Align the proper chart time with the chart plate index.
Section
6

MAINTENANCE
NOTE: Disconnect the power cord from the power source before performing any
service or maintenance on this unit.
7.1 Cleaning: Clean the incubator interior and remove and clean shelves on a
regular basis. Use a disinfectant that is suitable for your application. A thorough
periodic cleaning is strongly recommended. Use care when cleaning the door
gasket to prevent damage which could impair the positive door seal.
WARNING: Never clean the unit with alcohol or flammable cleaners with the unit
connected to the electrical supply. Always disconnect the unit from the electrical
service when cleaning and assure all volatile or flammable cleaners are
evaporated and dry before reattaching the unit to the power supply.
7.2 Storage: To prepare the unit for storage, remove all shelves and shelf clips and
disconnect the power suppply. Be certain that the chamber is clean and dry and
the door is positively locked in the closed position. See Section 2.3,
Lifting/Handling, for proper transport procedures.
7.3 No maintenance is required on the electrical components. If electrical or
temperature problems occur, please see the Troubleshooting guide, Section 8.0,
before calling for service.
Section
7

TROUBLESHOOTING
FOR PERSONAL SAFETY, ALWAYS DISCONNECT THE POWER BEFORE SERVICING.
Always make a visual inspection of the incubator and control panel when troubleshooting. Look
for loose or disconnected wires that may be the source of trouble.
TEMPERATURE
Temperature too high-display and
reference thermometer don’t match
1/ Controller set too high-see section 5.5.
2/ Controller failed on –call Customer Service.
3/ Wiring error –call Customer Service.
Display reads "HI" or "400"+
Probe is unplugged, is broken or wire to sensor is broken –trace wire
from display to probe; move wire and watch display to see intermittent
problems.
Chamber temperature spikes over set
point and then settles to set point
Recalibrate –see section 5.6.
Temperature too low-display and
reference thermometer don’t match
1/ High limit set too low - see section 5.7
2/ Controller set too low –see section 5.5.
3/ Unit not recovered from door opening –wait for display to stop
changing.
4/ Unit not recovered from power failure or being turned off –incubators
will need 24 hours to warm up and stabilize.
5/ Element failure –see if HEATING light is on; compare current draw to
data plate.
6/ Controller failure –confirm with front panel lights that controller is
calling for heat.
7/ Overtemperature failure –confirm with front panel lights that
Thermostat is operating correctly.
8/ Wiring problem –check all functions and compare wiring to owners
manual –especially around any areas recently worked on.
9/ Loose connection –call Customer Service.
Display reads "LO"
1/ If ambient temperature is lower than range of unit –compare set
points and ambient temperature to rated specifications in section 9.0.
2/ Sensor is plugged in backwards –call Customer Service.
Unit will not heat over a temperature that
is below set point
1/ Confirm that fan is moving and that amperage and voltage match
data plate –check fan motor motion by removing top panel of the unit.
2/ Confirm that set point is set high enough –turn Thermostat all the way
clockwise and see if HEATING light or OVERTEMP light comes on.
3/ Check connections to sensor.
4/ Check calibration –using independent thermometer, follow
instructions in section 5.6.
Section
8

Unit will not heat up at all
1/ Verify that controller is asking for heat by looking for HEATING light –
if pilot light is not on continuously during initial start up, there is a
problem with the controller.
2/ Check amperage –amperage should be virtually at maximum rated
(data plate) amperage.
3/ Do all controller functions work?
4/ Is the Overtemperature set high enough? –for diagnostics, should be
fully clockwise with the pilot light never on.
5/ Has the fuse/circuit breaker blown?
Indicated chamber temperature unstable
1/ ±0.1 may be normal.
2/ Is fan working? –remove top panel and verify movement of cooling
fan.
3/ Is ambient radically changing –either door opening or room airflow
from heaters or air conditioning? –stabilize ambient conditions.
4/ Sensor miss-located, damaged or wires may be damaged - check
mounts for control and Overtemperature sensors, then trace wires or
tubing between sensors and controls.
5/ Calibration sensitivity –call Customer Service.
6/ Overtemperature set too low –be sure that its setting is more than 5
degrees over desired set point; check if pilot light is on continuously;
turn controller knob completely clockwise to see if problem solved then
follow instructions in section 5.7 for correct setting.
7/ Electrical noise –remove nearby sources of RFI including motors,
arcing relays or radio transmitters.
8/ Bad connection on temperature sensor or faulty sensor –check
connectors for continuity and mechanical soundness while watching
display for erratic behavior; check sensor and wiring for mechanical
damage.
9/ Bad connections–check connectors for mechanical soundness and
look for corrosion around terminals or signs of arcing or other visible
deterioration.
Will not maintain set point
1/ Assure that set point is at least 5 degrees over ambient.
2/ See if ambient is fluctuating –check for adjacent open doors or
HVAC duct openings, stabilize ambient conditions.
Display and reference thermometer don’t
match
1/ Calibration error –see section 5.6.
2/ Temperature sensor failure –evaluate if pilot light is operating
correctly.
3/ Controller failure –evaluate if pilot light is operating correctly.
4/ Allow at least 24 hours to stabilize at set point temperature.
5/ Verify that reference thermometer is certified.
Can't adjust set points or calibration
1/ Turn entire unit off and on to reset.
2/ If repeatedly happens, call Customer Service.
Calibrated at one temperature, but not at
another
This can be a normal condition when operating temperature varies
widely. For maximum accuracy, calibration should be done at or as
close to the set point temperature as possible.
MECHANICAL
Door not sealing
1/ Check physical condition of gasket.
2/ Assure that gasket is in original location.
3/ Adjust hinge blocks or twist the door.
4/ Confirm that unit has not been damaged and body is square.
Motor doesn't move
1/ If shaft spins freely: check connections to motor and check voltage to

motor.
2/ If shaft rubs or is frozen, relieve binding and retest.
Motor makes noise
1) Make sure that the fan or blower wheel is not contacting its housing.
Adjust the motor mounting bracket position to re-center the fan or
blower wheel, if necessary.
2) Check the fan or blower wheel for damage or out of balance
condition. Replace the fan or blower wheel if it is damaged or out of
balance.
3) Turn the motor shaft to make sure that it spins freely. If it binds or the
bearings make a rubbing or scrapping sound then replace the motor.
OTHER
Controller on at all times - "locked-up"
1/ Turn unit off and on to reset.
2/ If cannot change any condition on the front panel, call Customer
Service.
Front panel displays are all off
Check for wire damage.
Unit or wall fuse/circuit breaker is blown
1/ Check wall power source.
2/ Compare current draw and compare to specs on data plate.
3/ See what other loads are on the wall circuit.
Unit will not turn on
1/ Check wall power source.
2/ Check fuse/circuit breaker on unit or in wall.
3/ See if unit is on, e.g., fan or heater, and just controller is off.
4/ Check all wiring connections, especially around the on/off switch.
Unit is smoking –Out of box
This is not an uncommon occurrence when first operating new units.
Put unit under vent and run at full power for one hour. –smoking is
normal during first cycle to temperature.
Contamination in chamber
1/ See cleaning procedure in section 2.5.
2/ Develop and follow standard operating procedure for specific
application; include definition of cleaning technique and maintenance
schedule.
If following these troubleshooting suggestions does not solve the problem call your customer service
representative for assistance. Please see the manual cover for information on where to contact customer
service.

PARTS LIST
Description
100-120V
220-240V
Blower Motor
4880548
4880548
Blower Wheel
2600535
2600535
Circuit Breaker
1100505
1100505
Cord Set
1800529
1800537
Cord set, European
N/A
1800541
EMI Filter, CE units only
N/A
2800502
Heating Element, 1915
2350563
2350554
Heating Element, 1925
2350557
2350566
Overtemperature Thermostat
1750862
1750813
I/O (On/Off) Power Switch
7850570
7850570
Main Control w/Sensing Probe
1750982
1750983
Outlet, Interior
6100525
6100526
Pilot Light, Green
4650554
4650554
Pilot Light, Red
4650553
4650553
Shelf, 1915
9750500
9750500
Shelf, 1925
9750545
9750545
Section
9

UNIT SPECIFICATIONS
Weight
Shipping
Net
1915
610 lbs.
500 lbs.
1925
730 lbs.
850 lbs.
Dimensions
Exterior WxDxH
Interior WxDxH
1915
37x33x75
30.5x26x62
1925
41x34x87
35x26x76.5
Capacity
1915
28 Cubic Feet
1925
40 Cubic Feet
Temperature
Range
Uniformity
Sensitivity
1915
Amb. +8 to 70C
+ .5C @ 37
+ .05C
1925
Amb. +8 to 70C
+ .5C @ 37
+ .05C

WIRE DIAGRAM
1915 100-120V
(9851182)
MAIN POWER SWITCH GREEN LIGHTED
7850570
OTP LIGHT 4650553
(R)
HEAT LIGHT 4650554(G)
CHAMBER FAN ~ 4880548
½ TB1
L1 ½ TB1 L2
1 2
4
OTP
1750862
CONVENIENCE
OUTLETS
6100525 x4
WHT
BLK
BLK WHT
WHT
BLK
BLK HT WHT HT
BLK BLK WHT
WHT
BLK BLK BLK
BLK
BLK BLK BLK
WHT WHT WHT
WHT
BLK WHT
CHART RECORDER
CONNECTIONS
1800529 115V POWER CORD
HARD WIRED
1100505
CIRCUIT BREAKER 15A
RED
BLUWHT
BLK WHT
BLK
BLK BLK
0900503
0.47 F / 250 VAC
HOT
NEUTRAL
GROUND
LOAD
TEMPERATURE
CONTROL
1750982
750W

WIRE DIAGRAM
1915-2 220-240V
(9851184)
MAIN POWER SWITCH GREEN LIGHTED
7850570
OTP LIGHT 4650553
(R)
HEAT LIGHT 4650554 (G)
CHAMBER FAN ~ 4880548
½ TB1
L1 ½ TB1 L2
1 2
4
12
4
½ OTP
1750813 ½ OTP
1750813
WHTRED
BLU & BLK
OUTLETS
6100526 x4
0900503
0.47 F / 250 VAC
BLK WHT
BLK WHT
WHT
BLK
BLK HT WHT HT WHT
BLK BLK BLK
WHT
BLK BLK BLK
BLK
BLK BLK BLK
WHT WHT WHT
WHT
BLK WHT
CHART RECORDER
CONNECTIONS
HOT
NEUTRAL
GROUND
LOAD
TEMPERATURE
CONTROL
1750983
POWER CORD
1800537
CURCUIT BREAKER
1100505
CURCUIT BREAKER
1100505
750W

WIRE DIAGRAM
1925 100-120V
(9851181)
MAIN POWER SWITCH GREEN LIGHTED
7850570
OTP LIGHT 4650553
(R)
HEAT LIGHT 4650554(G)
CHAMBER FAN ~ 4880548
½ TB1
L1 ½ TB1 L2
1 2
4
OTP
1750862
CONVENIENCE
OUTLETS
6100525 x4
DESIGN = 1000W 12.4
WHT
BLK
BLK WHT
WHT
BLK
BLK HT WHT HT
BLK BLK WHT
WHT
BLK BLK BLK
BLK
BLK BLK BLK
WHT WHT WHT
WHT
BLK WHT
CHART RECORDER
CONNECTIONS
1800529 115V POWER CORD
HARD WIRED
1100505
CIRCUIT BREAKER 15A
RED
BLUWHT
BLK WHT
BLK
BLK BLK
0900503
0.47 F / 250 VAC
HOT
NEUTRAL
GROUND
LOAD
TEMPERATURE
CONTROL
1750982

WIRE DIAGRAM
1925-2 220-240V
(9851183)
MAIN POWER SWITCH GREEN LIGHTED
7850570
OTP LIGHT 4650553
(R)
HEAT LIGHT 4650554 (G)
CHAMBER FAN ~ 4880548
½ TB1
L1 ½ TB1 L2
1 2
4
12
4
½ OTP
1750813 ½ OTP
1750813
WHTRED
BLU & BLK
OUTLETS
6100526 x4
DESIGN = 1000W 58.7
0900503
0.47 F / 250 VAC
BLK WHT
BLK WHT
WHT
BLK
BLK HT WHT HT WHT
BLK BLK BLK
WHT
BLK BLK BLK
BLK
BLK BLK BLK
WHT WHT WHT
WHT
BLK WHT
CHART RECORDER
CONNECTIONS
HOT
NEUTRAL
GROUND
LOAD
TEMPERATURE
CONTROL
1750983
POWER CORD
1800537
CURCUIT BREAKER
1100505
CURCUIT BREAKER
1100505

SHELDON MANUFACTURING, INC.
LIMITED WARRANTY
Sheldon Manufacturing, Inc., (“Manufacturer”) warrants for the original user of this product in the U.S.A. only that this product (parts only if outside
of the U.S.A.) will be free from defects in material and workmanship for a period of two years from the date of delivery of this product to the original
user (the “Warranty Period”). During the Warranty Period, Manufacturer, at its election and expense, will repair or replace the product or parts that
are proven to Manufacturer’s satisfaction to be defective, or, at Manufacturer’s option, refund the price or credit (against the price of future purchases
of the product) the price of any products that are proven to Manufacturer’s satisfaction to be defective. This warranty does not include any labor
charges if outside of the U.S.A. This warranty does not cover any damage due to accident, misuse, negligence, or abnormal use. Use of
Manufacturer’s product in a system that includes components not manufactured by Manufacturer is not covered by this warranty. This warranty is
void in the event that repairs are made by anyone other than Manufacturer without prior authorization from Manufacturer. Any alteration or removal
of the serial number on Manufacturer’s products will void this warranty. Under no circumstances will Manufacturer be liable for indirect,
incidental, consequential, or special damages. The terms of this warranty are governed by the laws of the state of Oregon without regards to the
principles of conflicts of laws thereof. If any provision of this limited warranty is held to be unenforceable by any court of competent jurisdiction, the
remainder of this limited warranty will remain in full force and effect.
This warranty is in lieu of and excludes all other warranties or obligations, either express or implied. Manufacturer expressly disclaims all
implied warranties, including without limitation, the warranties of merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose.
For fast and efficient support, please have the following information available anytime you request service:
Model __________
Serial No. __________
Part No. __________