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Ultra-Low Freezer Service and Maintenance Manual ® i.Series i.Series iUF118 iUF126 i.Series iUF116 iUF124 360173-A/C...
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, Horizon Series™, and Rel.i™ are registered trademarks or trademarks ® of Helmer, Inc. in the United States of America. All other trademarks and registered trademarks are the property of their respective owners. Helmer, Inc., doing business as (DBA) Helmer Scientific and Helmer.
Helmer Scientific i.Series Ultra-Low Freezer Service and Maintenance Manual ® Contents About this Manual ....................3 Safety Precautions and Symbols .
® About this Manual This manual provides information on how to use the i.Series® Ultra-Low Freezer. It is intended for use by end users of the freezer and authorized service technicians. Models are indicated by a distinguishing model number that corresponds to the series, type, number of doors and capacity of the freezer.
♦ Using the equipment in a manner not specified by Helmer may impair the protection provided by the equipment. ♦ The freezer is not considered to be a storage cabinet for flammable or hazardous materials. CAUTION Decontaminate parts prior to sending for service or repair. Contact Helmer or your distributor for decontamination instructions and a Return Authorization Number. Model and Input Power Table 1. Model and Input Power...
• To prevent tipping, ensure door is closed and latched, and casters are unlocked and free of debris before moving freezer. • The freezer is extremely heavy. Helmer recommends two people work together to move the freezer. 1. Ensure all casters are unlocked and door is closed and latched.
Helmer Scientific i.Series Ultra-Low Freezer Service and Maintenance Manual ® Connect Back-up Power The monitoring system has a back-up battery system, enabling a period of continuous monitoring if power is lost. Battery life varies by manufacturer as well as voltage level remaining. Providing full power is available and no battery-related alarms are active, back-up power for the monitoring system is available for approximately 20 hours (the Low Battery alarm will activate after approximately 18 hours of battery use).
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Notes • Use a tool with a diameter only large enough to accommodate the sensor wiring. • Helmer recommends installing additional sensors through the upper or lower rear ports provided. • The rear ports may also be used to install tubing for an optional (field-installed) CO / LN back-up refrigeration system.
• For accurate temperature reading, ensure the current time is aligned with the time line groove when chart knob is tightened • Contact Helmer Customer Service to reorder chart paper; part number 800197-1 (52 sheets). Chart recorder stylus and time line groove 1.
Follow the back-up refrigeration system manufacturer’s directions to install the back-up system. Notes • Helmer recommends installing the back-up refrigeration system door switch along the handle-side of the door. This will prevent the door switch from interfering with the vacuum port, located near the top of the door.
Helmer Scientific i.Series Ultra-Low Freezer Service and Maintenance Manual ® 2.8 Configure Storage CAUTION • Use appropriate gloves when handling cold interior components and stored inventory. • Keep hands away from pinch points when closing the door. • Before moving shelves, ensure they are empty for safe lifting.
Helmer Scientific i.Series Ultra-Low Freezer Service and Maintenance Manual ® Controls ® i.Series Ultra-Low freezers are equipped with the i.C³ monitoring and control system. The i.C³ system combines temperature monitoring and control into a single user interface. Home Screen and Screensaver The Home Screen is the default screen and is displayed when: ♦...
Helmer Scientific i.Series Ultra-Low Freezer Service and Maintenance Manual ® Alarm Conditions If an alarm condition is met, an alarm activates. Some alarms are visual only; others are visual and audible. Some alarms are sent through the remote alarm interface. The table indicates if an alarm is audible (A), visual (V), or sent through the remote alarm interface (R).
• Default values for general settings, alarm settings, and display settings are available in the i.C³ User Guide for Ultra-Low Freezers. • Changing temperature settings affects the operation of the freezer. Do not change settings unless instructed in product documentation or by Helmer Technical Service. The i.C³ temperature monitor and controller is programmed at the factory. To change a setting, first enter the Settings screen, then the setting. The method for accessing the Settings mode for each setting varies.
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Helmer Scientific i.Series Ultra-Low Freezer Service and Maintenance Manual ® Device Control Settings Device control settings are programmed at the factory. Setpoints can be viewed and changed through the i.C³ monitoring and control system. To view the temperature setpoint, touch i.C³ APPS, Settings, Device Control Settings.
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Helmer Scientific i.Series Ultra-Low Freezer Service and Maintenance Manual ® Alarm Settings screens Change an Alarm Setting APPS, Settings. 1. Touch i.C 2. Enter the Settings password (default password is “1234”). 3. Scroll down and touch Alarm Settings. 4. Touch the minus (-) or plus (+) on the corresponding Setpoint spin box to change an alarm setpoint.
• After one hour of no interaction, the Home screen or Temperature Graph screensaver (if enabled) is displayed. • The Low Stage Compressor Discharge, Cascade Heat Exchanger, High Stage Compressor Discharge, and High Stage Condenser Discharge Offset settings are factory-preset and should not be changed unless directed by Helmer Technical Service. Primary Monitor/Control Probe Verify primary monitor/control probe is reading chamber temperature correctly by comparing probe reading on the Sensor Calibration screen to the temperature measured by calibrated reference thermometer.
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Helmer Scientific i.Series Ultra-Low Freezer Service and Maintenance Manual ® Calibrate control/primary monitor probe 1. Move contents within the freezer to gain access to the probe located in the bottom compartment against the rear wall. 2. Using a zip-tie, attach the independent thermometer to the cover surrounding the probe.
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Helmer Scientific i.Series Ultra-Low Freezer Service and Maintenance Manual ® Factory Default Settings Settings listed below may be simultaneously returned to factory default values. Note The factory default settings may not be the same as the settings that were factory-calibrated before the freezer was shipped.
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3. Touch to cancel. Edit Factory Settings screens and functions are configured at the factory. The screens and functions listed below are set at the factory and Several of the i.C may be changed at the direction of Helmer Technical Service. Table 7. Setting Description Device Control Settings Screen Toggle the Device Control Settings screen ON or OFF Alternate Home Screen...
Test the Power Failure alarm (as required by your organization’s protocols). Test the Door Open alarm. Inspect electrical components and wiring terminals in the electrical box for discoloration. Contact Helmer Technical Service if any discoloration is found. Inspect and clean the condenser filter. Replace the i.C back-up battery ...
• Before testing alarms, protect items in freezer from extended exposure to adverse temperature. • If the Settings screen is password protected, enter the appropriate password. If viewing settings for the first time, enter factory default password of “1234”. • If the i.C³ monitoring and control system did not display the appropriate alarm during the alarm test, contact Helmer Technical Service. • Temperature sensors are fragile; handle with care.
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6. The alarm should activate within 2.0 °C of the high alarm setpoint. If the value is more than 2.0 °C different, contact Helmer Technical Service for further instruction. 7. Remove the heat gun and reinstall the condenser filter grill.
Helmer Scientific i.Series Ultra-Low Freezer Service and Maintenance Manual ® Low Ambient Temperature Alarm Test Test the Low Ambient Temperature Alarm 1. Touch, i.C³ APPS, Settings, Alarm Settings 2. Scroll down and record the low ambient alarm setpoint. 3. Touch the minus (-) on the Low Ambient Time Delay setting spin box to change the setting to 0 minutes.
® Replace Monitoring System Back-up Battery The monitoring system back-up battery is a serviceable part and available by contacting Helmer Technical Service. The battery is located behind the electrical compartment access panel below the chamber. Refer to the installation instruction included with the battery service kit.
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Defrost and Clean Exterior Door Gasket If the exterior door gasket has excessive frost or ice build-up and requires defrosting, Helmer recommends defrosting the entire chamber. After defrost is complete, carefully inspect the door gasket for tears or damage, and ensure proper adhesion to the exterior door.
Helmer Scientific i.Series Ultra-Low Freezer Service and Maintenance Manual ® Clean Ultra-Low Freezer WARNING Disconnect the freezer from AC power prior to cleaning the condenser with a liquid cleaner to prevent an electrocution hazard. CAUTION • Avoid sharp edges when removing and installing the condenser grill and filter. • Use appropriate gloves when handling stored inventory.
• The Emergency Mode alarm will be displayed on the Home screen only. • If the Emergency Mode alarm is active, contact Helmer Technical Service. When the refrigeration system is operating in Emergency Mode, the high stage compressor will operate continuously and the low stage compressor will operate normally, unless one or more of the following conditions occur: ♦...
Exterior Door Replace Hinges and/or Covers Cracked or broken hinges or hinge covers can be replaced. Contact Helmer Technical Service to order Hinge and Cover service kit. Follow instructions for replacement included with the service kit. Exterior door hinge with covers...
6. Using a #2 Phillips screwdriver, reinstall the screws securing the hinge covers. Cabinet Check for flush alignment Door Verify door is aligned flush with side of cabinet. Casters If a caster is bent or broken, it can be replaced. Contact Helmer Technical Service to order a Caster service kit. Follow instructions for replacement included with the service kit. 360173-A/C...
® Troubleshooting CAUTION • Review all safety instructions prior to troubleshooting. • Troubleshooting should only be performed by trained refrigeration technicians. NOTE To order Replacement Parts, contact Helmer Technical Service (1-800-743-5637). General Operation Problems Problem Possible Cause Action Confirm the exterior door handle is firmly attached to the freezer door. Replace The exterior door does not Exterior door handle bushings are open easily.
Helmer Scientific i.Series Ultra-Low Freezer Service and Maintenance Manual ® Problem Possible Cause Action The chart recorder is not The chart paper knob is not tight. Tighten the chart paper knob. marking the temperature. Confirm stylus is pressing firmly against paper. Stylus pressure is not correct.
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At normal operation when at setpoint, this will not occur. Check i.C Control board for lit compressor LEDs (D21 and D22) to energize compressor relays - ON, check remaining items: OFF - Contact Helmer Technical Support. Check i.C...
- Cascade temperature maintaining below -20ºC BUT greater than -50ºC. Normal. Allow to stabilize. Cascade temperature -50ºC or colder. Oil logging. Defrost unit. Low stage low on charge. Contact Helmer Technical Support to utilize tech service thermocouples. Alarm Activation Problems Problem...
Check the condenser fan wiring connection. Secure the connection if necessary. Check power to the fan and electrical connections. If power to the fan, replace fan. If no power to the fan, call Helmer Technical Support. Check the CP operation of relay at J42. Connection for the condenser Check the sensor wire connection to the control board and secure the temperature sensor is loose.
Helmer Scientific i.Series Ultra-Low Freezer Service and Maintenance Manual ® Parts Exterior Front and Door Notes • Before replacing parts, protect items in freezer from extended exposure to adverse temperature. • Allow freezer temperature to stabilize at setpoint after replacing parts or after extended door opening.
Helmer Scientific i.Series Ultra-Low Freezer Service and Maintenance Manual ® Interior Cabinet NOTICE • When removing or replacing storage racks, do not allow the storage rack to set on the top edge of a partially-open interior door. • To avoid damage to the interior door hinges, do not apply upward or downward force to the interior doors.
Helmer Scientific i.Series Ultra-Low Freezer Service and Maintenance Manual ® Electrical Panel CAUTION • Disconnect the freezer from AC power before removing the access panel. • Avoid sharp edges when working inside the electrical compartment. Note The i.C³ control board is sensitive to static electricity and can be damaged by electrostatic discharge. Use proper ESD precautions when handling the control board.
Helmer Scientific i.Series Ultra-Low Freezer Service and Maintenance Manual ® 7.4 Refrigeration Components and Exterior Rear CAUTION • Disconnect the freezer from AC power before removing the access panel. • Avoid sharp edges when working inside the refrigeration compartment. Note The TXV (thermal expansion valve) is not a serviceable component. To replace the TXV, the cascade heat exchanger assembly must be replaced.
Helmer Scientific i.Series Ultra-Low Freezer Service and Maintenance Manual ® 8.2 Refrigeration Schematic AMBIENT AIR INTAKE RTD2 AIR FILTER high pressure gas (hot) HIGH STAGE COMPRESSOR high pressure high pressure gas low pressure gas (warm) R-404A gas (warm / RTD1 desuperheated)
Helmer Scientific i.Series Ultra-Low Freezer Service and Maintenance Manual ® Appendix A: Compliance Regulatory Compliance This product is certified to applicable UL and CSA standards by a NRTL. WEEE Compliance The WEEE (waste electrical and electronic equipment) symbol (right) indicates compliance with European Union Directive WEEE 2002/96/EC and applicable provisions. The directive sets requirements for labeling and disposal of certain products in affected countries.
♦ i.Series model compressor warranty period is five (5) years. Parts For a period of two (2) years, Helmer will supply at no charge, including freight, any part that fails due to defects in material or workmanship under normal use, with the exception of expendable items. Expendable items such as glass, filters, light bulbs, door gaskets, and monitoring system back-up battery are excluded from this warranty coverage. Inspection of defective parts by Helmer will be final in determining warranty status. Warranty procedures must be followed in all events.
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Helmer Scientific i.Series Ultra-Low Freezer Service and Maintenance Manual ® 360173-A/C...
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