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Ultra-Low Freezer Service and Maintenance Manual ® i.Series iUF118-GX iUF126-GX 360450/A...
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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 Intended Audience .
Helmer ultra-low freezers are intended to provide a controlled temperature environment at ultra-low temperatures required for the storage of biological materials, pharmaceuticals, and reagents used in a research or clinical laboratory. Helmer ultra-low freezers are FDA Class 2 medical devices and suitable for storage of blood, plasma, and tissue for re-introduction into the body.
♦ Ensure product is stored safely, in accordance with all applicable organizational, regulatory, and legal requirements. ♦ The freezer is not considered to be a storage cabinet for flammable or hazardous materials. REQUIRED: Decontaminate parts prior to sending for service or repair. Contact Helmer or your distributor for decontamination instructions and a Return Authorization Number.
• 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. • To avoid damaging refrigerant tubing or risking refrigerant leak, use caution when moving or operating the unit.
• 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. • Installation of an optional third party probe should be completed prior to powering the unit on.
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• 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.
Helmer Scientific i.Series Ultra-Low Freezer Service and Maintenance Manual ® 2.6 External Monitoring Devices The remote alarm interface is a relay switch with three terminals: ♦ Common (COM) ♦ Normally Open (NO) ♦ Normally Closed (NC) Terminals are dry contacts and do not supply voltage. Interface circuit is either normally open or normally closed, depending on terminals used.
• Installation of an optional back-up refrigeration system should be completed prior to powering the unit on. • 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.
• Before moving storage components, protect stored items in freezer from extended exposure to adverse temperature. • Helmer recommends moving storage racks before the unit reaches the setpoint temperature. • When removing or replacing storage racks, do not allow the storage rack to set on the top edge of a partially-open interior door.
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.
To view calibration settings, touch i.C³ APPS, Settings and scroll down to Sensor Calibration. Sensor Calibration screens NOTICE Changing calibration settings affects operation of the freezer. Do not change settings unless instructed in product documentation or by Helmer Technical Service. Notes • If the Settings screen is password protected, enter the appropriate password. If viewing settings for the first time, enter factory default password of “1234”. • After one hour of no interaction, the Home screen or Temperature Graph screensaver (if enabled) is displayed.
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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. Factory Settings 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). ü Test the Door Open alarm. ü Inspect electrical components and wiring terminals in the electrical box for discoloration. Contact Helmer Technical Service if any discoloration is found. Inspect and clean or replace the condenser filter. ü ü Replace the i.C back-up battery ü...
• 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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Helmer Scientific i.Series Ultra-Low Freezer Service and Maintenance Manual ® Power Failure Alarm Test During a power failure, the power failure alarm activates and the back-up battery provides power to the monitoring system. Note Do not switch the back-up battery switch Off during the power failure test.
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 on the left side 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 Disconnect the freezer from AC power prior to cleaning the condenser with a liquid cleaner to prevent an electrocution hazard. NOTICE • 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...
7. Using a #2 Phillips screwdriver, reinstall the screws securing the hinge covers. 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.
® Troubleshooting NOTICE • 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.
Digital electronics are locked because of an interruption in power. Compressor solid state relay is faulty. Confirm the relay is operating correctly. Replace the relay if necessary. A component is faulty or internal Contact Helmer Technical Service. connections are loose. Confirm the setpoint is set within the operating range and change it if The compressors run Freezer setpoint is set too low.
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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...
Confirm the power cord is connected securely. Secure the power cord if Power cord is faulty. necessary. Plugged into GFI/GFCI outlet. Move to standard outlet. Helmer does not recommend operating this unit on a GFI outlet. ON/OFF AC power switch is faulty. Replace the ON/OFF AC power switch. ON/OFF AC power switch is OFF.
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 Disconnect the freezer from AC power before removing the access panel. NOTICE 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 Disconnect the freezer from AC power before removing the access panel. NOTICE Avoid sharp edges when working inside the electrical compartment. Voltage Label Description Part # Label Description...
Helmer Scientific i.Series Ultra-Low Freezer Service and Maintenance Manual ® Schematics Electrical Schematic N.O. 360450/A...
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Helmer Scientific i.Series Ultra-Low Freezer Service and Maintenance Manual ® 8.2 Refrigeration Schematic AMBIENT AIR high pressure INTAKE RTD2 AIR FILTER low pressure gas (warm) R-290 RTD1 CONDENSER HIGH STAGE COMPRESSOR HIGH STAGE RTD5 CONDENSER SUCTION LINE HEAT EXCHANGER high pressure liquid (warm)
♦ 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 ® 360450/A...
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