61
360093-1/H
Maintaining the incubator
For i.Series models, there are two methods of testing: automatic and manual. With the manual method, the
temperature monitoring probe is immersed in water. The temperature of the water is monitored as the water
is slowly heated or cooled. The temperature at which each alarm activates is read from the i.Center and
compared to the appropriate setpoint that is programmed on the i.Center.
With the automatic test method, available only on i.Series models, the built-in Peltier device physically
heats or cools the temperature monitoring probe until the appropriate alarm activates, and the activation
temperatures are recorded in the event log on the i.Center. With this method, you do not have to insert the
probe in water, and the temperature of the chamber is not affected.
Before testing the high and low temperature alarms, be sure that the temperature controller readout, as well
as the i.Center readout on i.Series models, is calibrated.
7.8.1
Testing temperature alarms on Horizon Series models
!
CAUTION:
Testing the alarms requires that you place the temperature control probe in
water. The control system responds as though the chamber temperature is
the water temperature, and adjusts the chamber temperature. Before testing
the alarms, take precautions to protect items in the incubator from extended
exposure to adverse temperatures per regulations for your organization.
Due to space limitations, the method for testing PC100h models differs from the method used for other models.
7.8.1.1
Testing temperature alarms on PC100h models
You must have the following to complete this procedure:
►
The tube for alarm checks. The tube, which is located in the chamber, is used to hold the water to be
used during the tests.
►
Water to be used for the low alarm test. The water should be at least 1 °C lower than the low alarm
setpoint, and there should be enough to fill the tube for alarm checks to a depth of at least 3 inches
(8 cm). Avoid using extremely cold water: the temperature reading should change slowly so you can
identify the alarm activation temperature more precisely.
►
Water to be used for the high alarm test. The water should be at least 1 °C higher than the high alarm
setpoint, and there should be enough to fill the tube for alarm checks to a depth of at least 3 inches
(8 cm). Avoid using extremely hot water: the temperature reading should change slowly so you can
identify the alarm activation temperature more precisely.
To test the temperature alarms
1
Verify that the temperature controller readout has been calibrated. For calibration instructions, see
Section 7.6, “Calibrating the temperature controller readout.”
2
Identify the current settings for the low alarm setpoint and high alarm setpoint. For instructions, see
Section 5.1, “Viewing and changing the setpoints for temperature alarms.”
3
Test the low temperature alarm.
a
Using the water for the low alarm test, fill the tube for alarm checks to a depth of at least 3 inches
(8 cm). After returning the tube to its holding bracket, slide the tube upward to immerse the tip of
the temperature control probe.
b
Watch the chamber temperature reading on the temperature controller. The temperature should
decrease slowly (at a rate of about 0.5 °C per minute). When the temperature reaches the low
alarm setpoint, and the alarm delay period elapses, the following should occur: an alarm should
sound and -AL- and the red alarm light should flash.
