visit
www.restek.com/QuEChERS
10
Safety Features
Lid Safety Switch:
The Q-sep™ 3000 centrifuge lid is secured to the top of the cabinet by a latching knob and pawl system.
When the knob is rotated clockwise, the pawl grips the underside of the cabinet opening and prevents the lid from open-
ing. A mechanical stop positions the pawl and prevents it from rotating completely. When rotated to the stop position, the
pawl makes contact with a micro-switch mounted underneath the cabinet top. The lid safety switch prevents the cen-
trifuge from operating while the lid is open. An indicator light on the front of the machine will illuminate when the lid has
been latched properly.
Lid Safety Interlock System:
In addition to the Lid Safety Switch, the Q-sep™ 3000 centrifuge has a true “0 rpm” lid-lock-
ing system. The lid safety interlock system keeps the lid locked at all times (even during power failure) and requires that the
rotor be at rest in order to unlock the lid. The centrifuge will not allow entry into the rotor chamber unless the centrifuge
has power and the rotor is stopped. To open the lid, make sure that the centrifuge is plugged in and, with the rotor stopped,
press the “OPEN / EMERGENCY STOP” button.
Note: After the centrifuge has started spinning, it may be possible to rotate the lid knob enough to cause the pawl to lose contact
with the lid safety switch. If this happens, the centrifuge motor may lose power,
but the lid will still remain locked.
If the knob
is accidentally moved and this situation should occur, rotate the knob fully clockwise to its stop position and the centrifuge will
resume operation after a few seconds.
Circuit Breaker:
The Q-sep™ 3000 centrifuge is protected with a 4 amp circuit breaker located at the rear of the machine
and mounted to the base. Any electrical short circuit will cause the breaker to cut power to the machine.
Imbalance Detection System:
In the event that an imbalanced load is spun in this centrifuge, the run will be aborted. A
continuous, two-count flash of the run and latch indicator lights signals that an imbalance was detected. Once the cen-
trifuge has safely come to a complete stop and unlocked, press the “OPEN” button or open the lid to reset the fault. Correct
the imbalance before proceeding.
Emergency Rotor Chamber Entry:
In the event of power failure, it may be impossible to unlock the lid by conventional
means. In this case, entry into the rotor chamber may be made by removing the latch label and using a pen to manually
disengage the locking mechanism (see photo). Pull the mechanism towards the control panel, then unlatch and open the
lid. If the unit is damaged, contact Restek Corporation or your distributor.
