Chapter 5 – Frequently Asked Questions
TestEquity 3007C Temperature Chamber
Page 5-1
Chapter 5 – Frequently Asked Questions
The input voltage label says 230 (or 208) VAC. I thought I had 220 (or 240) VAC. Is that
ok?
220 V is a misnomer—there is no such standard as nominal 220 V in the United States. The
standard line voltage in the United States is either 208 V or 240 V. You must verify the exact
type of electrical service you have. If there is any doubt, you must consult with a qualified
electrician who is familiar with industrial plant wiring. In addition, the input line voltage should
be measured while the chamber is operating in a continuous HEAT mode to ensure that the
expected nominal voltage of either 208 V –5/+10% or 230 V
±
10% is present. Also, make sure
the chamber is properly configured for either 208 V or 240 V nominal input as described in
Chapter 2 - Input Power Configuration. If you have a 208 V line that measures under 198 V, the
chamber will require boost transformers. If you have a 240 V line that measures over 252 V (a
240 V line which is 10% high could measure up to 264 V), the chamber will require bucking
transformers.
Why doesn’t the chamber come with a power cord and plug?
Most local electrical codes require permanent wiring for this type of equipment. If used as a
portable device, a flexible wire with a plug may be acceptable, but local codes may limit the
length to 6 feet. TestEquity recommends that the appropriate method for your installation be
determined by a qualified electrician who is familiar with industrial plant wiring.
I need to send the chamber outside North America. Will it work with their power?
Outside North America, most countries have 50 Hz. Standard three phase voltage systems in
most 50 Hz countries are typically 380 V or 400 V. Please call TestEquity for details on voltage
reducing transformers for 50 Hz operation. Note that the cooling performance will be reduced by
17% at 50 Hz.
Why does my chamber heat or cool slower than the published specifications?
Performance is significantly affected by the characteristics of your test sample. Factors include
size, weight, material, shape, and power dissipation if energized. The test sample should be
placed in the chamber in a manner that allows for air circulation. You should not place the test
sample directly on the chamber floor. It should be placed on the shelf. Multiple test samples
should be distributed throughout the chamber to ensure even airflow and minimize temperature
gradients. If necessary, additional shelves should be used to evenly distribute the load. You can
determine if the chamber is operating properly by following the procedure in “How to verify the
chamber performance”.
How can I modify the chamber to cool faster?
Liquid Nitrogen (LN2) can be used to provide faster cooling rates or greater cooling capacity
with heavy or energized loads. It does NOT provide infinite cooling capability. For example,
with a 25 pound load and a range of +85°C to −40°C, the chamb
er will cool at 8°C/minute
without LN2 and 13°C/minute with LN2. However, it cannot transform the chamber into a
“shock chamber”. If this chamber was not ordered with LN2 Boost Cooling, then you can retrofit
the chamber by ordering Option 0018.
You CANNOT use CO2 (Liquid Carbon Dioxide) in this system and we do not sell a CO2 Boost
System due to potential reliability issues associated with the unintended formation of dry ice.
