1 - 5
Connect the incubator to a grounded, dedicated
circuit. The power cord connector is the mains
disconnect device for the incubator. Position the
incubator so the unit can be easily disconnected.
Plug the provided power cord into the power inlet connec-
tor on the back of the cabinet (See Figure 1-13), then into the
grounded, dedicated, electrical circuit.
i. Filling the Humidity Water Bottle
1. Open the outer chamber door.
2. Open the access
door located on the
front of the unit,
below the control
board. See Figure
1-12.
3. Remove the lid of
the humidity bottle
and fill with sterile
distilled water.
Install the lid and
close the door,
being careful not to
pinch the tubing.
For best operation of the incubator, sterilized distilled,
demineralized or de-ionized water should be used in the water
bottle. Refer to ASTM Standard D5391-93 or D4195-88 for
measuring water purity.
Distillation systems and reverse osmosis water purity sys-
tems produce water that is neutral in pH (approximately 7) and
is the preferred water to use for humidification. High purity,
ultra pure or milli-q water is considered an aggressive solvent
and slightly acidic. While it may be used, it is not preferred.
Chlorinated tap water, or additives containing chlorine, is not to
be used as chlorine can deteriorate the stainless steel. Tap water
may also have a high mineral content, which would produce a
build-up of scale in the reservoir. Even high purity water can
contain bacteria and organic contaminants. Water should always
be sterilized or treated with a decontaminant, safe for use with
stainless steel as well as safe for the product, prior to being
introduced into the humidity water bottle.
Use of chlorinated water, or decontamination prod-
ucts containing chlorine, will deteriorate the stain-
less steel and cause rust, voiding the warranty.
j. Connecting the CO
2
Gas Supply
High concentrations of CO
2
gas can cause asphyx-
iation! OSHA Standards specify that employee
exposure to carbon dioxide in any eight-hour shift
of a 40-hour work week shall not exceed the eight-
hour time weighted average of 5000 PPM (0.5%
CO
2
). The short term exposure limit for 15 minutes
or less is 30,000 ppm (3% CO
2
). Carbon dioxide
monitors are recommended for confined areas
where concentrations of carbon dioxide gas can
accumulate.
This incubator is designed to be operated with CO
2
gas only. Connecting a flammable or toxic gas can
result in a hazardous condition.
Gases other than CO
2
should not be connected to
this equipment. CO
2
gas cylinders have a UN1013
label on the cylinder and are equipped with a CGA
320 outlet valve. Check the gas cylinder for the
proper identification labels. The CO
2
gas supply
being connected to the incubator should be indus-
trial grade, 99.5% pure (nominal). Do not use CO
2
gas cylinders equipped with siphon tubes. A siphon
tube is used to extract liquid CO
2
from the cylinder
which can damage the pressure regulator. Consult
with your gas supplier to ensure that the CO
2
cylinder does not contain a siphon tube. Gas cylin-
ders should also be secured to a wall or other sta-
tionary object to prevent them from tipping.
A two-stage CO
2
pressure regulator is required to
be installed on the outlet valve of the gas cylinder.
Input pressure to the incubator must be main-
tained at 15 psig (103.4 kPa) for proper perform-
ance of the CO
2
control system. A single stage CO
2
pressure regulator will not maintain 15 psig (103.4
kPa) to the incubator as the pressure in the CO2
cylinder decreases; therefore, a two stage regula-
tor is recommended.
If higher purity CO
2
is desired inside the incubator
(greater than 99.5% pure nominal), the pressure
regulator should be constructed with a stainless
steel diaphragm, along with specifying the purity
of the CO
2
from the gas supplier. Follow the man-
ufacturer’s instructions to ensure proper and safe
installation of the pressure regulator on the gas
cylinder.
Consult a facility safety officer to ensure that the
equipment is installed in accordance with codes
and regulations applicable in your area.
Steri-Cult Incubator ____________________________________________________________Installation and Start-Up
Figure 1-12
