15
Common Errors found with Electrophoresis Power Supplies
No load
•
The electrophoresis system is not connected to the power leads, check the power leads
•
The electrophoresis system has a short, the Pt wire is broken or the banana connectors are
damaged
•
Buffer concentration too low
•
Buffer volume too low
•
Short in power cord
•
Current has dropped below acceptable rating (4 mA)
Short circuit
•
Load exceeds 500 mA
•
Blown fuse in the power supply
•
Incorrect input voltage (check input voltage switch near power inlet)
Change in load
•
Electrophoresis systems were added or removed during a run
•
Buffer leaking in a connected system
•
Excessive temperature increase
•
Excessive buffer evaporation
•
Loose connection in a connected system
•
Amperage set to low
Change in constant mode
•
Voltage changes to amperage
1. Amperage set to low. Ceiling hit and constant mode changed from voltage to amperage.
Increase amperage to 500 mA.
•
Amperage changes to voltage
1. Voltage set to low. Ceiling hit and constant mode changed from amperage to voltage.
Increase voltage to 300 volts
The 300 volt system has automatic cross over, set voltage or amperage, and preset wattage. During the
electrophoresis process only one parameter is limiting at a time. The limiting parameter, together with
the conductivity in the electrophoresis system, and the values for the other parameters determine the
maximum output.
