Chapter 5 – Frequently Asked Questions
TestEquity 3007C Temperature Chamber
Page 5-3
I’m not going to use the chamber for a while. Is there anything I should do to prepare it for
storage?
Perform ALL the steps in the Preventive Maintenance Schedule before placing the chamber into
storage. This will ensure that the chamber will be ready to operate when it is taken out of storage.
If the chamber has a problem and is still under warranty, these problems should be resolved
before being placed into storage, since the warranty period starts from the date of shipment. The
chamber should be stored in a conditioned environment. Do not store it outside or where it will
be subjected to dirt or excessive moisture.
I haven’t used the chamber for a while. Is there anything I should do to prepare it for
operation?
Perform ALL the steps in the Preventive Maintenance Schedule before placing the chamber back
into service. This will ensure that nothing has been damaged and that a leak has not developed.
This chamber has a crankcase heater to protect the high-stage compressor. The chamber must be
connected to the power source AND the Main Disconnect Switch must be ON for 3 hours prior
to operating the chamber. Although it may be safe to use the chamber immediately, this
procedure ensures the longest possible life for the high-stage compressor if the chamber has been
removed from the power source for more than 24 hours.
Can the person who services our air conditioning also service the chamber?
Probably not. Most air conditioning mechanics are not familiar with low-temperature cascade
refrigeration systems. While this chamber is relatively easy to maintain and repair, most air
conditioning mechanics do not have the necessary refrigerants and may not be familiar with the
microprocessor-based controls. This chamber should only be serviced by a qualified mechanic
that is familiar with low-temperature cascade refrigeration systems. Call TestEquity to
recommend one in your area, or to check if the one you would like to use is qualified.
Can/Should I put a filter in front of the condenser air inlet?
No, TestEquity does not recommend this. Just follow the maintenance procedures and clean the
condenser fins periodically.
How often should I charge the refrigeration system?
This chamber uses a closed-loop refrigeration system. Just like your refrigerator at home, it does
not need periodic charging. If the charge is low, this means that there is a leak. Leaks should be
repaired before recharging.
What kind of Freon does the chamber use?
The word Freon
®
is a DuPont registered trade name for their CFC-based refrigerants and is
incorrectly used as a generic term for refrigerants. TestEquity chambers do not use CFC-based
refrigerants. The high-stage system uses R-404A, which is also known as DuPont Suva
®
HP62.
The low-stage system uses R-508B, which is also known as DuPont Suva
®
95.
