SO-LOW FDC 4000 LAB Chest Freezer User Manual

LAB CHEST FREEZER
CH SERIES INSTRUCTIONS
USER MANUAL

WARNING: READ BEFORE CONTINUING
To reduce the risk of fire, electric shock or injury to persons using this freezer, read all instructions and follow basic safety precautions before using the unit, including the following:
Do not modify the plug provided with the freezer. If it will not fit the outlet, have a proper outlet installed by a qualified electrician.
Do not position equipment so it is difficult to disconnect from the power supply freezer must be at least 6” away from any wall or object on any side.
While under warranty, do not attempt to repair or replace any part of the freezer for servicing without first contacting the So-Low Service Department.

SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS

So-Low Environmental Equipment Company
10310 Spartan Drive
Cincinnati, OH 45215-1221
Tel: 513-772-9410
http://www.so-low.com
For customer service:
Email: sales@so-low.com
For parts replacement:
Email: parts@so-low.com
For technical support:
Email: service@so-low.com

SYMBOLS AND STARTING INSTRUCTIONS

Explanation
MEANING OF ILLUSTRATED SYMBOLS
ILLUSTRATED SYMBOLS
Various symbols are used in this safety manual in order to use the unit without danger of injury and damage of the unit. Be sure that you understand the warnings and cautions in this manual before operating the unit.
CAUTION
BLACK WITH YELLOW BACKGROUND LIGHTNING BOLT CAUTION, RISK OF ELECTRICAL SHOCK
**WARNING**
BLACK WITH YELLOW BACKGROUND EXCLAMATION POINT CAUTION, REFER TO ACCOMPANYING DOCUMENTS

STARTING INSTRUCTIONS

1. Move the freezer to an indoor location, and plug the freezer into an appropriate outlet with an adequate power supply. Consult your maintenance department for additional information on the proper electrical configuration for this unit.
2. Once plugged in, the compressor(s) will start to operate and pull down to the setpoint on the temperature control. The default setpoint varies depending on model. Consult your freezer manual for specific information regarding setpoint.
3. Allow the freezer to reach the setpoint temperature. Depending on the size of the unit, this may take up to 12 hours.
4. Product can now be loaded into the freezer for storage.

To prevent overloading the cooling system, product should be loaded gradually, in batches. Allow the temperature to recover to setpoint before the next batch of product is loaded into the unit.

UNIT REQUIREMENTS

Unit Information
PRE-INSTALLATION INFORMATION
RANGE OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS
FOR WHICH THIS EQUIPMENT IS DESIGNED

1. Indoor use.
2. Altitude up to 2000m.
3. Ambient temperatures 15°C to 30°C ( 60°F TO 85°F )
4, Recommended humidity range of 30% to 90%.
5. Mains supply fluctuations up to -5% to +10% of the nominal voltag
6. Transient over-voltages typically present on the mains supply (overvoltage category Il). Pollution degree 1.

WARNING
DURING OPERATION THIS UNIT MUST REMAIN IN UPRIGHT POSITION. DURING TRANSPORATION UNIT MUST NOT BE TIPPED MORE THAN 45° FROM UPRIGHT POSITION.
CAUTION
UNPLUG UNIT AND SWITCH OFF ELECTRICAL BREAKER BEFORE ANY TECHNICAL SERVICE IS PERFORMED.
CAUTION
COVERS ON BACK / SIDE OF FREEZER MAY ONLY BE REMOVED BY AUTHORIZED PERSONNEL. FAILURE TO RE-INSTALL COVER COULD RESULT IN HAZARD.
CAUTION
UNIT MUST BE OPERATED ON A DEDICATED ELECTRICAL LINE. USING A NON-DEDICATED LINE MAY RESULT IN UNIT STARTUP FAILURE.
CAUTION
ONLY PLUG THIS UNIT INTO THE PROPER OUTLET. DO NOT ATTEMPT TO MODIFY PLUG IN ANY WAY. IMPROPER USE OF THE ELECTRICAL PLUG WILL VOID WARRANTY.
WARNING
DO NOT POSITION EQUIPMENT SO IT IS DIFFICULT TO DISCONNECT FROM THE POWER SUPPLY.

PREVENTATIVE MAINTENANCE

FREEZER STORAGE PROCEDURE
The unit can be turned off for storage by unplugging the unit from the wall outlet and/or switching off the electrical breaker in the electrical box.
ATTENTION
RISK OF ELECTRICAL SHOCK
USE CAUTION NEAR ELECTRICAL CONNECTIONS
Once the unit is unplugged, the freezer will go into “Power Failure” alarm.
To disable the Power Failure alarm;

1. Locate the electrical panel on the side of the freezer.
2. Remove the screws with a Phillips screwdriver, and remove the panel.
3. Locate the battery (which is clearly marked) in the lower right hand corner.
4. Disconnect one lead from the battery by removing the connector on the battery.
5. When returning the unit to service, complete steps 1-4, but reconnect the unplugged battery in step 4. Then plug the unit into the outlet to restore power.

NOTICE
SEE STARTING INSTRUCTIONS ON PAGE 1 WHEN PUTTING UNIT BACK INTO SERVICE.
ALARM BATTERY REPLACEMENT
NOTICE
THE LO-BAT (LOW BATTERY ALARM) IS NOT ABLE TO BE SILENCED OR DISABLED.
TO REDUCE THE VOLUME OF THE ALARM UNTIL A REPLACEMENT CAN BE INSTALLED, A PIECE OF TAPE CAN BE PLACED OVER THE BUZZER HOLE ON THE CONTROL
To reduce the risk of fire, electric shock or injury to persons using this freezer, read all instructions and follow basic safety precautions.
CAUTION
DISCONNECT THIS UNIT FROM THE POWER SUPPLY BEFORE PERFORMING MAINTENANCE ON THE UNIT.

1. Unplug freezer from power supply.

2.  Remove cover marked electrical panel located on side of cabinet.

3.  Disconnect wires from battery terminals — Note which color wires were connected to positive/negative. Colors vary depending on when unit was made. Older models used black wire as positive and white as negative.
   Newer models use red wire as positive and black as negative. See picture for battery location.

4.  Remove strap holding battery in place.

5. Replace battery and reconnect wires (see #3)

6. Test alarm.

7. Reinstall battery strap and electrical box cover.

8.  Plug freezer back into power supply, and allow up to 24 hours for the new battery to fully charge.

CLEANING PROCEDURE
Wipe down the exterior of the freezer with a soft cloth and/or general spray type polish. Do not use corrosive cleaners/chemicals on the exterior.
If frost builds up in the chamber, a bucket and ice-scraper can be used to remove ice. If excessive ice builds up, the unit can be defrosted (see below).

DEFROST PROCEDURE

1. Remove any product in the freezer, and temporarily store it in a back-up freezer or elsewhere.

2.  Unplug the freezer, and fully open the freezer front door / lid.
   ATTENTION
   FOR UPRIGHT UNITS, IT IS IMPORTANT TO PROTECT THE CONTROL FROM DRIPPING WATER. PLACE A CLOTH OR TOWEL ON THE LEADING EDGE OF THE COOLING
   CHAMBER ABOVE THE CONTROL TO DEFLECT / ABSORB WATER THAT COULD DRAIN ONTO THE CONTROL.

3. Air out the freezer, allowing the unit to reach room temperature for at least 12 hours. Using fans to blow air into the unit is recommended.

4.  Take arag and wipe up all the excess water in the unit (melted frost).

5. Close the unit, and plug the unit in to activate the start-up process.
   PLEASE CONSULT THE START-UP INSTRUCTIONS ON PAGE 1 FOR UNIT STARTUP

6. Once the desired temperature is reached, you may slowly begin to add your product back into the unit.

ATTENTION
IT IS RECOMMENDED TO SLOWLY RE-ADD YOUR PRODUCT INTO THE FREEZER TO PREVENT AN EXTREME LOAD ON THE COMPRESSORS, WHICH COULD SHORTEN FREEZER LIFE EXPECTANCY.

UNIT OPERATION

CHANGING SETPOINT TEMPERATURE

The temperature control is manually adjustable to the desired temperature in 1° C increments within the limits of the control range.
TEMPERATURE SET POINT
The control has two displays;

1. The upper display ( TEMP ) is the current actual unit temperature.
2. The lowerdisplay (SET) is the temperature set point.
   The temperature set point has been pre-set at the factory. See page 1 for additional information on factory default setpoint.

CHANGING TEMPERATURE SETPOINT
The temperature set point can be changed by simply pressing the “up” arrow to raise or the “down” arrow to lower the temperature set point. WARNING
CHANGING THE CONTROL PARAMETERS OUTSIDE OF THE MANUFACTURE RECOMMENDED RANGE, COULD SHORTEN THE LIFE-SPAN OF YOUR EQUIPMENT; OR CAUSE ISSUES RESULTING IN MECHANICAL FAILURE.
WARNING
USE ONLY THE “UP” AND “DOWN” KEYS WHEN MAKING CHANGES ON THIS CONTROL. WARRANTY WILL BE VOID IF USED IN ANY OTHER WAY.
CONTACT FACTORY FOR ALL OTHER ADJUSTMENTS IN SETTINGS.

ALARM / RELAY OPERATION

ALARM SYSTEM
When operating the unit for the first time, the alarm will be disabled until the unit reaches set point, or 8 hours after the unit has been first plugged in.
The alarm will not sound again until the unit goes out of temperature range.
THE FACTORY DEFAULT ALARM RANGE IS £12°C (20°F) FROM SETPOINT.
Note: The freezer contains a back-up battery, which will power the alarm system for approximately 48 hours during a power outage.
ALARM SYSTEM BATTERY REPLACEMENT
Rechargeable batteries should be changed approximately every three years with lead acid rechargeable 1.2 Ah min, model PS-640F1 or equivalent.
ATTENTION
THE BATTERY DOES NOT POWER THE COOLING SYSTEM.
DRY CONTACT RELAY
The dry contact relay is a terminal strip located on the back of the freezer.
RATING OF THIS CONNECTION:
2A 125 VAC
2A 30 VDC
{ RED-NORMALLY CLOSED
WHITE – COMMON
BLUE-NORMALLY OPEN
WARNING
IF IT IS NECESSARY TO REMOVE METAL COVER SCREEN ON BACK OF FREEZER TO MAKE CONNECTIONS TO ALARM RELAY, COVER MUST BE REPLACED BEFORE FREEZER IS PUT INTO OPERATION

CONTROL PROGRAMMING

CONTROL KEYS & DISPLAYS

The FDC-4000 controller is programmed by using three keys on the front panel. The available key functions are listed in following table. Note: Only use the tip of your finger to depress the keys. Using a rigid object such as a pen, screwdriver or even your finger-nail may permanently damage the keypad.

normal control mode) or to change lower display program parameter (while in User Menu or Factory Mode). Press and hold to accelerate increment speed.
| Down Key| Press and release to decrease the control set-point (while in normal control mode) or to change lower display program parameter (while in User Menu or Factory Mode). Press and hold to accelerate decrement speed.
Pressing key while in normal control
mode| Scroll Key| Press and hold for at least 2 seconds and release (while in normal control mode) to access operator level parameters. Press and release to cycle through all user parameters. Press and hold for 2 seconds and release to silence audible alarm under normal power or on battery power. While unit is in an alarm condition, the external alarm relay contacts will remain energized until the alarm condition no longer exists. Press and hold to display chamber temperature while the controller is on battery power. Chamber temperature will be displayed until key is released. Alarm contact will remain energized while operating on battery power.
Press both keys simultaneously| Current Power Reading| Displays current AC power (i.e. 110VAC) as long as keys are pressed. If power is 110VAC or 220VAC, unit will display 110. Mode is only active during normal control mode (when top display = PV, Lower display = SP). N/A on battery power.
Press both keys simultaneously| Alarm Test| Energize audible alarm and alarm relay output as long as keys are pressed. Mode is only active during normal control mode (when top display = PV, Lower display = SP). N/A on battery power.

Note: When the controller is displaying temperature in normal control mode, press/release or press/hold the up/down keys to change the set-point value. This set-point mode does not apply to power off modes.

CONTROL PROGRAMMING

CONTROL DISPLAY VALUES

The upper display is used to show the process value or menu prompt. The lower display is used to show the set-point value or menu value. Both displays are blank while on battery power unless the button is pressed to display the process value.
Note: When operating on battery power, the battery status LED (labeled “BAT” on the front panel) will be lit.
USER PARAMETER MODE
To enter the USER parameter mode, hold the scroll key for 2 seconds and release.

| To enter the user parameter mode, hold the Scroll Button for 2 seconds and release.
---|---
| To make changes in the user parameter mode, press the up or down arrows.
| To exit the user parameter mode, press and release the Scroll Button.

CONTROL PROGRAMMING
PROGRAM PARAMETER MODE
To enter the PROGRAM parameter mode, hold the scroll key until the screen changes to ‘SPL’, then release. This will take approximately 15 seconds.
To page through Parameters; Press and Release the scroll key
**** Please read the superscript instructions (bottom of page) for each Parameter value.

THE FOLLOWING VALUES WERE SET WHEN THIS UNIT WAS SHIPPED

TO EXIT TAP SCROLL KEY REPEATEDLY UNTIL TEMPERATURE/SETPOINT SCREEN APPEARS

1. This parameter has been turned “on” by pressing either arrow key and then make your changes in “user” mode.
   THE VALUES TO BE CHANGED ARE DISPLAYED IN USER MODE ONLY, except SPL and SPH.

2.  No values to change, either enable or disable by pressing the [ ] or [ ] arrow buttons.

3.  Any changes made here without expressed permission from the manufacturer will VOID the warranty of the unit.

4.  The parameter “DoR” and IN2 cannot be utilized at this time.

CONTROL PROGRAMMING

CALIBRATION PROCEDURE
To calibrate the control, the calibration parameter must be turned on.
To enter the CALIBRATION mode, hold the scroll key until the screen changes to ‘SPL’, then release. This will take approximately 15 seconds.
Press and Release the scroll key to page through Parameters.
Once value SHF is shown, Use the or arrow keys to change value to ON.

ONCE THE CALIBRATION PARAMETER HAS BEEN TURNED ON

• Hold SCROLL KEY for 2 seconds and release. SHF should appear in the top display and the current calibration value should appear in the bottom display.
• The value can now be changed with UP or DOWN ‘ arrow keys.
• Once finished, press and release the SCROLL KEY   to return to the main screen.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESITONS

COMMON QUESTIONS

Q: When should | defrost my unit?

A: Units should be defrosted when ice accumulation reaches approximately 1/2 inch thick. Ice acts like an insulator and has to work harder to reach the same temperature.

Q: Is this unit self-defrosting?

A: No, this unit is a manual defrost unit.

Q: Should I leave my freezer operating when | am not using it?

A: This unit is designed to operate continuously. Leaving the refrigeration system in operation, (even if not in use) may extend the life of the freezer, and reduce the chance of refrigeration issues that may occur if the freezer is not in operation for long periods of time.

Q: What ambient conditions is this unit designed for?

A: This unit is designed for: ¢ Indoor use * Altitude up to 2000m. e Temperatures 15°C to 32°C ( 60°F TO 85°F ) e Recommended humidity range of 30% to 90%.

Q: What electrical conditions is this unit designed for?

A: This unit is designed for: Mains supply fluctuations up to -5% to +10% of the nominal voltage. Consult the serial tag for nominal voltage. Transient overvoltage typically present on the mains supply (overvoltage category Il). Pollution degree 1.

Q: Does my unit require a dedicated electrical line?

A: Yes, this unit requires a dedicated electrical line. Please consult the labels on your unit for specific electrical requirements.

Q: Will the backup battery keep my unit cool during power failure?

A: NO, the backup battery only powers the alarm during power failure. It will not power the refrigeration system, and will not keep the unit cooling during power outages.

Q: Will the freezer start up after a power outage?

A: Yes, the freezer will automatically re-start when power is restored. The overall restart process will begin in stages to prevent system overloads; and may take up to minutes after re-start before cooling resumes.

REPLACEMENT PARTS LIST

TECHNICAL SUPPORT

TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE
IN CASE OF REQUEST FOR REPAIR
If failure occurs, stop operation of unit, and turn OFF the breaker power switch located in the electrical panel box, and unplug the power plug.
WARNING
IF FAILURE OCCURS AND UNIT IS STILL UNDER WARRANTY, DO NOT ATTEMPT TO MAKE ANY REPAIR MODIFICATIONS TO THE UNIT BEFORE CONTACTING THE SO-LOW SERVICE DEPARTMENT, AS THIS MAY RESULT IN WARRANTY BEING VOIDED.

• Model Number of Product
• Serial Number of Product
• Issue (as detailed as possible)

MAINTENANCE CHECKLIST
IT IS RECOMMENDED TO COMPLETE CHECKLIST EVERY 30 DAYS

• MODEL NUMBER OF PRODUCT
• SERIAL NUMBER OF PRODUCT

Checked that freezer is operating at the correct setpoint temperature.|
---|---
Checked operation of condenser fans, and cleaned air cooled condenser.|
Confirmed unit is at least 6 inches away from walls, or obstacles, on all sides to allow for sufficient air flow.|
Confirmed ambient room temperature is within range acceptable ranges.|
Recommended room temperature range is 15°C to 26°C ( 60°F TO 80°F )|
4 AMBIENT ROOM TEMPERATURE IS: °|
Checked operation of alarm system on unit.|
Note: Alarm can be simulated by temporarily raising setpoint out of range.|
Checked temperature recorders for proper operation (If applicable).|
Note: If there are any deviations observed, further diagnosing may be required.|
Check operation of CO2 or LN2 backup system. (If applicable)|

ITEMS BELOW MUST BE CHECKED BY YOUR IN-HOUSE TECHNICAL PROFESSIONAL USE CAUTION WHEN WORKING AROUND ELECTRICAL CIRCUITS

Checked AMP draw of unit when compressors stabilize.|
---|---
Checked incoming voltage and voltage drop when compressors start up.|

• NOTES
• COMPLETED BY
• COMPLETED DATE

DIAGRAMS

NOTE: DIAGRAM ONLY APPLIES TO STANDARD CONFIGURATION (115 VOLTS), AND MAY NOT NECESSAIRLY APPLY TO YOUR SPECIFIC UNIT. CONSULT A CERTIFIED REFRIGERATION EXPERT.

NOTE: DIAGRAM ONLY APPLIES TO STANDARD CONFIGURATION (115 VOLTS]), AND MAY NOT NECESSAIRLY APPLY TO YOUR SPECIFIC UNIT. CONSULT A CERTIFIED REFRIGERATION EXPERT.

ALARM DIAGRAM

NOTE: DIAGRAM ONLY APPLIES TO STANDARD CONFIGURATION (115 VOLTS]), AND MAY NOT NECESSAIRLY APPLY TO YOUR SPECIFIC UNIT. CONSULT A CERTIFIED REFRIGERATION EXPERT.

So-Low Environmental Equipment Company
10310 Spartan Drive
Cincinnati, OH 45215-1221
Tel: 513-772-9410
http://www.so-low.com
For customer service:
Email: sales@so-low.com
For parts replacement:
Email: parts@so-low.com
For technical support:
Email: service@so-low.com

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