This document is an operation and service manual for Vector Lab Products Refrigerators and Freezers. It provides comprehensive information on the installation, operation, maintenance, and replacement parts for various models of laboratory refrigerators and freezers.
Function Description
The Vector Lab Products Refrigerators and Freezers are designed for indoor use, specifically for the storage of medications, vaccines, and laboratory products. These units maintain precise temperature control to ensure the integrity of stored items. Some models, such as the Chromatography Unit VREFCR30-RGD, include specialized features like a gas monitor to ensure a safe internal atmosphere when handling refrigerants like R290, which can be explosive. The units are equipped with a refrigeration system that includes a compressor, condenser, evaporator, and filter-drier (for refrigerators) or a thermal expansion valve (TXV) and dryer (for freezers).
Important Technical Specifications
The manual details various models with their respective dimensions (width, depth, height), internal volume, set point temperatures, electrical specifications, cooling capacity, and absorbed power.
- Ambients: Intended for indoor use, ambient temperature not to exceed 104°F (40°C), and ambient relative humidity not to exceed 65% RH.
- Clearances: 15 inches of clear space above the refrigerator for proper ventilation of the refrigeration system, and 2 inches of clearance at the back for power cord and ventilation.
- Electrical Specifications: 115 V, 60 Hz, 1 phase. Minimum circuit ampacity: 15A. Maximum size of branch circuit overcurrent device: 15A circuit. Vector Lab Products recommends circuit protection by a GFCI breaker. Does not require a dedicated circuit.
- Refrigeration Specifications: Uses Refrigerant R290. Charge sizes vary by model:
- VREF 12: 2.5 oz
- VREF25: 3.2 oz
- VREF30: 3.5 oz
- VREF49: 3.5 oz
- VREF72: 3.2 oz (2 cooling units)
- VFZR25: 3.9 oz
- VFZR49: 3.5 oz
- Controller Settings: Refrigerators are pre-programmed with a 4°C (39.2°F) set point, adjustable within a 1°C to 12°C (33.8°F to 53.6°F) range. Freezers are pre-programmed with a –25°C (–13°F) set point, adjustable within a –23°C to –10°C (–13°F to 14°F) range. All set points have a +2°C (+3.6°F) differential (r0 setting), meaning the compressor cuts off at the set point and turns on when it reaches 2.2°C (3.6°F) above the set point.
- Compressor Details: The manual includes a table with gas type (R290), gas charge, low side pressure at 70°F, high side pressure at 70°F, compressor windings at 77°F, and locked rotor amperage for various models. For example, the VFZR25-LB-RSD has a 3.9 oz (0.110 kg) gas charge, 2.9 psig (0.2 barg) low side pressure, 149.39 psig (10.3 barg) high side pressure, and a locked rotor of 40A.
Usage Features
- Installation: Units must be transported and handled in an upright position to prevent contamination of the refrigerant circuit. Installation involves removing packing material, accessories, sliding the cabinet off the skid, positioning it with a level, and removing protective PVC film. Shelves (if equipped) are installed by positioning supports and inserting shelves.
- Powering the Unit: Plug into a 115 V 60 Hz 15A outlet and press the power button located at the rear, right-hand corner.
- Stabilizer Bracket: Units must be secured to a wall using a galvanized iron crossbar and brackets to prevent tipping. Appropriate screws and anchors for the wall material are required.
- Remote Alarm Connection: Units are equipped with a dry contact remote alarm plug (low voltage: max 24VAc/VDc, 1A, SELV) with common (C), normally opened (N.O.), and normally closed (N.C.) outputs. This allows connection to an external alarm network.
- Controller Operation: The controller displays temperature in Celsius by default; a programming key is required to change to Fahrenheit. The keypad locks out after 30 seconds, displaying "Loc"; pressing the SET key for 1 second unlocks it, displaying "UnL". Set points can be viewed and adjusted using the SET key and UP/DOWN arrows.
- Controller Setup: Upon power-up, the controller may alarm "RTC," requiring programming of the time and date. This involves navigating through menu options to set the year, month, day, hour, minute, and day of the week.
- Defrosting: Refrigerators and freezers utilize an automatic hot gas defrost cycle, typically terminating when the evaporator probe reads 8°C. If the defrost probe fails or is out of spec, the unit will stay in defrost for a maximum of 15 minutes. Upon termination, the compressor, condenser fan, and evaporator fan will remain off for 60 seconds to allow melted frost to drip. Freezers enable an automatic defrost every 6 hours.
- Door Switch: Each evaporator and freezer door is equipped with a normally opened mechanical switch. Opening the door interrupts power to the evaporator fan(s) and compressor. If the door remains open for longer than 2 minutes, an audible and visual alarm will activate.
- Chromatography Unit (VREFCR30-RGD) Specifics: These units include a 115vac GFCI power outlet inside the cabinet and an R290 gas monitor. The gas monitor ensures the interior atmosphere is below the Lower Explosive Limit (LEL) before energizing the power outlet. It features a main switch, a 4-amp breaker, and a reset button. A pump draws air samples into the gas monitor. If gas is detected above the LEL, power is disconnected, and an audible/visual alarm activates. Three LEDs indicate status: Green (ON) for powered, Yellow (FAULT) + BUZZER for sensor broken, Yellow (FAULT) blinking for CO sensor replacement, and Red (ALARM) for gas concentration above threshold.
Maintenance Features
- Cleaning: Use non-chlorine-based cleaners for stainless steel. Disconnect power before cleaning.
- Interior Cleaning: Use a sponge or soft cloth with a non-abrasive, non-chlorinated, all-purpose detergent. The air plenum, shelves, and slides should also be cleaned.
- Exterior Cleaning: Wipe stainless steel exterior with a soft cloth in the direction of grain; stainless steel polish can be used. Glass doors and exterior parts can be cleaned with window cleaner or other non-abrasive cleaners.
- Annual Cleaning: Remove dust and particulates from air intake areas and the condenser. Disconnect power, access the condenser from the rear, inspect the drain pan, and use a vacuum cleaner with a brush attachment to clean the condenser, compressor, and related parts.
- Refrigeration System: Designed for trouble-free service, requiring only routine cleaning of the air-cooled condenser. Vector Lab Products does not recommend accessing the refrigeration system due to small charge sizes; if a sealed system failure is suspected, replacing the entire cooling system is recommended.
- Facade Removal: Controls are accessed by loosening screws and swinging the front panel upward. Electrical plugs should be disconnected if the facade is fully removed. Reinstall the ground wire.
- Controller Replacement: Requires a replacement Ev3294 Controller, programming key, #2 Phillips screwdriver, flat blade jeweler's screwdriver, and 6" wire ties. The controller is susceptible to electrostatic discharge. Steps include turning off power, removing facade, disconnecting battery, cutting wire ties, removing the old controller, transferring wiring to the new controller one at a time, reinserting the controller, securing wires, reconnecting the battery, reinstalling facade, and powering on.
- Controller Programming: The EV3294 controller can be programmed using a programming key. This involves ensuring the main switch is off, unscrewing and removing cables from terminals n.11-12-13, inserting the programming key (powered by a USB 5V/1A output), pressing the Copy-key button, and observing the signal LEDs (red flashing then solid green for success, solid red for failure). Parameters can also be copied from the controller to the programming key.
- Door Gasket Replacement: Remove the existing gasket, ensure the mounting track is clean, align the new gasket, and press firmly into place. Check for proper seal.
- Modular Refrigeration System: Allows technicians to remove the entire unit from the refrigerator top. Steps include removing the rear support column, incoming power supply assembly, bolts securing the unit cooler, and gently lifting off the cooler.
- Wiring Diagrams: Detailed wiring diagrams are provided for both glass door and solid door models, illustrating connections for components such as the electrical box, cooling unit, battery backup, compressor, fans, probes, switches, and LED lighting.
- Replacement Parts: Extensive lists and diagrams of replacement parts are provided for various models (VREF12-LB-R(L)GD, VREF25-LB-R(L)GD, VREF25-LB-R(L)SD, VREF30-LB-R(L)GD, VREF30-LB-R(L)SD, VREF49-LB-OGD, VREF49-LB-OSD, VREF49-LB-SGD, VFZR25-LB-RSD, VFZR49-LB-RSD, VREF72-LB-RGD). Each part is listed with a reference number, description, part number, and quantity. Examples include monoblock, compressor start components, valve coil, condenser finger guard & fan holder + motor, evaporator fan, strip LED, castor kit, guide pilaster, third-party probe kit, shelf kit, main switch kit, power cord, top protection grid, probes kit, lighting switch, controller (requires programming key), programming keys (Celsius/Fahrenheit), LED driver, power relay, battery backup protection relay, door switch, door lock with key, lock latch, battery back-up kit, hinging kit, glass door, door gasket, door handle, safety fan, and condensation kit. Specific models also list a gas sensor kit for chromatography units.
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