Lab Freezers & Refrigerators | How to use FAQ

• What does the "Error" or "Function" code on product display indicate?

  The condition when "Error code" or "Function code" is indicated is different by model. The "Error code" indicates error/abnormal condition of the product. The "Function code" indicates the parts replacement notification after life time of fan motor, battery etc.
  Depending on the product series (such with LCD display equipped), not only the "code" of "Warning" and/or "Alarm" and/or "Error" and/or "Status" but also the "message" are displayed. The difference of the code depends on model number or condition or risk of product however, you can see what's happening from the message on LDC screen at a glance without reading manual.
  For more detail about the each code with the condition of product, please find User's manual here and solve the error condition. And please contact our sales representative or distributor for the servicing.

Ultra Low Temperature Freezer / Biomedical Freezer

• • What is the type and gas/refrigerant amount of CFCs used in equipment?

    The type and amount of chlorofluorocarbon gas are indicated on the nameplate with the product name and serial number attached to the equipment. Although the location where the nameplate is affixed varies depending on the product, please check the side of the cabinet.

  • Nothing works when the power is turned on.

    Please check the following items.

    • Is the outlet plug connected correctly? Is the capacity of electricity sufficient?
    • Isn't power failure occurring? Or isn't breaker at power source tripped? Or isn't the fuse blown?

  • How to stop the alarming on a Ultra Low Temperature Freezer?

    Please press ”Buzzer key" on the control panel or LCD touch screen of ULT Freezer to silence the buzzer. However, the buzzer sounds again after the ring back time passed if the ring back function is turned ON and alarm condition still continues. Also, alarm test can not be silenced by pressing Buzzer key, For more detail, please find from User's manual of each model of ULT Freezer.

  • Is the product frost free?

    Yes or No. The products are not completely frost-free because it affected by using condition and environment (e.g. outsider humidity, air ventilation, frequency of door opening etc.) however, anti-frost functions as well as design to minimize frost are adopted. Frost is usually generated around the inside of outer door and/or inside & outside of inner door and/or their sealing gasket where the outside air comes in comparatively easy.

    • ULT Freezer (-152°C/-80°C) : Manual defrost. You need to turn off the freezer operation to remove the frost after replacing the inner sample to other running freezer.
    • Medical Freezer (-30°C/-40°C including MPR Pharmaceutical Refrigerator with Freezer)：Manual defrost or Automatic defrost depending on the model. Only MDF-U443 (426 liters/ -40°C) offers Automatic defrost.
    • About MDF-U443 Automatic defrost: Manual defrost is also possible. Defrosting is carried out every 12 hour in a short period of time by a heater built into evaporator. During defrosting, the internal temperature may rise slightly but this has almost no effect on the temperature of the stored items. So you can keep leaving them in the freezer even during defrosting. See detail from Manual downloads page.
    • Hot line for secure sealing against frost (All models) : Moisture condensation at the top edges of the cabinet due to differences in temperature inside and out causes frost and icing problems that may reduce heat insulation efficiency and obstruct door movements. These problems are prevented by the "hot line" by means of which hot gas from the higher temperature circuit is circulated through the problem areas.
    • Fivefold Gasket​ (VIP ECO, TwinGuard series): PHCbi developed the new gasket structure by the repeated testing comparing to the other ULT freezers available from market. Firm gasket structure with "Fivefold" air space increases insulation performance and prevents foreign material​ (ex. frost building up) comes in. It contributes to reduce the frequency of manual defrosting around the gasket for more conformable use.​

    Tips to Minimize Ice Buildup

    • Position the freezer away from vents blowing air into the room, or on the freezer.
    • Keep total door openings, and door opening length, to a minimum.
    • Ensure door latches are secure after closing.

  • What is the difference between "Temperature setting range" and "Temperature control range"?

    There is a following difference in term;-

    • Temperature settable range : Temp. you can physically set from the control panel.
    • Temperature control range: Temp. the freezer can actually performs under certain condition (e.g. Ambient temperature at 30°C, Air temp. measured at freezer center, Without load etc. - described in product brochure or manual)

    Even though you can set temperature of ULT Freezer at -90°C which is allowable range from controller, the continuous running at minimum threshold will be load on freezer. "Temperature Control range" (under certain condition) is the guaranteed performance of product by PHCbi.

  Pharmaceutical Refrigerator

  • • Nothing works when the power is turned on.

      Please check the following items.

      • Is the outlet plug connected correctly? Is the capacity of electricity sufficient?
      • Isn't power failure occurring? Or isn't breaker at power source tripped? Or isn't the fuse blown?

    • Why my fridge got water/condensation on the door?

      1. General mechanism that condensation occurs
      -1. Ambient temperature and humidity
      The Condensation condition on the Glass surface and Sliding door frame of Lab/Vaccine Refrigerator varies depending on the installation environment. Condensation occurs due to the difference between the surface temperature and the ambient temperature / humidity of the installation site. Therefore, condensation easily occurs under high temperature & humid environmental condition.
      -2. Factors causing condensation

      • Case#1: No condensation during the daytime, but it is found when you start working in every morning.
        Insight: The air conditioner might be operated in the daytime which dehumidified the room air. Then, after the air conditioner was turned off when you finish the daily work, the environmental temperature and humidity might be increased which eventually forms condensation during the night time
      • Case#2: There was no condensation for some while, but it has recently formed.
        Insight：The air conditioner temperature setting might be changed higher for energy saving etc.
      • Case#3: Condensation occurs during using the fridge.
        Insight：The door of the fridge might being opened for a long time. If the frequency of door opening and closing is too many, cold air easily leaks from the gap of the sliding doors which cools the outer surface of the glass and may form condensation.
      • Case#4: Situation of condensation is different by unit even though the multiple units are installed in the same room.
        Insight: The condition of condensation may be different depends on how/from where the wind from air conditioner hits the unit. It means that the situation may be different by installed position of the unit.
      • Case#5: The position where the condensation on the glass door surface is different.
        Insight: Cold air tends to accumulate on the lower side, so condensation forms more easily on the lower side of the product.

      2. Countermeasure to minimize the condensation on Vaccine/Lab Fridge
      Basically, It is a normal phenomenon to observe slight condensation on the external glass door due to high humidity and/or high temperature of the Laboratory ambient environment with respect to unit set temperature. There is no adverse effect on the items stored inside the unit as long as the storage conditions of the unit are maintained. As a guidelines to adhere, The unit should be installed in a dry location with good air ventilation and be away from direct sunlight. If condensation persists, please refer to our insight above and improve the laboratory ambient environment by reducing humidity and/or lowering of the ambient temperature via the air conditioning and ventilation system.