Model:

923/983

Non-CFC, Ultra-Low Temperature

Upright Freezer
23 cu. ft. capacity

Installation and Operation

Manual No: 7020923 Rev. 2

Model 923/983_______________________________________________________________________________________

CAUTION
Contains Parts and Assemblies
Susceptible to Damage by
Electrostatic Discharge (ESD)

CAUTION: All internal adjustments and main-

tenance must be performed by qualified
service personnel.

IMPORTANT!

Read This Instruction Manual

Failure to read, understand and follow the instructions in

this manual may result in damage to the unit, injury to operating
personnel and poor equipment performance.

The material in this manual is for information purposes

only. The contents and the product it describes are subject to
change without notice. Thermo Forma makes no representations
or warranties with respect to this manual. In no event shall
Thermo Forma be held liable for any damages, direct or inciden-
tal, arising out of or related to the use of this manual.

MANUAL NO. 7020923

-- 19363/FR-1429 10/18/00 New thermostat hot condenser temp of 43°C ccs
2 19404/FR-1441 9/22/00 New temperature control board ccs
1 19154/FR-1421 9/1/00 Updated parts and refrigeration drawings (dryer part number) ccs
0 6/30/00 New Manual aks
REV ECR/ECN DATE DESCRIPTION By

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Model 923/983_________________________________________________________________________________Service

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Model 923/983__________________________________________________________________________________Safety

General Safety Notes used in this Manual

Important operating and/or maintenance instructions. Read the accompanying text carefully.

Ce symbole attire l'attention de l'utilisateur sur des instructions importantes de fonctionnement et/ou d'entretien. Il
peut être utilisé seul ou avec d'autres symboles de sécurité. Lire attentivement le texte d'accompagnement.

Wichtige Betriebs- und/oder Wartungshinweise. Lesen Sie den nachfolgenden Text sorgfältig.

Importante instruccions de operacion y/o mantenimiento. Lea el texto acompanante cuidadosamente.

Potential electrical hazards. Only qualified persons should perform procedures associated with this symbol.

Ce symbole attire l'attention de l'utilisateur sur des risques électriques potentiels. Seules des personnes qualifiées
doivent appliquer les instructions et les procédures associées à ce symbole.

Gefahr von Stromschlägen. Nur qualifizierte Personen sollten die Tätigkeiten ausführen, die mit diesem Symbol
bezeichnet sind.

Potencial de riesgos electricos. Solo personas das capacitadadas deben ejecutar los procedimientos asociadas con
este simbulo.

Equipment being maintained or serviced must be turned off and locked off to prevent possible injury.

Risques potentiels liés à l'énergie. L'équipement en entretien ou en maintenance doit être éteint et mis sous clé pour
éviter des blessures possibles.

Geräte, an denen Wartungs- oder Servicearbeiten durchgeführt werden, müssen abgeschaltet und abgeschlossen wer-
den, um Verletzungen zu vermeiden.

El equipo recibiendo servicio o mantenimiento debe ser apagado y segurado para prevenir danos.

Hot surface(s) present which may cause burns to unprotected skin or to materials which may be damaged by elevat-
ed temperatures

Présence de surface(s) chaude(s) pouvant causer des brûlures sur la peau non protégée, ou sur des matières pouvant
être endommagées par des températures élevées.

Heiße Oberfläche(n) können ungeschützter Haut Verbrennungen zufügen oder Schäden an Materialien verursachen,
die nicht hitzebeständig sind.

Superficias calientes que pueden causar quemaduras a piel sin proteccion o a materiales que pueden estar danados
por elevadas temperaturas.

! Always use the proper protective equipment (clothing, gloves, goggles etc.).
! Always dissipate extreme cold or heat and wear protective clothing.
! Always follow good hygiene practices.
! Each individual is responsible for his or her own safety.

iii
Model 923/983_________________________________________________________________________Table of Contents

Table of Contents

Section 1 - Installation and Start-Up

1.1 Unloading and Moving the Freezer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-1
1.2 Getting to Know Your Freezer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-1
1.3 Environmental Conditions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-3
1.4 Installing the Wall Bumpers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-3
1.5 Installing the Shelves . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-3
1.6 Location . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-3
1.7 Connecting the Alarm Battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-3
1.8 Remote Alarm Contacts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-3
1.9 Optional Temperature Recorder . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-4
a. Connecting recorder battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-4
b. Installing the chart paper . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-4
1.10 Attaching the Power Cord . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-4
1.11 Power Switch (mains disconnect) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-4
1.12 Water-cooled Condenser . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-4
1.13 Electrical Requirement and Connection . . . . . . . . . . . .1-4
1.14 Factory Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-4
1.15 Start Up and Loading . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-4

Section 2 - Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-1

2.1 Changing the Control Temperature Set Point . . . . . . . . .2-1
2.2 Changing the Over Temperature Alarm Set Point . . . . .2-1
2.3 Alarms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-2
2.4 Silencing the Over Temperature Alarm . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-2

Section 3 - Calibration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-1

3.1 Temperature Display Calibration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-1
3.2 Recorder Calibration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-1
a. Changing the recorder range: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-1
b. Calibrating the chart recorder: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-1

Section 4 - Routine Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-1

4.1 Cleaning the Cabinet Exterior . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-1
4.2 Cleaning the Air Filter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-1
4.3 Cleaning the Condenser . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-1
a. Cleaning the Water-cooled Condenser . . . . . . . . . . .4-1
4.4 Defrosting the Chamber . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-1
4.5 Cleaning the Door Gasket . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-1
4.6 Cleaning the Vacuum Relief Port . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-1
4.7 Replacing the Battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-1
4.8 Preparing the Unit for Storage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-1

Section 5 - Service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-1

5.1 Servicing the Refrigeration System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-1
5.2 Troubleshooting Chart . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-2

Section 6 - Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6-1

Section 7 - Parts List . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7-1

Section 8 - Refrigeration Schematics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8-1

Section 9 - Electrical Schematics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9-1

Section 10 - Warranty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10-1

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Model 923/983______________________________________________________________________________Installation

Section 1 - Installation and Start-Up

The freezer can be easily pushed to the desired
1.1 Unloading and Moving the Freezer approved location, described in Section 1.6. If necessary, the
doorstop may be removed to allow the door to swing fully open
To remove the freezer from the pallet, use the 7/16" to move the unit through tight openings. When the freezer is in
wrench to remove all the bolts securing the shipping bracket to position, set the front caster brakes.
the pallet.

If tipped more than 45°, allow the unit to set

upright for 24 hours before start up. The freezer must not be moved with the prod-
uct load inside.
Remove the shipping bracket. Remove the ramp boards from the
pallet and place the slotted end over the ramp brackets on the
pallet. The support blocks on the ramps will be facing down.
Before moving the freezer, make sure the casters are unlocked
and moving freely. Align the caster with the ramp boards. Use
adequate personnel to roll the freezer off the pallet.

1.2 Getting to Know Your Freezer

Figure 1-1, Control Panel

LED display - Shows actual chamber temperature and indi- Normal/Standby switch - Silences the audible alarm.
A cates the control temperature set point when the Press-To-Set
button is pressed.
E
Low Battery indicator - Flashes when the battery needs to be

B Condenser Hot indicator - Lights when the thermostat on the

condenser reaches 43°C, indicating typically a dirty air filter,
F replaced.

a clogged condenser, a fan failure or high ambient temperature. Over Temp indicator - Flashes when the chamber tempera-

Set Point Adjustment screw - Used to set the control temper-

G ture rises above the Over Temperature Alarm setting.

C ature set point.

H Voltage Compensation indicator - Indicates when the in-
coming electrical power is being automatically adjusted to
Press-To-Set button - Press to display control temperature set ensure that the compressor operates within specification.
D point.

1-1
Model 923/983_____________________________________________________________________________Installation

Figure 1-2 Figure 1-4, Vacuum Relief Port

Freezer Exterior, front view and Chamber Probe

Figure 1-3 Figure 1-5, Vacuum Relief Port and Chamber

Freezer Base, rear view Probe Assembly (without cover)

1-2
Model 923/983______________________________________________________________________________Installation
1.3 Environmental Conditions
1.6 Location
The ULT Freezers are designed to be electrically safe in the fol-
lowing environmental conditions: Locate the freezer on a firm, level surface in an area
with an ambient temperature between 18°C and 32°C. Provide
• Indoors ample room to reach the mains disconnect switch (power switch)
• Altitude: Up to 2,000 meters located on the rear of the freezer.
• Temperature: 5°C to 43°C
• Humidity: 80% RH at or below 31°C, decreasing linearly to
50% RH at 40°C For proper ventilation and airflow, a minimum
• Mains Supply Fluctuations: ± 10% of nominal. clearance of 5” at the rear, at the top and on the side
• Installation Category II 1 of the freezer is required. Allow adequate space in
• Pollution Degree 2 2 the front of the freezer for door opening.
• Class of Equipment I
• Climatic Class T (Tropical)3
1.7 Connecting the Alarm Battery
1 Installation category (overvoltage category) defines the level
NOTE: The battery must be connected upon start-up so that the
of transient overvoltage which the instrument is designed to alarm will activate during an Overtemperature condition.
withstand safely. It depends on the nature of the electricity sup-
ply and its overvoltage protection means. For example, in CAT
II which is the category used for instruments in installations sup- CAUTION
Contains Parts and Assemblies
plied from a supply comparable to public mains such as hospital Susceptible to Damage by
Electrostatic Discharge (ESD)
and research laboratories and most industrial laboratories, the
expected transient overvoltage is 2500V for a 230V supply and
1500V for a 120V supply. 1. To gain access to the battery, remove the grill on the front of
the freezer. The grill is attached to the freezer by friction
2 Pollution degree describes the amount of conductive pollution plugs on each of the four corners and is readily pulled off.
present in the operating environment. Pollution degree 2 The battery is the rectangle fastened by Velcro to the com-
assumes that normally only non-conductive pollution such as pressor compartment frame and has a connector with red and
dust occurs with the exception of occasional conductivity caused black wires. Another red and black wire set with connector
by condensation. is secured to the wiring harness passing through the area of
the freezer. Join the two wire connectors and replace the
3 Class T (Tropical) means that the freezers are electrically safe grill.
in a 43°C ambient.
2. When the battery is connected, the OVERTEMP light will
1.4 Installing the Wall Bumpers (Refer to Figure 1-3) flash and the alarm will sound. Turn the NORMAL/STAND-
BY switch to the STANDBY position. This will silence the
The parts bag, located inside the cabinet, contains the alarm. The alarm will remain silent until the unit is below
following parts. alarm setpoint. The alarm setpoint is factory set for -65°C. If
another setpoint is required, see Section 2.2.

Qty. Stock # Description Purpose 1.8 Remote Alarm Contacts

2 510016 1/4-20 x 5-1/2" Bolt Wall Bumper Remote alarm contacts are located on the rear of the unit. See
2 380520 Neoprene Cap Cap Protector Figure 1-6 for pin description, shown in the alarm state. The
Thermo Forma part number
Install the bolts into the pre-tapped holes on the back of for the plug required is
the compressor section. Install a neoprene cap on each bolt. 195482. Maximum rating for
Refer to Figure 1-3 for the locations of the pre-tapped holes. this plug is 1.0A @ 30VAC.

1.5 Installing the Shelves

Install the shelf clips into the shelf pilasters (front and
back) at the desired shelf level. Install the shelves in the cabinet
onto the clips.

Figure 1-6
Remote Alarm Contact

1-3
Model 923/983_____________________________________________________________________________Installation
9-volt battery
Program selection and
calibration buttons 3
3
1 2
1 2

Green LED

Figure 1-8
Chart Recorder, detail view

1.9 Optional Temperature Recorder 1.12 Water-cooled Condenser

a. Connecting recorder battery An accessory available for your freezer is the water-
cooled condenser. Details for the use of this condenser follow:
Open the glass door of the recorder and connect the 9-
volt battery. The green light on the recorder will come on. Water Supply
• Connections:
b. Installing the chart paper Inlet - ½" compression
Outlet - ½" compression
1. Open the glass door of the recorder and press button #3 • Maximum water pressure:
until the pen begins to move outward. 150 PSIG
2. Unscrew the knob at the center of the chart and remove the • Water usage:
paper. City water - 65°F (18°C), 1 GPM (3.4 liters)/HP
3. Install the new chart paper, position the paper to the correct Tower water - 85°F (29°C), 3GPM (11.4 liters)/HP
time line and replace the knob.
4. Remove the cap from the felt pen and press button #3. Water Strainer (P/N 780268)
Included in the parts bag within the freezer is a water
strainer recommended to be installed in the water inlet line. The
B connection size is ½" FPT.

1.13 Electrical Requirement and Connection

The freezer should be operated on a dedicated grounded

service. Check the voltage rating on the serial tag of the unit and
Figure 1-9
A compare it with the outlet voltage. Then with the power switch
Recorder Buttons Figure 1-10 turned off, plug the line cord into the wall outlet.
Power Cord Assembly
1.14 Factory Settings
1.10 Attaching the Power Cord
· Temperature: -80°C
1. Loosen screw (A) located on the power cord retainer. · High Temperature Alarm: -65°C
2. Spread the power cord retainer.
3. Insert the power cord into the power outlet module (B).
4. Tighten screw (A) on the power cord retainer.
If you wish to change any of these settings, see the
appropriate section(s) in Section 2.
Make sure the power cord connection is
1.15 Start Up and Loading
completely seated.
· Turn the freezer on and allow it to run empty over night.
· When the empty freezer has stabilized over night at the control
1.11 Power Switch (mains disconnect)
temperature set point, load the chamber with pre-frozen product.
The power switch is located on the rear of the unit,
directly above the power cord. The power switch is also a cir- The freezer was designed for the storage of pre-frozen
cuit breaker that protects the entire unit. product only. The addition of warm product may
cause a temporary rise in the cabinet temperature.

1-4
Model 923/983___________________________________________________________________________Operation

Section 2 - Operation 2.2 Changing the Over Temperature Alarm Set Point

2.1 Changing the Control Temperature Set Point The following procedure sets the alarm for a precise
temperature during initial set up. If a precise temperature is not
1. Remove the screwdriver on the front left corner of the control required, set R9 to the desired temperature.
panel.
2. Press and hold in the PRESS-TO-SET key on the control 1. Set the unit to operate at the desired alarm point (see Section
panel. 2.1) and allow the unit to operate until it reaches the set point.
3. Using the screwdriver, turn the SET screw until the desired 2. Remove the top two screws securing the control panel and
temperature is displayed. Clockwise lowers the temperature loosen the bottom two screws. Carefully remove the control
and counter clockwise raises the temperature. The approved panel.
operating temperature range for the unit is -50°C to -86°C. 3. Remove the six screws securing the cover of the box attached
to the inside of the control panel to expose the alarm board.
4. Turn the switch on the control panel to the NORMAL posi-
tion.
The unit should NEVER be set to operate below - 5. If the unit alarms, slowly adjust R9 clockwise (warmer) until
86°C. Setting the unit below -86°C will cause the the alarm turns off. If the unit is not in alarm, slowly adjust
compressors to operate continuously and reduce R9 counterclockwise (colder) until the alarm turns on.
the compressor life. 6. The alarm is now set for the desired temperature. Reinstall the
box cover and secure with screws. Carefully install the control
panel to its proper location and secure with screws.
7. Set the unit to the desired control temperature. See Section
2.1.

FORMA SCIENTIFIC

Figure 2-1, Temperature

Alarm Circuit Board
showing R-9 Control

2-1
Model 923/983_______________________________________________________________________________Operation

2.3 Alarms

Alarm Description Visual Audible Cause Action Required

Over Temperature Flashing (red) On · Unit is above alarm setpoint · Check freezer operation.
· Addition of excessive product
load
Condenser Hot On (red)* --- · Filter and/or condenser dirty. · See section 4.2 and 4.3 for
· Operating freezer in greater cleaning filter and condenser.
than 40°C ambient.
Low Battery Flashing (red) --- · Rechargeable battery not · See Section 1.6.
connected. · Replace battery. See section 4.7
· Rechargeable battery for battery replacement instructions.
needs replaced. See spare parts list for battery
part number.
Voltage Compensation On (green) --- · Incoming voltage too high · Check if line voltage is
or too low within operating range.
See 6 - Electrical. If within
specification no action required.

2.4 Silencing the Over Temperature Alarm:

· Move the switch from the NORMAL position to the STAND-

BY position. When the alarm condition has been corrected,
the alarm will sound. The switch must then be returned to the
NORMAL position.

NOTE: When the problem has been corrected and the alarm
condition no longer exists an alarm will sound remind-
ing the operator to press Standby to exit the STANDBY
mode.

If the unit is left in the STANDBY mode, none of

the alarms listed will sound, alarm lights only will
turn on.

2-2
Model 923/983______________________________________________________________________________Calibration

Section 3 - Calibration 3.2 Optional Recorder Calibration

a. Changing the recorder range:

CAUTION The chart recorder contains eight temperature ranges

Contains Parts and Assemblies and is factory-programmed for the freezer.
Susceptible to Damage by
Electrostatic Discharge (ESD) 1. Press and hold button #3 for one second, then let the pen
move off the chart paper.
2. Press and hold for five seconds either button #1 or button #2.
3. Release the button and the green LED will begin to flash.
Calibration must be performed when the unit is Count the number of flashes to determine the present program
at operating temperature. setting.
4. To change the program setting, press the left or right arrows to
increase or decrease the count.
Required equipment: Accurate low temperature remote bulb 5. When the desired program number is flashing, press button #3
thermometer or thermocouple of known accuracy. to bring the pen arm back onto the chart. Recording will
begin in the new program.
3.1 Temperature Display Calibration
NOTE: Changing ranges may require an offset calibration as
Place a measuring device near the probe cover. See Figures 1-4 outlined in Section 3.2.b.
and 1-5.
1. Allow the unit to stabilize at the operating temperature. Program No. Range
2. Remove the top two screws securing the control panel and Program 1 -40°C to 30°C
loosen the bottom screws. Program 2 0°C to 60°C
3. Carefully remove the control panel. Program 3 -100°C to 38°C
4. Remove the six screws securing the cover of box attached to Program 4 -5°C to 50°C
the inside of the control panel. Remove the cover. Program 5 0°C to 100°C
5. Adjust R17 until the control panel display matches the inde- Program 6 -100°C to -200°C
pendent measuring device. Several turns of R17 may be Program 7 -115°C to 50°C
required to achieve the desired temperature. Program 8 -10°C to 70°C
6. Reinstall cover to the box and secure. Table 3-1
7. Check the control temperature set point. Set point may have Recorder Range Chart
been altered during the calibration procedure.

b. Calibrating the chart recorder:

The recorder must be in service for 24 hours before per-

forming the following calibration procedure.

1. Place an accurate thermometer in the chamber next to the

recorder probe.
2. Temperature probes for the recorder are located in the left
front corner of the freezer chamber (Figure 1-4).
3. After about three minutes, compare the thermometer reading
with the chart recorder reading.
4. If an adjustment is necessary, press the #1 button to move the
pen to the left or the #2 to move the pen to the right. The but-
ton must be held about five seconds before the pen begins to
move. Release the button when the pen position matches the
thermometer.

NOTE: The felt-tip pen on the recorder requires periodic

replacement. Usually the ink will appear to fade before
replacement becomes necessary. Additional pen tips
may be purchased from Thermo Forma. Refer to Parts
List, Section 7.
Figure 3-1, Temperature Control
Board, showing R-17 Location
3-1
Model 923/983_______________________________________________________________________________________________________Preventive Maintenance

PREVENTIVE MAINTENANCE
SUVA Freezers
Your Thermo Forma equipment has been thoroughly tested and calibrated before shipment. Regular preventive maintenance is important to keep
your unit functioning properly. The operator should perform routine cleaning and maintenance on a regular basis. For maximum performance and
efficiency, it is recommended that the unit be checked and calibrated periodically by a qualified service technician.

The following is a condensed list of preventive maintenance requirements. See the specified section of the instruction manual for further details.

Thermo Forma has qualified service technicians, using NIST traceable instruments, available in many areas. For more information on Preventive
Maintenance or Extended Warranties, please contact us at the number below.

Cleaning and calibration adjustment intervals are dependent upon use, environmental conditions and accuracy required.

Tips:
• Fill an upright by starting at the bottom near the probe and add racks to one shelf at a time. Allow freezer to recover to setpoint between shelves.
• Fill a chest by starting at the left side near the probe. Filling with room temperature racks will result in a long pull-down time.
• Fill unit with frozen product to help overall performance; frozen water jugs, for example.

•Millcreek Road, Box 649 •Marietta, Ohio 45750 USA •740-373-4763

•USA and Canada 888-213-1790 •Telefax: 740-373-4189 •http://www.fservice@forma.com
Model 923/983_____________________________________________________________________________________________________Preventive Maintenance

The material in this sheet is for information purposes only. The contents and the product it describes are subject to change without notice. Thermo Forma makes
no representations or warranties with respect to this information sheet. In no event shall Thermo Forma be held liable for any damages, direct or incidental, arising
out of or related to the use of this information sheet.

Information Sheet

1 8/99 New Information Sheet ccp

REV DATE DESCRIPTION
Model 923/983_____________________________________________________________________________________________________Preventive Maintenance

Preventive Maintenance for 900 Series Freezers

Refer to Manual Section Action Monthly Yearly Every
2 Years
-- Verify ambient temperature, <90°F !
-- * Adjust door handle for firm latching, as needed !
Figure 1-4 probe location 4.5 Check and clean probe and cover, gaskets, hinges and doors of ice and snow. !
More frequent cleaning may be
required, depending on use and
environmental conditions.
4.2 Check air filter. Clean or replace as needed !
1.7/Upright, 1.6/Chest Check alarm back-up battery. ! ** Replace
-- Check condenser fan motor for unusual motor noise or vibration. !
-- * Verify and document calibration, at the minimum, annually. !
4.3 * Clean condenser compartment and wipe off condenser !
* Qualified service technicians only
** Dispose of properly, according to all state and federal regulations.
Model 923/983______________________________________________________________________Routine Maintenance
Section 4 - Routine Maintenance CIP (Clean-In-Place) Procedure

4.1 Cleaning the Cabinet Exterior 1.

Disconnect the unit from the water supply.
2.
Drain the unit.
3.
Rinse with fresh water and drain the unit again.
4.
Fill with fresh water.
5.
Add cleaning agent (solution and concentration dependent
Avoid the excessive use of water around on deposits or build-up).
the control area due to the risk of electrical 6. Circulate cleaning solution (if feasible).
shock. Damage to the controls may also 7. Drain the cleaning solution.
result. 8. Add and circulate a passivating liquid for corrosion inhibi-
tion of plate surfaces.
9. Drain this liquid.
Wipe down the freezer exterior using soap and water 10. Rinse with fresh water and drain.
and a general use laboratory disinfectant. Rinse thoroughly with 11. Reconnect the water supply and fill the unit.
clean water and dry with a soft cloth. 12 . Return to service.

4.4 Defrosting the Chamber

4.2 Cleaning the Air Filter (minimum of twice a year*)
1. Remove all product and place it in another freezer.
1. Locate the grille on the right side of control panel. See Figure 2. Turn the unit off and disconnect it from the power source.
1-2. Grasp the corner of the grille and gently pull to remove. 3. Turn the Alarm switch to Standby, or disconnect the battery.
2. Remove the filter material and wash, using water and a mild 4. Open all of the doors and place towels on the chamber floor.
detergent. 5. Allow the frost to melt and become loose.
3. Dry by pressing between two towels. 6. Remove the frost with a soft cloth.
4. Install the filter back into the grille and attach the grille. 7. After defrosting is complete, clean the interior with a non-
chloride detergent. Rinse thoroughly with clean water and dry
* Depending upon environmental conditions, the filter may need with a soft cloth.
to be cleaned or replaced more frequently. If the filter becomes 8. Plug unit in and turn power switch on.
torn or excessively dirty, a replacement can be purchased from 9. Allow the freezer to operate empty overnight before reloading
Thermo Forma. See the exploded parts list, Section 7, for filter the product.
part number. A filter kit (set of 5) part number 195517 is also
available. 4.5 Cleaning the Door Gasket (minimum monthly*)

Using a soft cloth, remove any frost build-up from the

4.3 Cleaning the Condenser (minimum of twice a year*) gasket and door(s).

1. Locate the grille on the right side of control panel. See Figure *The door gasket may need to be cleaned more frequently if dirt
1-2. Grasp the corner of the grille and gently pull to remove. or excessive frost build-up prevents the door from closing prop-
2. Using a vacuum cleaner, exercising care to not damage the erly.
condenser fins, clean the condenser.
3. Install the grille. 4.6 Cleaning the Vacuum Relief Port (minimum monthly*)
* Depending upon environmental conditions, the condenser may
need to be cleaned more frequently. Using a soft cloth, remove any frost build-up from the
vacuum relief, located in the front left corner of the chamber.
a. Cleaning the Water-cooled Condenser See Figure 1-4 and 1-5.

The water-cooled condenser can be cleaned-in-place by

using the CIP procedure. Cleaning solutions can be used, The vacuum relief port contains a small heating
depending on type of deposits or build-up to be removed. element. If the freezer is not disconnected from the
electrical supply or turned off at the power switch,
CAUTION! Do not use liquids that are corrosive to stainless the heating element will continue to operate and
steel or the brazing material (copper or nickel). Do not leave may cause injury to personnel cleaning the freezer
the unit on stand-by after cleaning. chamber.

*The vacuum relief port may need to be cleaned more frequently

if dirt or excessive frost buildup prevents the door from closing
properly.

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Model 923/983_________________________________________________________________________________Service

4.7 Replacing the Battery Section 5 - Service

5.1 Servicing the Refrigeration System
For a consistent and dependable charge, replace
the battery every 2 years. Replacement batteries Servicing must only be performed
must be rechargeable and are available from by service personnel who are
Thermo Forma. Refer to the parts list for stock qualified to repair cascade refrig-
number and description of the replacement bat- eration systems. Always use stan-
teries. dard safety practices when servic-
ing the equipment.
Dispose of the used batteries in a safe manner
and in accordance with good environmental
practices.
Before opening the refrigeration system, use the trou-
bleshooting chart to check out the electrical system. Electrical
schematics and refrigeration drawings with parts are included
with this manual.
1. Turn off the power switch and unplug the unit from the AC
power supply
2. To gain access to the battery, remove the grill on the front of
the freezer. The grill is attached to the freezer by friction
CAUTION
plugs on each of the four corners and is readily pulled off. Contains Parts and Assemblies
The battery is the rectangle fastened by Velcro to the com- Susceptible to Damage by
Electrostatic Discharge (ESD)
pressor compartment frame and has a connector with red and
black wires. Another red and black wire set with connector is
secured to the wiring harness passing through this area of the
freezer. Refer to the troubleshooting chart on the following
3. Disconnect the two wire connectors, replace the battery pack page.
and secure with the Velcro.
4. Reconnect the battery and replace the grill.
5. Plug unit in and turn power switch on.

4.8 Preparing the Unit for Storage

Defrost the unit as described in Section 4.4. This will

prepare the unit for storage.

The battery must be disconnected to prevent the

battery from becoming completely discharged
during storage.

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Model 923/983________________________________________________________________________________Service

5.2 Troubleshooting Chart

Symptom Possible Cause

No Temperature Display • Power line cord disconnected or not properly installed

• External power circuit breaker tripped/open
• Main power switch OFF
• 24 volt transformer fuses open.

Chamber Temperature Deviates from Set Point • Too much warm product added
• Door open too long
• Inadequate air circulation
• Calibration
• Dirty condenser
• High ambient temperature

Too Much Frost Build-Up • Door not properly sealed.

Freezer not Being Refrigerated (unit is receiving power) • Compressor thermal overload open
• Loss of refrigerant in either system
• Defective compressor(s)
• Defective temp control
• Defective high pressure cut-off

Display Problems in General • Defective temp control board.

Condenser Hot Light On • Clogged air filter

• Clogged condenser
• Fan failure

5-2
Model 923/983____________________________________________________________________________Specifications

Section 6 - Specifications

MODEL 923/983

Temperature Range -50°C (-58°F) to -86°C (-123°F)

Exterior Dimensions 40.8" W x 77.9" H x 37.0" F-B

(103.6cm x 197.9cm x 94.0cm)

Add 3.0" (7.6cm) to W for latch/hinge; add 6.5" (16.5cm) to F-B for control panel/wall spacer.
23 cu. ft. freezer will pass through a 34.0" (86.4cm) doorway with door open and base front panel removed.

Interior Dimensions 30.6" W x 51.5" H x 25.25" F-B

(77.7cm x 130.8cm x 64.3cm)

Capacity 23 cu. ft. (651.3 liters)

Refrigeration Cascade system, (2) hermetically-sealed compressors

Insulation Non-CFC, foamed-in-place urethane;

5.0" (12.7cm) sides; 4.5" (11.4cm) door

Electrical 923,983
230VAC, 1 PH, 50/60 Hz, 12.0 FLA
Operating Range: 208VAC - 240VAC

Breaker 923,983: 15 Amp, 230V

Requirements

Automatic Voltage Low:

Cut In: 210V Cut Out: 220V Volts Boost: 18

High:
Cut In: 235V Cut Out: 225V Volts Buck: 18

Shipping Weight Ocean: 1140 lbs. (517.1 kg)

Air/Container: 880 lbs. (399.2 kg)
Motor: 880 lbs. (399.2 kg)

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Model 923/983______________________________________________________________________________Parts List

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Model 923/983______________________________________________________________________________Parts List

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Model 923/983______________________________________________________________________________Parts List

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Model 923/983______________________________________________________________________________Parts List

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Model 923/983______________________________________________________________________________Parts List

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Model 923/983______________________________________________________________________________Parts List

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Model 923/983_______________________________________________________________________________Parts List

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Model 923/983______________________________________________________________________________Parts List

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Model 923/983______________________________________________________________________________Parts List

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Model 923/983___________________________________________________________________Refrigeration Schematics

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Model 923/983___________________________________________________________________Refrigeration Schematics

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Model 923/983_________________________________________________________________Electrical Schematics

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Model 923/983_________________________________________________________________Electrical Schematics

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Model 923/983_________________________________________________________________Electrical Schematics

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Model 923/983_________________________________________________________________Electrical Schematics

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Model 923/983_________________________________________________________________Electrical Schematics

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Model 923/983_________________________________________________________________Electrical Schematics

9-6
Millcreek Road, P.O. Box 649
Marietta, Ohio 45750
U.S.A.

Telephone: (740) 373-4763

Telefax: (740) 373-4189