Maintenance – Shellab SRI20-2 User Manual
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9
MAINTENANCE
The design of the chamber is such that periodic maintenance is kept to a minimum. NO lubrication or 
adjustments of components is needed. If the incubator is used frequently at temperatures below ambient 
room temperature or in any manner that increases moisture build-up within the chamber, a frequent 
defrosting schedule is recommended. 
6.1
Defrosting: Frost can appear inside the unit due to moisture accumulating and condensing on 
the coldest surface. The unit should be defrosted and cleaned on a regular basis. The unit can 
be defrosted either manually or automatically. The water drains from the chamber into a 
evaporate pan. Make sure to completely dry out the interior and evaporate tray in the bottom of 
the body when defrosting is complete. 
A.
Manual Defrost: Turn the unit off, open the door and allow the frost to melt. Then clean 
the chamber following the directions in 6.2. 
B.
Automatic Defrost: The automatic defrost switch is located on the back of the unit in the 
top right corner. It is an ON/OFF switch. In the ON position, the frost sensor is activated 
once every twelve (12) hours. If the sensor detects frost, the compressor is shut down until 
the frost has melted, and the compressor is reactivated. The amount of time the 
compressor is shut down is roughly one-half hour. During this time, the temperature in the 
chamber will spike and the Main temperature Controller will cycle off, shutting down the 
heating element. When the compressor is reactivated, the temperature will stabilize at set 
point. 
6.2
Cleaning: Clean the incubator with a mild soap and water solution, rinse clean with water and 
wipe dry with a soft cloth. 
6.3
Disinfecting: Disinfect the incubator on a regular basis. Remove all of the interior parts and 
clean thoroughly, including all corners using a suitable disinfectant that is appropriate for your 
application. DO NOT use spray cleaners that might leak through openings and cracks and get on 
electrical components, or that may contain solvents that will harm the coatings. DO NOT use 
abrasives of any kind as they will damage the interior. Special care should be taken when 
cleaning around sensing heads to prevent damage and around the door gasket so as not to 
impair the positive seal. 
WARNING: Never clean the unit with alcohol or flammable cleaners with the unit connected to 
the electrical supply. Always disconnect the unit from the electrical service when cleaning and 
assure all volatile or flammable cleaners are evaporated and dry before reattaching the unit to the 
power supply. 
6.4
Compressor Compartment: Located at the back and bottom of the unit, the compressor 
compartment can collect dust which will inhibit proper airflow. This compartment should be 
vacuumed out at least once every six (6) months to ensure maximum efficiency. Note that the 
unit must be disconnected from the power supply during this procedure. 
6.5
Electrical Components: There is NO maintenance to electrical components such as 
Temperature Controllers and Probes. If the incubator fails to operate properly, read the 
Troubleshooting guide prior to contacting Customer Service. If service is required, access to all 
electrical components is available by removing the panel cover at the top rear of the unit. 
Temperature Controllers are accessible from behind the control panel. Main Temperature Probe 
is located on the interior chamber back. Thermostat Probe is located in the element chamber. If 
the Low Limit Temperature Thermostat needs adjustment, contact the factory for assistance. 
Section
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