When buying a new environmental test chamber, most laboratories focus on purchasing factors such as functionality, performance, and cost-effectiveness. But few of them take installation requirements into consideration, thus failing to ensure a successful setup process.
Installing an environmental test chamber is not easy. There are many obstacles that may occur during the setups process. The worst case scenario is damaging the chamber or installing it incorrectly. To help you minimize setup time and avoid these potentially expensive obstacles, we’ve prepared a 5-step guide for installing your new environmental test chamber.
1. Choose the Right Place for Installation
An environmental test chamber should be installed in a room with a flat floor that can withstand the weight of the chamber but is also spacious enough to ensure optimum functionality and proper maintenance. This room must also be protected from atmospheric agents.
2. Consider the External Temperature
Another thing you must consider when choosing the right place for installing a new environmental test chamber is room temperature. When setting a temperature, you must not forget about the heat that the chamber will dissipate during testing.
If needed, install an air conditioning system to ensure proper chamber functioning.
3. Pay Attention to the Power System
Depending on the level of performance a chamber can achieve, you’ll need to ensure that there is a suitably configured power supply system in the room as well. The chamber might require specific plugs and cables, so make a note to check its technical specifications.
You’ll probably be dealing with high Amperage lines, so equip your laboratory beforehand.
4. Ensure Needed Water Connection
There are two water supply connections to take into consideration – water connection the for humidification system and water connection for the water condenser. Especially so if your test chamber is water condensed but doesn’t have a built-in water softener.
In this case, you’ll need an external supply system for demineralized water and an additional water connection for the water condenser that must provide water of special characteristics, in compliance with the technical requirements of your environmental chamber model.
5. Take Precautions to Prevent Clogging
If your chamber comes with a system for the recirculation of the dehumidification water, you’ll need to set up a water draining system near the chamber as well. This is a crucial measure for preventing the water drain from getting clogged when the test specimen is dirty.
Alternatively, the water can be collected by having it flow into a container.
Installing Environmental Test Chambers to NEMA Standards
The National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA) sets the standards for all environmental test chambers installations, so make sure that your installation is in compliance not only with your chamber specifications but also with the standards established by NEMA.
Otherwise, improper installation of an environmental test chamber might create additional costs to your laboratory, not to mention jeopardize the quality of test results.
For assistance with environmental test chamber installations, reach out to MSC Electrical today!
