Types of Refrigerators/Freezers

[Rose Lin]

There are primarily three different types of refrigerators/freezers for chemicals: 

 

1.Household (Domestic): Although not recommended for laboratory use, household refrigerators and freezers may be used for storage of aqueous solutions. Liquid and solid chemicals should not be stored in these refirgerators. 

 

2.Lab-Safe (or Explosion-Safe or Flammable): Refrigerators and freezers are used for storage of flammable or explosive materials. This type of cooling technology has no internal switching devices that can arc or spark as a source of ignition. The compressor and other circuits usually are located at the top of the unit to reduce the potential for ignition of flammable vapors. These refrigerators also incorporate features such as thresholds, self-closing doors, and magnetic door gaskets. Special inner shell materials limit damage should an exothermic reaction occur within the storage compartment. 

 

3.Explosion-Proof: Laboratory refrigerators are designed to be operational in areas where the air outside the refrigerator might be explosive. This includes liquids, gases, or solids with flashpoints of less than 100°F. Explosion-proof refrigerators feature enclosed motors to eliminate sparking and bear a FM® (Factory Mutual) or UL®