ARES Cool 17 Cu. Ft. Explosion-Proof (Hazardous Location) Laboratory Freezer ARS-HC-EFP-17

Description

ARS-HC-EFP-17 – Product Highlights

• 17 cubic foot interior capacity — mid-range Class 1, Division II upright footprint sized for facilities outgrowing the 14 cu. ft. tier while keeping single-door access and a moderate room footprint.
• Class 1, Division II, Groups A, B, C & D — meets NFPA 70 and OSHA hazardous-location guidelines for rooms where flammable vapors, gases, or volatile dusts may be present in the surrounding atmosphere.
• ATEX and non-sparking architecture — vapor-proof compressor enclosure, no interior lighting, and external mounting of the microprocessor controller eliminate ignition pathways from both inside and outside the cabinet.
• Microprocessor temperature controller with digital display — replaces legacy mechanical thermostat designs with verifiable digital setpoint control, faster recovery after door openings, and tighter long-term stability across the −15°C to −25°C range.
• R290 hydrocarbon refrigerant and EPA-compliant urethane insulation — low-GWP refrigerant paired with foamed-in-place high-density insulation provides energy-efficient operation suitable for the broader laboratory freezers use case in long-duty applications.
• Hardwired conduit termination at 115 V, 60 Hz — no power cord included by design; final connection is hardwired in conduit at the install site to comply with Class 1, Division II electrical practice and local AHJ requirements.
• State switching remote alarm contacts plus audible and visual alarms — high and low temperature alarms with remote contact closure for facility BMS integration, supporting 24/7 unattended operation and audit-grade event logging.
• Six fixed shelves, rear wall probe access, keyed door lock — organized vertical sample storage with a 3/4 in. probe port for external monitoring devices and restricted-access security for controlled chemistries.
• ETL / C-ETL listed to UL 471 and ENERGY STAR Certified — independent listing for the hazardous-location application plus verified efficiency, supporting facility sustainability reporting and code-compliance documentation alongside the broader hazardous materials freezers and refrigerators family.
• Two-year parts and labor warranty — ARES Cool is ARES Scientific’s proprietary cold storage line, distributed exclusively by ARES Scientific with full warranty support and U.S.-based customer service for installation guidance, replacement parts, and ongoing service after deployment.

Frequently Asked Questions – ARS-HC-EFP-17

What does “Class 1, Division II” mean for laboratory freezer selection?

Class 1 designates flammable gases or vapors, and Division II indicates a location where those flammables are present only under abnormal operating conditions — for example a solvent storage room with adequate ventilation, where a release would only occur during a spill or container failure. The ARS-HC-EFP-17 is rated for this classification through ATEX-rated components, a vapor-proof compressor enclosure, and conduit-only electrical termination. Selecting a Class 1, Division II freezer is a room-classification decision, not a sample-type decision.

How does the EFP-17 compare to a flammable storage freezer of the same capacity?

A flammable storage freezer is designed for ordinary, unclassified laboratory rooms and protects against ignition of flammable contents stored inside the cabinet — it ships with a standard NEMA 5-15 plug. The EFP-17 is rated for classified rooms where the surrounding atmosphere may itself be the hazard; it ships without a plug and must be hardwired. Same interior capacity, fundamentally different installation environments and electrical requirements.

What is the typical electrical install for an ARS-HC-EFP-17?

The EFP-17 requires hardwired termination in conduit to a 115 V, 60 Hz, 5.5 A circuit. Installation should be performed by a qualified electrician familiar with NFPA 70 hazardous-location practice and Article 501 conduit and sealing requirements. The freezer’s electrical entry is configured for conduit; a flexible cord-and-plug installation is not acceptable under Class 1, Division II rules and would void code compliance.

Can the ARS-HC-EFP-17 be paired with an explosion-proof refrigerator?

Yes, the EFP-17 is commonly specified alongside a 14, 17, or 20 cu. ft. explosion-proof refrigerator from the hazardous materials freezers and refrigerators family when a classified room needs both refrigerated and frozen storage. Many cannabis extraction labs, solvent dispensing rooms, and chemistry pilot plants run a paired-unit configuration; for tighter footprint requirements, an explosion-proof combination unit is also available.

Does the freezer require any special HVAC or ventilation in the room?

The ARS-HC-EFP-17 itself does not require dedicated ventilation, but the host room’s Class 1, Division II classification is typically established through documented mechanical ventilation rates and area-electrical drawings. The freezer needs four inches of clearance around the back and sides for proper air circulation around its own compressor. Room-level HVAC requirements are governed by NFPA 45, the facility’s classified-area documentation, and the local AHJ.

What certifications does this product carry?

The EFP-17 is ETL and C-ETL listed and certified to the UL 471 standard for refrigeration safety, is ENERGY STAR Certified for verified energy performance, and meets NFPA and OSHA guidelines for Hazardous Location, Class 1, Division II, Groups A, B, C and D. The hydrocarbon refrigerant safety listing covers R290 charge limits and venting under UL 471.