ARES Cool 20 Cu. Ft. Explosion-Proof (Hazardous Location) Laboratory Freezer ARS-HC-EFP-20

Description

ARS-HC-EFP-20 – Product Highlights

• 20 cubic foot interior capacity — the largest single-cabinet upright in the ARES Scientific explosion-proof freezer tier, sized for facilities with elevated solvent or volatile-reagent throughput in classified rooms.
• Class 1, Division II, Groups A, B, C & D — meets NFPA 70 Article 500 and OSHA hazardous-location guidelines for rooms where flammable vapors, gases, or volatile dusts may be present in the surrounding atmosphere under abnormal conditions.
• ATEX-rated and non-sparking architecture — vapor-proof compressor enclosure, absence of interior lighting, external mounting of the microprocessor controller, and conduit-only electrical termination remove ignition pathways inside and outside the cabinet.
• Microprocessor controller and digital display — verifiable digital setpoint within the −15°C to −25°C range, with faster recovery and tighter long-term stability than mechanical thermostat designs common to legacy explosion-proof units.
• R290 natural hydrocarbon refrigerant — low global warming potential refrigerant with strong thermodynamic performance, supporting sustainability reporting alongside the broader ARES Scientific hazardous materials freezers and refrigerators lineup.
• Hardwired 115 V, 60 Hz conduit installation — no power cord shipped; final connection is hardwired at the install site to comply with Class 1, Division II practice and local AHJ requirements.
• State switching remote alarm contacts plus audible and visual high/low alarms — supports facility BMS integration and after-hours unattended operation for high-value sample and reagent storage.
• Six fixed shelves, keyed door lock, rear wall probe port — high vertical organization, restricted access for controlled chemistries, and a 3/4 in. probe port for external monitoring and calibration devices.
• ETL / C-ETL listed to UL 471, ENERGY STAR Certified — independent agency listing for the hazardous-location application plus verified energy performance, alongside the broader ARES laboratory freezers portfolio for unclassified spaces.
• 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 sizing, installation guidance, and ongoing service after deployment.

Frequently Asked Questions – ARS-HC-EFP-20

How do I choose between an explosion-proof freezer and a flammable storage freezer?

The choice is driven entirely by what the room is rated for, not by what is being stored inside the cabinet. If the room itself carries a Class 1, Division II classification — meaning flammable vapors or gases may be present in the surrounding air under abnormal conditions — the ARS-HC-EFP-20 or another explosion-proof unit is the correct selection. If the room is ordinary unclassified laboratory space and only the cabinet contents are flammable, a flammable storage freezer is the right tier.

What facility infrastructure is needed for an ARS-HC-EFP-20 install?

Required infrastructure includes a 115 V, 60 Hz, 5.5 A circuit terminated through conduit per NFPA 70 Article 501, four inches of clearance around the back and sides of the unit for compressor ventilation, and an ambient room environment between +18°C and +26°C with relative humidity under 70 percent. Installation should be performed by a qualified electrician familiar with hazardous-location wiring practice; a flexible cord-and-plug connection is not permitted for Class 1, Division II equipment.

What is the typical use case for a 20 cubic foot explosion-proof freezer versus the 14 or 17 cu. ft. tiers?

The 20 cu. ft. capacity is selected by facilities running higher sample volumes — large cannabis extraction operations, mid-scale pharmaceutical pilot plants, multi-team analytical chemistry programs, or contract testing labs servicing several clients from one classified room. When floor space is constrained and both refrigerated and frozen hazloc storage are needed, an explosion-proof combination unit may be a better fit; when the room needs walk-in capacity, ARES also offers classified-area cold storage rooms.

Why is there no interior lighting in the ARS-HC-EFP-20?

Interior lighting is intentionally omitted because conventional incandescent and LED fixtures inside a Class 1, Division II cabinet would themselves require explosion-proof rating to avoid acting as an ignition source. Eliminating interior lighting simplifies the compliance posture, removes a failure mode, and reduces serviceable parts. External room lighting plus the microprocessor display on the exterior provide visibility during access.

Is the EFP-20 ENERGY STAR Certified despite being a hazardous-location unit?

Yes. The ARS-HC-EFP-20 carries ETL and C-ETL listing to UL 471, hydrocarbon refrigerant safety certification, and ENERGY STAR certification for verified energy performance, in addition to meeting NFPA and OSHA guidelines for Hazardous Location, Class 1, Division II, Groups A, B, C and D. ENERGY STAR status is independent of hazard-class rating and reflects the unit’s R290 hydrocarbon refrigerant and high-density urethane insulation efficiency.

Can the unit be stacked or installed adjacent to other equipment?

The EFP-20 is a freestanding upright designed for floor placement with four inches of side and rear clearance for ventilation; it is not designed for stacking. Adjacent installation with a companion explosion-proof refrigerator or a second EFP-20 is standard practice in classified rooms, provided the four-inch clearance is maintained on all ventilated sides. Layout should be reviewed against the facility’s classified-area drawings prior to install.