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Barnstead/Thermolyne 1-800-553-0039
PREVENTIVE MAINTENANCE
WARNING
THIS FURNACE CONTAINS REFRACTORY CERAMIC INSULATION WHICH CAN PRODUCE RESPIRABLE
FIBERS AND DUST WHEN HANDLED. THESE FIBERS CAN CAUSE IRRITATION AND CAN AGGRAVATE PRE-
EXISTING RESPIRATORY DISEASE. THE INTERNATIONAL AGENCY FOR RESEARCH ON CANCER (IARC)
HAS CLASSIFIED REFRACTORY CERAMIC FIBER AS POSSIBLY CARCINOGENIC.
AFTER SERVICE REFRACTORY CERAMIC FIBER DUSTS MAY CONTAIN CRYSTALLINE SILICA, WHICH MAY
CAUSE LUNG DAMAGE (SILICOSIS) AND WHICH HAS BEEN CLASSIFIED BY IARC AS A PROBABLE
CARCINOGEN.
The refractory ceramic materials are located in the door, the hearth collar bricks, and in the chamber of the furnace.
Tests performed by the manufacturer indicate that there is no significant risk of exposure to dust or respirable
refractory ceramic fiber resulting from operation of the equipment under normal conditions. However, there may
be a risk of exposure to respirable refractory ceramic dust or fiber when repairing or maintaining the insulating
materials, or when otherwise disturbing the materials in a manner which causes release of dust or fibers therefrom.
Through the use of proper handling procedures you can work safely with these insulating materials and minimize
any exposure. Accordingly, before you repair or replace any insulating materials, or perform any other servicing on
this product which could disturb or cause exposure to dust from insulating materials, you should consult the
appropriate Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS’s) for such products with respect to proper handling and
appropriate protective equipment. For additional MSDS’s, or additional information concerning the handling of
refractory ceramic products, please contact the Customer Service Department of Barnstead/Thermolyne
Corporation.
WARNING
REFER SERVICING TO QUALIFIED PERSONNEL.
WARNING
TO AVOID ELECTRICAL SHOCK, THIS FURNACE MUST ALWAYS BE DISCONNECTED FROM THE POWER
SUPPLY PRIOR TO MAINTENANCE AND SERVICING.
4-1.
Contamination is a major cause of element failure, therefore, when possible, remove the fume forming
material before heating. (e.g., cleaning cutting oil from tool steel.)
4-2.
Housekeeping is vital to your electric furnace—KEEP IT CLEAN! Run your furnace up to 1600°F empty
occasionally to burn off the contamination that may exist on the insulation and elements.
4-3.
Element life is reduced somewhat by repeated heating and cooling. If the furnace is to be used again
within a few hours, it is best to keep it at the operating temperature or at a reduced level such as 500°F
(260°C).
4-4.
During normal use the thermocouple in your furnace can become oxidized and cause inaccurate readings,
therefore, we suggest that if you use your furnace regularly, you should change your thermocouple once
every six months to assure the accuracy of your furnace temperature.
5-1.
The Trouble Shooting Tips section is intended to aid in defining and correcting possible service
problems. When using the chart, select the problem category that resembles the malfunction, then
proceed to the possible causes category and take necessary corrective action.
