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IKA RC 2 basic, Recirculating Chiller, 400 W Cooling Capacity, -20 °C, 0004171000

Product information "IKA RC 2 basic, Recirculating Chiller, 400 W Cooling Capacity, -20 °C, 0004171000"

Not every laboratory cooling application requires the latest refrigerant; some require, above all, availability and a tried-and-tested, non-flammable refrigerant. The IKA RC 2 basic recirculating chiller delivers up to 400 watts of cooling capacity at 20 °C and operates with the refrigerant R134a, which is classified in safety group A1 and is therefore non-flammable. This unit is a discontinued model and is offered from existing stock; it is available immediately, with no lead time.

Cooling capacity from room temperature down to minus 20 °C

As expected, the cooling capacity of the RC 2 basic decreases as the target temperature falls: 400 watts at 20 degrees, 370 watts at 10 degrees, 320 watts at 0 degrees, 240 watts at minus 10 degrees and 130 watts at minus 20 °C. The working temperature range extends from minus 20 °C to room temperature; with an external heater, the bath can also be operated at temperatures up to 80 °C. Temperature is controlled via a PT100 sensor; temperature stability is ±0.1 Kelvin according to DIN 12876.

Refrigerant and availability

Refrigerant R134a (HFC-134a), charge 230 g, corresponding to 0.33 tonnes of CO2 equivalent, GWP 1430, safety group A1 in accordance with DIN EN 378-1 (non-flammable).

The RC 2 basic is a discontinued model: IKA ceased production on 31 July 2026, and only existing stock is available. Its successor is the IKA RC 2 GREEN basic, which uses the refrigerant R290 and, according to IKA, offers approximately double the cooling capacity.

Anyone who requires the 400-watt cooling capacity of the RC 2 basic, and nothing more, will receive a unit with a spare parts commitment of at least ten years according to IKA, available immediately from stock. Please contact us if you would like to compare both variants for your application.

Recirculating chiller, circulating thermostat or heating bath: the right design

Within the IKA temperature control unit range, three different designs can be distinguished: pure recirculating chillers, such as the RC 2 basic, are designed solely for cooling; cooling and heating circulation thermostats, such as the HRC-2 series, provide both cooling and heating in a single unit; and heating baths provide heating without an active cooling function. The following overview compares the cooling capacity at various target temperatures:

ModelDesign20 °C0 °C-20 °CRefrigerant
RC 2 basic (this product)Recirculating chiller400 W320 W130 WR134a
RC 2 liteRecirculating chiller400 W250 WNot specified (minimum -10 °C)R290
HRC 2 liteCirculating thermostat400 W250 W100 W (at -10 °C)R290

RC 2 basic compared to RC 2 lite and the HRC-2 series

With a minimum operating temperature of minus 20 °C, the RC 2 basic covers the lowest working temperature range of the recirculating chiller sizes in this power class currently available from us. If, on the other hand, you are looking for a unit using the R290 refrigerant, you will find this in the slightly more compact IKA RC 2 lite. If the same unit needs to provide active heating as well as cooling, the IKA HRC 2 lite is suitable.

Typical applications

According to the manufacturer, the RC 2 basic is suitable as an external closed-circuit cooling source for, amongst other things, cooling external equipment such as:

Connection, installation and ongoing operation

The integrated pressure/suction pump achieves a maximum flow rate of 18 l per minute at a maximum pump pressure of 0.3 bar on the pressure side and 0.2 bar on the suction side. The internal bath has a capacity of between 1.4 and 4.0 l. RS232 and USB interfaces are available for connection to a PC or process control system. The housing is protected to IP 21 in accordance with DIN EN 60529; it can be connected to either 230 or 115 volts at 50 or 60 hertz.

Why now: End of production and selecting the correct cooling capacity

IKA has discontinued production of the RC 2 basic with effect from 31 July 2026. Consequently, only existing stock is still available; further orders are no longer possible, and the current stock is the last batch available. When selecting the appropriate cooling capacity, the target temperature is the key factor: if a cooling bath at around 0 °C is sufficient, 320 watts of cooling capacity is still available; it is only at minus 20 °C that the capacity drops to 130 watts. For applications that regularly require temperatures below minus 10 °C, the RC 2 basic, with its operating range extending down to minus 20 °C, is one of the few options we offer in this performance class.

Technical details

Unit typeRecirculating chiller
Working temperature range-20 °C to room temperature (up to 80 °C with external heating)
Temperature stability (DIN 12876)±0.1 K
Temperature sensorPT100
Cooling capacity at 20 / 10 / 0 / -10 / -20 °C400 / 370 / 320 / 240 / 130 W
RefrigerantR134a (HFC-134a), fluorinated greenhouse gas
GWP (refrigerant)1430
Refrigerant charge230 g
CO2 equivalent0.33 t
Refrigerant safety group (DIN EN 378-1)A1 (non-flammable)
Pump typePressure/suction pump
Max. pump pressure (discharge / suction side)0.3 bar / 0.2 bar
Max. flow rate18 l/min
Filling volume (bath tank)1.4 to 4.0 l
InterfacesRS232, USB
IP rating according to DIN EN 60529IP 21
Dimensions (W x H x D)220 x 475 x 525 mm
Weight31.26 kg
Voltage / Frequency / Connected load230/115 V, 50/60 Hz, 300 W

Scope of delivery

  • 1 x IKA RC 2 basic recirculating chiller (ID No. 0004171000)

Regulatory information

As an electrical appliance, the RC 2 basic is subject to the German Electrical and Electronic Equipment Act (ElektroG) and is registered with the EAR Foundation under WEEE registration number DE 66784213. At the end of its service life, the appliance must not be disposed of with household waste, but must be taken to a separate collection point for waste electrical and electronic equipment.

According to the manufacturer's labelling, the unit is labelled as a hermetically sealed system containing the fluorinated greenhouse gas R134a (HFC-134a); the full refrigerant specifications (GWP, charge quantity, CO2 equivalent) are set out in the Technical details table above. The refrigerant must be professionally recovered by an authorised refrigerant recovery operator prior to disposal.

Frequently asked questions about the RC 2 basic

What does the F-Gas Regulation mean for operating the RC 2 basic?
The refrigerant data are given in the Technical details table: R134a, charge 230 g, GWP 1430, 0.33 t of CO2 equivalent, safety group A1. The assessment for your operation depends on your obligations as an operator. We will gladly provide you with the manufacturer's information and the data sheet.

Has production of the RC 2 basic already ceased?
Yes. IKA ceased production on 31 July 2026. Only existing stock is still available; further purchases are no longer possible.

Will I still be able to obtain spare parts and repair services for the RC 2 basic after it has been discontinued?
Yes. According to IKA, the following applies to all discontinued units in this series: the availability of spare parts and repair services will continue to be ensured for at least 10 years.

Is there a successor model using a different refrigerant?
Yes, the IKA RC 2 GREEN basic uses the natural refrigerant R290 and, according to IKA, offers approximately double the cooling capacity of the RC 2 basic. Please contact us if you would like to compare both variants for your application.

Individual requirements and procurement service

Our procurement service is here to assist you with suitable connection hoses, additional valves or connecting the unit to existing laboratory reactors and rotary evaporators. Please also feel free to contact us if you have any questions regarding F-gas labelling or the successor model.

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Fits

Discount
IKA Inkubationsschüttler KS 4000 ic control (mit Kühlung)
IKA KS 4000 ic control Incubating Shaker (with Cooling Coil), 0003510100
Manufacturer number: 0003510100

Anyone who lets cell cultures or microbiological samples shake unattended overnight needs temperature control that also works below room temperature. The IKA KS 4000 ic control combines an orbital shaking motion with PID-controlled heating up to 80 °C and a built-in cooling coil. Together with an externally connected circulation chiller, the 90 litre internal chamber reaches temperatures down to room temperature minus 10 degrees. Without this chiller, the device works as an incubating shaker with heating, entirely without active cooling.PID control from minus 10 to 80 °CTwo PT1000 temperature sensors and an integrated PID controller hold the set temperature with a setting accuracy of 0.1 kelvin. With a vessel containing 0.5 litre of water, 22 degrees room temperature and 37 degrees set temperature, the control accuracy is ±0.5 kelvin and the temperature stability is ±0.05 kelvin. With 0.2 litre of water at 25 degrees room temperature and 37 degrees set temperature, the stability falls to ±0.1 kelvin. Spread over five vessels of 0.5 litre each, the homogeneity in the interior is ±0.5 kelvin. A large LED display shows speed and temperature, and an additional connection socket in the working space takes a further PT1000 sensor, for example the supplied PT 1000.60 made of stainless steel.Cooling coil and external circulation chiller belong togetherThe KS 4000 ic control has no compressor of its own and no refrigerant circuit of its own. The built-in cooling coil needs an externally connected circulation chiller, and IKA names models such as the RC 2 lite, the RC 2 basic or the RC 2 control for this. We also offer the IKA RC 5 control for this purpose, with 1,400 watt cooling capacity down to minus 30 degrees. Without a connected chiller, the temperature range remains limited to room temperature up to 80 degrees. Anyone who knows from the outset that work will only be done above room temperature saves the chiller and chooses the otherwise identical KS 4000 i control (ident no. 0003510000) without a cooling coil.20 kilograms shaking load at 20 millimetre orbitThe orbital motion has a shaking stroke of 20 millimetres and carries up to 20 kilograms of shaking material including attachment. The speed ranges from 10 to 500 revolutions per minute, adjustable in steps of 1 rpm, with a deviation of ±5 rpm. The motor draws 82 watts and delivers 24 watts, designed for a duty cycle of 100 %. The electronic timer covers 0 to 999 hours, optionally in timer or continuous operation, with a 7-segment LED display for the remaining time.Safety and everyday operationIn the event of a fault, the device switches off automatically, and likewise when the hood is opened during operation. The controls have an antimicrobial coating, and a drip tray with a drain hose at the back of the device catches spilled liquid. Via the RS-232 interface, the KS 4000 ic control can be connected to the laboratory device software labworldsoft, for documenting temperature, speed and time. The housing is made of powder-coated sheet steel, the polyester front film.Typical applicationsMicrobiological cultures with a cooling requirement below room temperatureCell cultivation with tight tolerances for temperature stability and homogeneityUnmonitored shaking operation overnight or over the weekendDocumented temperature control via labworldsoft in quality-assured laboratoriesTechnical detailsType of motionorbital, shaking stroke 20 mmPermissible shaking weight (incl. attachment)20 kgSpeed range10 to 500 rpm, steps 1 rpm, deviation ±5 rpmMotor power input / output82 W / 24 WHeating power1,000 WTemperature range (with external circulation chiller)Room temp. -10 °C to 80 °CControl accuracy / stability (0.5 l, 37 °C)±0.5 K / ±0.05 KHomogeneity (5 vessels 0.5 l, 37 °C)±0.5 KTimerelectronic, 0 to 999 h, timer and continuous operationWorking area internal chamber (W x H x D)440 x 440 x 352 mmTotal volume internal chamber90 lHousing material / front filmPowder-coated sheet steel / polyester filmRS 232 interfaceyesIP ratingIP 30 (DIN EN 60529)Dimensions (W x H x D)580 x 520 x 750 mmWeight55 kgConnected load230 V, 50/60 Hz, 1,120 W, fuse 2x T10A 250VScope of delivery1 x KS 4000 ic control1 x PT 1000.60 temperature sensor, stainless steel4 x clamping screws short (for fixing the attachment)2 x clamping screws long (for fixing the attachment)Attachments such as the universal attachment or retaining clips are not included and must be ordered together with the device to suit the application. An external circulation chiller for the cooling function is likewise not part of the scope of delivery.Selection guide and serviceIf you need a smaller internal chamber, the KS 3000 ic control (ident no. 0003940100) offers the same cooling principle with a built-in cooling coil, but only 50 litres of volume, a permissible shaking weight of up to 7.5 kilograms and an additional USB-B interface. IKA grants a manufacturer's warranty of 2 years for the KS 4000, extended to 5 years with registration at ika.com/register within 90 days of purchase. As an electrical device, the KS 4000 ic control falls under the WEEE directive and must not be disposed of with household waste at the end of its life. Via our procurement service, circulation chillers, attachments and further accessories can be ordered together to suit the application.

Sale price: €6,729.00 Manufacturer's RRP: €8,972.00 25% below manufacturer's RRP
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IKA KS 3000 ic control Inkubationsschüttler mit Kühlschlange, 10 bis 500 rpm, bis 80 °C, 50 Liter
IKA KS 3000 ic control Incubation Shaker with Cooling Coil, 10 to 500 rpm, up to 80 °C, 50 L, 0003940100
Manufacturer number: 0003940100

It is not possible to maintain the temperature of samples below room temperature using a heater alone. The IKA KS 3000 ic control therefore has a built-in cooling coil with connections for an external cooling unit; IKA cites the RC 2 basic or RC 2 control as examples. With cooling, the temperature range extends from room temperature minus 10 K to 80 °C, provided the inlet temperature is above 3 °C. The incubation shaker performs circular shaking with a 20 mm stroke at 10 to 500 rpm and can hold up to 7.5 kg.Heating and coolingAn integrated PID control system operates with two PT-1000 sensors; the heating power is 1,000 W. The setpoint temperature is adjusted and displayed in increments of 0.1 K. With a sensor in the vessel, the control accuracy is ±0.5 K (1 vessel containing 0.5 l of water, 22 °C room temperature, 37 °C). Temperature stability is ±0.05 K (1 vessel containing 0.5 l, room temperature 25 °C, 37 °C), whilst temperature homogeneity across five vessels, each containing 0.5 l, is ±0.5 K. There is a connection socket for an additional sensor in the working chamber. A stainless-steel PT 1000.80 is included in the Scope of delivery.Interior, hood and safety featuresThe inner chamber measures 330 x 330 x 258 mm and has a volume of 50 l. The lid is made of PMMA, whilst the housing is made of powder-coated sheet steel. The unit stops automatically when the lid is opened and switches itself off in the event of a fault. The control elements have an antimicrobial coating to reduce germs. A drip tray with a drain hose at the rear collects any liquid. Speed and time are shown on a large LED display. The timer ranges from 1 second to 999 hours; alternatively, the unit can run continuously.Typical applicationsShaking temperature-controlled samples for hours in unattended operationIncubation at a constant temperature, for example at 37 °CTemperature control below room temperature with a connected cooling unitDocumented runs via RS 232, USB-B and labworldsoftShaking of vessels of various sizes using clamps or a universal attachment, up to 7.5 kgWith or without a cooling coilIf you only need to heat from room temperature plus 5 K, you can opt for the KS 3000 i control. It has the same chamber, the same speed and the same shaking weight, but weighs 35 kg instead of 37 kg. For heavier batches requiring a 20 kg shaking weight and a 90-litre chamber volume, the KS 4000 i control is available.ModelTemperature rangeShaking weightInternal chamberWeightKS 3000 ic control (this unit)Room temperature minus 10 K to 80 °C (with cooling)7.5 kg50 l37 kgKS 3000 i controlRoom temperature plus 5 K to 80 °C7.5 kg50 l35 kgKS 4000 i controlRoom temperature plus 5 K to 80 °C20 kg90 l50 kgTechnical detailsMotion and strokeorbital, 20 mmShaking weight including attachmentup to 7.5 kgMotor power input / output45 W / 10 WRotational speed10 to 500 rpm in 1-rpm increments, deviation 1 %Timer1 s to 59,940 min, 7-segment LED, continuous operation possibleDuty cycle100 %Heating power1,000 WTemperature range (flow temperature above 3 °C)Room temperature minus 10 K to 80 °CSetpoint temperature adjustmentin increments of 0.1 KControl accuracy with sensor±0.5 K (1 vessel containing 0.5 l of water, room temperature 22 °C, 37 °C)Temperature stability±0.05 K (1 vessel, 0.5 l, ambient temperature 25 °C, 37 °C), ±0.1 K (0.2 l water, ambient temperature 25 °C, 37 °C)Temperature homogeneity±0.5 K (5 vessels, 0.5 l, ambient temperature 25 °C, 37 °C)CoolingBuilt-in cooling coil with connections for external coolingInternal chamber (W x H x D)330 x 330 x 258 mm, 50 lMaterialsHousing: powder-coated sheet steel, cover: PMMA, front panel: painted ABS, front film: polyesterInterfacesRS 232, USB-BDimensions (W x H x D)465 x 430 x 695 mm, 875 mm high with the cover openWeight37 kgOperating environment15 to 32 °C, up to 80 % relative humidityDegree of protectionIP 30 (DIN EN 60529)Mains connection230 V, 50/60 Hz, 1,120 WScope of delivery1 x IKA KS 3000 ic control incubation shaker1 x PT 1000.80 temperature probe, stainless steel4 x clamping screws, short1 x USB A-to-B cableAttachments and the external cooling unit are not included in the Scope of delivery. Attachments must be ordered separately to fit the vessels.Warranty and disposalIKA manufacturer’s warranty: 2 years; extended to 3 years upon registration at ika.com/register within 90 days of purchase. As an electrical appliance, the KS 3000 ic control must be disposed of via the separate collection scheme for waste electrical equipment after use.Individual requirements and procurement serviceIKA offers the following accessories for this unit: the universal attachment AS 260.1, the clamp holder AS 260.2 with clamps ranging from 10 to 2,000 ml, the dish attachment AS 260.3 and the separating funnel attachment AS 260.5. Also available are the AS 1.60 base holder with AS 1.61 clamping roller, the STICKMAX, an adjustable tube rack, the PC 1.1 cable, an additional PT 1000.80 sensor and labworldsoft in three versions. IKA also supplies factory calibration certificates and IQ/OQ documentation. Our procurement service provides support for attachments and cooling units.Frequently Asked QuestionsHow does this unit differ from the KS 3000 i control? The KS 3000 ic control has a built-in cooling coil with connections for an external cooling unit. The temperature range therefore extends down to room temperature minus 10 K, whilst for the KS 3000 i control it starts at room temperature plus 5 K.Is a cooling unit included? No. The cooling coil is connected to an external cooling unit; IKA cites the RC 2 basic or RC 2 control as examples.Is a temperature sensor included? Yes, a stainless steel PT 1000.80 is included in the Scope of delivery.How long is the warranty valid for? IKA’s manufacturer’s warranty: 2 years; extended to 3 years if registered at ika.com/register within 90 days of purchase.

Sale price: €5,725.50 Manufacturer's RRP: €7,634.00 25% below manufacturer's RRP