Liebherr SFTfg 1501 laboratory freezer with a spark-proof interior, 3 glass shelves, 73 l, 994870351

Whether reagents, research samples or flammable chemicals such as ethanol, acetone or isopropanol: in many laboratories, such substances must be stored at low temperatures without any ignition sources being present inside the unit. The Liebherr SFTfg 1501 is an ATEX-compliant laboratory freezer with an ignition-source-free interior and a net capacity of 73 litres, designed specifically for this purpose. This model features three glass shelves, two of which are removable, and its ISO 7 cleanroom class and GMP Class B certification make the unit particularly suitable for environments with heightened requirements for cleanliness and documentation.

Safety: ignition-source-free interior in accordance with the ATEX Directive

The interior of the SFTfg 1501 is designed to be free from ignition sources and, according to the type plate, is classified as “II 3/-G Ex ec IIC T6 Gc/-” in accordance with the ATEX Directive 2014/34/EU; the harmonised standards are EN IEC 60079-0:2018 and EN 60079-15:2010. The storage of research samples, reagents, laboratory equipment and chemicals such as ethanol, acetone or isopropanol is permitted, provided that their flash point is above temperature class T6, i.e. above 85 °C. Chemically unstable substances, as well as blood, plasma or other bodily fluids intended for infusion, are expressly not intended for storage in this unit. Important for installation: The explosion protection applies exclusively to the interior of the unit; according to the operating instructions, the unit itself is not suitable for installation in potentially explosive atmospheres in the surrounding area, so the installation site must therefore be located outside an Ex zone.

Temperature control and cooling capacity

The static cooling system reliably maintains the temperature within the adjustable range of -9 °C to -30 °C, with a temperature gradient of 7.4 °C and a maximum fluctuation of 3.3 °C. Defrosting is carried out manually; the natural refrigerant R 600a is used, with a charge of 60 g. The permissible ambient temperature at the installation site ranges from +10 °C to +35 °C, whilst annual energy consumption is 180 kWh. With a sound power level of 40 dB(A), the unit operates pleasantly quietly – an advantage when it is located directly in the laboratory rather than in a separate plant room.

Interior fitted with three glass shelves

This model features three glass shelves, two of which are removable, with a usable area of 380 x 347 mm and a load capacity of 40 kg each. The maximum total load capacity of the unit is 120 kg. An antimicrobial handle with an opening mechanism makes operation easy even when wearing laboratory gloves; a mechanical lock, including two keys, secures the interior; and the door hinge is on the right-hand side but can be reversed, allowing the unit to be positioned effectively even in tight corner spaces. A 10 mm diameter probe port allows an external temperature probe to be inserted, for example for independent temperature monitoring or documentation.

Controls, Alarms and Networking

The SFTfg 1501 is operated via a monochrome display with touch buttons. In the event of a fault, the unit triggers a visual and audible alarm; following a power cut, it automatically resumes operation once power is restored, making an unnoticed interruption to the cold chain less likely. A potential-free contact with a rating of up to 8.0 A at a maximum of 30 V DC is available for connection to an external building management system or alarm system. Via the SmartModule system, the unit can also be networked via Wi-Fi or LAN; both interfaces can be retrofitted as optional extras, enabling temperature data to be recorded and documented centrally, for example for internal quality assurance.

Suitable for cleanrooms in GMP environments

With ISO Class 7 in accordance with ISO EN 14664-1 and GMP Class B, the SFTfg 1501 meets cleanroom requirements that go beyond those of a standard laboratory freezer. This makes the unit suitable for applications where samples or reagents need to be stored under controlled cleanroom conditions, such as in pharmaceutical quality control or in research areas with corresponding documentation requirements.

Typical areas of application

• Deep-freeze storage of flammable solvent samples in sealed containers; chemical and pharmaceutical laboratories
• Storage of reagents and reference samples in cleanroom and GMP environments
• Research facilities requiring frozen storage of flammable reagents
• Quality control and sample archiving requiring documented temperature monitoring

Particularly in laboratories where flammable samples must be stored at low temperatures without any ignition sources being permitted inside the unit itself, the SFTfg 1501 replaces a standard freezer, which would not be approved for this purpose. The combination of an ignition-source-free interior and ISO 7 cleanroom class also allows for use in areas where further cleanliness requirements apply.

Design, dimensions and connections

With external dimensions of 59.7 x 60.5 x 81.9 cm (W x D x H) and a net weight of 36 kg (gross 38 kg), the SFTfg 1501 is designed as a floor-standing unit for a fixed location in the laboratory. The internal dimensions are 38.0 x 41.0 x 61.0 cm. The housing and door are made of white steel, whilst the inner container is made of white, fully recyclable polystyrene plastic; both materials are easy to clean in everyday laboratory use. It is connected to a 220 to 240 V AC supply at 50 Hz with a rated current of 2.0 A; the power cable is at least 3,000 mm long. Liebherr specifies a service life of 15 years for the unit.

Technical details

Contents

• 1x Liebherr SFTfg 1501 laboratory freezer (73 l) with 3 glass shelves, 2 of which are removable
• 2 keys for the mechanical lock
• User manual

Customised requirements & procurement service

Do you require additional accessories for your SFTfg 1501, such as the optional retrofittable Wi-Fi/LAN module, height-adjustable feet or plastic drawers to complement the glass shelves, or are you looking for another Liebherr ATEX model? LT Laborhandel will be happy to assist you with procurement and configuration via our procurement service.