Thermo Scientific

Multipurpose Vacuum Oven

Operating Manual and Parts List 056-988-00 Rev. 0

Visit us online to register your warranty

www.thermoscientific.com/warranty
_________________________________________________________________________________
Part of Thermo Fisher Scientific

Preface

Models covered in this manual

Catalog number

Model number

Voltage

3606

6255

120V

3606-1CE

6256

240V

MANUAL NUMBER 056-988-00 (7006255)

0

--

3/9/10

Transfer to Marietta (was 056-988-00 5/29/08)

ccs

REV

ECR/ECN

DATE

DESCRIPTION

By

Thermo Scientific

Multipurpose Vacuum Oven

Preface

Important Read this instruction manual. Failure to read, understand and follow the instructions in this manual
may result in damage to the unit, injury to operating personnel, and poor equipment performance. s

Caution All internal adjustments and maintenance must be performed by qualified service personnel. s

Material in this manual is for information purposes only. The contents and the product it describes are subject
to change without notice. Thermo Fisher Scientific makes no representations or warranties with respect to this
manual. In no event shall Thermo be held liable for any damages, direct or incidental, arising out of or related
to the use of this manual.

2010 Thermo Fisher Scientific. All rights reserved.

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Preface

Important operating and/or maintenance instructions. Read the accompanying text carefully.

Potential electrical hazards. Only qualified persons should perform procedures associated with this
symbol.

Equipment being maintained or serviced must be turned off and locked off to prevent possible injury.

Hot surface(s) present which may cause burns to unprotected skin, or to materials which may be
damaged by elevated temperatures.

Marking of electrical and electronic equipment, which applies to electrical and electronic equipment
falling under the Directive 2002/96/EC (WEEE) and the equipment that has been put on the market
after 13 August 2005.
This product is required to comply with the European Unions Waste Electrical & Electronic
Equipment (WEEE) Directive 2002/96/EC. It is marked with the WEEE symbol. Thermo Fisher
Scientific has contracted with one or more recycling/disposal companies in each EU Member State
European Country, and this product should be disposed of or recycled through them. Further
information on Thermos compliance with this directive, the recyclers in your country and
information on Thermo products will be available at www.thermofisher.com.

Always use the proper protective equipment (clothing, gloves, goggles, etc.)

4 Always dissipate extreme cold or heat and wear protective clothing.

4 Always follow good hygiene practices.
4 Each individual is responsible for his or her own safety.

Thermo Scientific

Multipurpose Vacuum Oven

iii

Preface

Do You Need Information or Assistance on

Thermo Scientific Products?
If you do, please contact us 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. (Eastern Time) at:
1-740-373-4763
1-800-438-4851
1-877-213-8051
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[email protected]

Direct
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Our Sales Support staff can provide information on pricing and give you quotations. We can
take your order and provide delivery information on major equipment items or make
arrangements to have your local sales representative contact you. Our products are listed on the
Internet and we can be contacted through our Internet home page.
Our Service Support staff can supply technical information about proper setup, operation or
troubleshooting of your equipment. We can fill your needs for spare or replacement parts or
provide you with on-site service. We can also provide you with a quotation on our Extended
Warranty for your Thermo Scientific products.
Whatever Thermo Scientific products you need or use, we will be happy to discuss your
applications. If you are experiencing technical problems, working together, we will help you
locate the problem and, chances are, correct it yourself...over the telephone without a service
call.
When more extensive service is necessary, we will assist you with direct factory trained
technicians or a qualified service organization for on-the-spot repair. If your service need is
covered by the warranty, we will arrange for the unit to be repaired at our expense and to your
satisfaction.
Regardless of your needs, our professional telephone technicians are available to assist you
Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Eastern Time. Please contact us by
telephone or fax. If you wish to write, our mailing address is:
Thermo Fisher Scientific
401 Millcreek Road, Box 649
Marietta, OH 45750
International customers, please contact your local Thermo Scientific distributor.

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Table of Contents

Thermo Scientific

Section 1

Description . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-1

Section 2

Safety . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-1

Section 3

Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-1

Section 4

Unpacking and Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-1

Location . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-1
Vacuum Pump Connections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-1
Electrical Power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-2
Thermometer Placement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-2
Shelving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-2

Section 5

Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-1
Control Panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-1
Topside of Oven . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-2

Section 6

Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6-1
Temperature Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6-1
Purging the Chamber with Inert Gas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6-2
Vacuum Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6-2
Loading the Oven . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6-2

Section 7

Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7-1
Routine Cleaning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7-1
Door Gasket Lubrication . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7-1
Heater Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7-2
Fusible Link Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7-2

Section 8

Replacement Parts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8-1

Ordering Procedures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8-2

Section 9

Electrical Schematic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9-1

Multipurpose Vacuum Oven

Section 1

Description

The vacuum ovens covered in this manual are designed for drying
applications under controlled conditions at either normal atmosphere or a
vacuum of up to 30-inches of mercury. The ovens have use in desiccating,
vacuum embedding, plating and electronic component processing
applications. Nitrogen, CO2 and other noncorrosive, nonflammable gases
can be used in the oven.
Control panels include a lighted power switch, temperature control dial
and heat-indicating light.
The vacuum control and release valves are on top of the oven. Vacuum
levels are precisely controlled between 0 and 30-inches of mercury, with
the door gasket assuring a tight seal at all vacuum levels. The inner
window is high-strength tempered glass and the outer door incorporates a
safety shield of shatter-proof polycarbonate.
Radiant, warm-wall heat surrounds the chamber for uniform heating. Two
solid aluminum shelves provide heat conduction to the load. Three inches
of glass-wool insulation assure optimum temperature control.

Thermo Scientific

Multipurpose Vacuum Oven

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Section 2

Safety

Your Thermo Scientific Vacuum Oven has been designed with function,
reliability, and safety in mind. It is your responsibility to install it in
conformance with local electrical codes. It is most important that the user
follow installation instructions exactly as written. Failure to do so is likely
to lead to improper operation, erroneous calibrations and possible damage
to the equipment. Use in the manner specified by the manufacturer. If not,
the protection provided by the equipment may be impaired. Do not
attempt operation without this information.

Thermo Scientific

Multipurpose Vacuum Oven

2-1

Section 3

Specifications

Electrical Requirements
3606 (6255): 120VAC, 50/60 Hz, 5.0 Amps, 600 Watts
3606-1CE (6256): 240VAC, 50/60 Hz, 2.5 Amps, 600 Watts
Temperature Range
All Models: Slightly above ambient to 220C
Thermometer Type
Bimetallic, dial type; range from 0C to 300C in 5C increments
Dimensions
Interior: 8" W x 12" D x 8" H (20 x 30 x 20 cm)
Exterior: 17" W x 16" D x 17-3/8" H (43 x 41 x 44 cm)
Volume
0.44 cubic feet (12.5 liters)
Net Weight
57 lbs. (26 kg)
Environmental Conditions
Pollution Degree 2
Installation Category II
Altitude: 2000 Meters MSL (Mean Sea Level)
Humidity: 80% maximum, non-condensing
Electrical Supply: 120VAC or 240VAC
Voltage Tolerance: 10% of normal rated line
Temperature: 15C to 40C
Indoor use only

Thermo Scientific

Multipurpose Vacuum Oven

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Section 3
Specifications

Declaration of Conformity (for CE models only)

We hereby declare under our sole responsibility that this product conforms
with the technical requirements of the following standards:
EMC:
EN 61000-3-2 Limits for harmonic current emissions
EN 61000-3-3 Limits for voltage fluctuations and flicker
EN 61326-1 Electrical equipment for measurement, control, and laboratory use; Part I: General Requirements
Safety:
EN 61010-1 Safety requirements for electrical equipment for measurement, control, and laboratory use; Part I: General Requirements
EN 61010-2-010 Part II: Particular requirements for laboratory equipment for the heating of materials per the provisions of the
Electromagnetic Compatibility Directive 89/336/EEC, as amended by
92/31/EEC and 93/68/EEC, and per the provisions of the Low Voltage
Directive 73/23/EEC, as amended by 93/68/EEC.
Copies of the Declaration of Conformity are available upon request.

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Thermo Scientific

Section 4

Unpacking and Installation

The shipping carton should be inspected upon delivery. When received,

carefully examine for any shipping damage before unpacking. If damage is
discovered, the delivering carrier should both specify and sign for the
damage on your copy of the delivery receipt.
Open the carton carefully making certain that all parts are accounted for
before packaging materials are discarded. After unpacking, if damage is
found promptly report it to the carrier and request a damage inspection
promptly.
Important Failure to request an inspection of damage within a few days
after receipt of shipment absolves the carrier from any liability for damage.
You must call for a damage inspection promptly.

Location

Place the oven near an electrical outlet meeting the requirements stated on
the name plate and in a location away from drafts and free from wide
temperature variations.
Allow enough space around the oven for the free circulation of air. Heat
escaping through the oven walls and top must be carried off by normal
convection. Do not place oven near an open window, radiator or ventilator.
It must not be placed on a combustible surface or be stacked directly on
top or under another oven. If a vacuum pump or insert gas source will be
used, allow room for the equipment.

Vacuum Pump
Connections

Thermo Scientific

To operate the unit as a vacuum oven, connect 1/4-inch ID tubing to valve

on either side. Connect the other end of the tubing to your vacuum pump.

Multipurpose Vacuum Oven

4-1

Section 4
Unpacking and Installation

Shelving

Thermometer
Placement

Install the two shelves. While the door is open, apply a high-quality
vacuum grease to the door gasket.

Place the thermometer so that the sensing element is in direct contact with
the top shelf. The dial should be easily visible through the glass door.
Note It is important to place the sensing element of the thermometer in
direct contact with the shelf or sample that is being heated, in order to
obtain a precise reading of the temperature under vacuum conditions.
Make sure that the dial is clearly visible through the glass door. s

Electrical Power

The unit is supplied with a 3-wire line cord. It should be plugged into an
outlet supplying the correct voltage for the unit and designed for 3-prong
plugs.
For an outlet designed to accept 2-prong (ungrounded) plugs, the best
recommendation is to have a qualified electrician replace it with a new
grounded outlet.
If a plug must be installed, use only the 3-prong grounded type, rated for
the unit load requirements and matching the power outlet. Make sure the
green ground wire is secured to the plug ground post.
Turn the power switch to the OFF position and insert plug into an outlet
meeting the electrical requirements of the units nameplate.
Note Disconnect unit from power source when not in use. s
Caution Disconnect plug from electrical outlet before attempting any
maintenance or repair on this unit. s

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Section 5

Features

Power

Control Panel

Heat

Temperature

1. POWER SWITCH: An illuminated, rocker-type switch controls

electric power to the entire unit. The switch lights when the top half is
depressed and indicates that power is on.
2. TEMPERATURE CONTROL DIAL: This thermostat controls the
temperature of the oven. While the dial scale of 0 to 10 does not
indicate the actual temperature settings and is for REFERENCE
ONLY, it does allow the user to repeat a temperature setting after
experience is gained in its use.
3. HEAT INDICATOR STATUS LAMP: This lamp lights whenever heat
is being applied to the chamber.

Thermo Scientific

Multipurpose Vacuum Oven

5-1

Section 5
Features

Topside of Oven

Vacuum

5. VACUUM PORT: Located on the left side of the top of the chamber,
this is an outlet to the vacuum pump (not supplied). Connect 1/4-inch
ID tubing between this port and your vacuum pump; adjust the pet
cock to control the vacuum draw.
6. VACUUM GAUGE: A large-dial indicator located between the two
topside ports, this gauge is scaled down from 0 to 30-inches of
mercury. It indicates the level of vacuum in the chamber.
7. VACUUM RELEASE PORT: Located on the right side of the top of
the chamber, this is an inlet that allows air into the chamber through
the vacuum release valve, a pet cock near the port. Also used as a purge
inlet (connect 1/4-inch ID tubing from the inert gas source to purge
the chamber).

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Section 6

Operation

Caution Do not use in the presence of flammable or combustible materials

or explosive gases. Do not use in the presence of pressurized or sealed
containers - fire or explosion may result, causing death or severe injury. s
Caution Do not heat any substance above a temperature which will cause
it to emit toxic fumes - death or severe injury may result. s
Caution Do not operate the oven at temperatures above the upper limit
(220C) stated in this manual; doing so will void the warranty. s
Caution When the oven is operating at high temperatures, do not touch
the surfaces of the oven; they become quite warm. s

Temperature Control

If it is necessary to set temperature before loading the oven, turn the power
switch ON and note that the power switch is lit. Rotate the thermostat
knob to approximate the desired setting. The heater indicator status lamp
will remain lit until the chamber temperature approaches the thermostat
setting. Wait several heat cycles until the temperature has stabilized.
Check the dial thermometer and rotate the thermostat knob clockwise to
raise the setpoint or counterclockwise to lower it, as required. After oven
temperature has stabilized, check the dial thermometer again and make
further thermostat adjustments until the thermometer consistently shows
the desired operating temperature. Turn the power switch OFF and allow
the oven to cool down, or if a batch is ready for baking, the oven can be
loaded immediately.

Thermo Scientific

Multipurpose Vacuum Oven

6-1

Section 6
Operation

Loading the Oven

The dial thermometer can be removed and put back after loading, if it is
more convenient. For precise measurement, be sure thermometer sensing
element directly contacts a shelf or sample.
Distribute the load evenly in the chamber, at least 1-inch away from
chamber walls and resting directly on the shelves or best results.

Vacuum Control

The following are directions for operating the oven in a vacuum mode:
1. Apply a high-quality vacuum grease to the door gasket, load the oven,
and close the door.
2. Close the vacuum release valve (on the topside, right) and open the
vacuum valve (topside left).
3. Turn the vacuum pump on and note the vacuum gauge dial (graduated
in inches of mercury). Just as the gauge needle reaches the desired
setting, close the vacuum control valve completely and turn off pump.
4. If there is greater vacuum than desired in the chamber, open the
vacuum release valve slightly until the correct reading is obtained, then
close it.
5. After a period of several hours, the vacuum level is likely to decrease an
inch or so. Re-establish the original level by repeating Steps 2 and 3.

Purging the Chamber

with Inert Gas

Some applications call for replacing the vacuum with an inert gas while the
bake continues. Use only noncorrosive, nonflammable gases, such as
nitrogen and CO2 for purging.
1. Connect 1/4-inch ID tubing to the vacuum release port (right side).
Connect the other end of the tubing to the regulator on a gas cylinder
or bottle.
2. Start the gas flowing at no more than 5 psi. Open the vacuum release
valve and observe the vacuum gauge. The vacuum level will fall as the
chamber approaches atmospheric pressure.
3. Turn off the gas when vacuum gauge reads zero. Turn vacuum release
valve to the CLOSED position. Disconnect hose from barbed fitting.
Caution Do not pressurize the oven chamber to a level higher than
atmospheric pressure. When the vacuum gauge reads zero, turn off the gas.
The oven is designed to retain a vacuum, not to withstand any positive
internal pressure. Any positive internal pressure may damage component
parts and/or result in injury. The oven does not require very much gas to
fill the chamber - approximately 0.4 cubic feet. s

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Thermo Scientific

Section 7

Maintenance

Caution Make no attempt to service or repair a Thermo Scientific product

under warranty before consulting your distributor. After the warranty
period, such consultation is still advised, especially when the repair may be
technically sophisticated or difficult.
If assistance is needed beyond what the distributor can provide, please call
the Technical Services department. No merchandise, however should be
returned without prior approval.
Caution Disconnect plug from electrical outlet before attempting any
maintenance or repair of this unit. s

Routine Cleaning

Wash the cabinet with a solution of water and mild soap or detergent to
clean off surface dirt, marks or smudges. Keep the vents clear of dust for
free air circulation. This will add to the service life of components.
Clean up spills inside the chamber as soon as possible to prevent them
from being baked on. When the oven is cool, use hot soapy water and a
soft cloth to clean the #304 stainless steel chamber. Do not use scouring
pads with metallic content, chlorine bleach or halogen-based cleaners.
The aluminum shelf assembly should be washed with a mild soap and
water. Do not use abrasive or halogen-based cleaners. They will damage
the finish. Rinse thoroughly and dry completely.
Wipe interior glass with an ammonia-based glass cleaner and a soft, lintfree cloth.
Clean exterior safety shield with a solution of mild soap and water using
soft lint-free cloth. Do not use abrasive cleaners or other strong solutions.
They will harm surface of the safety shield and reduce clarity.

Door Gasket
Lubrication

Thermo Scientific

Apply a high-quality vacuum grease to the door gasket frequently,

especially before initiating a vacuum, after shutdown, or if the oven is not
expected to be used in the near future.

Multipurpose Vacuum Oven

7-1

Section 7
Maintenance

Fusible Link
Replacement

Disconnect power and remove the back panel (edge screws) and back
insulation. Locate the bimetallic limit thermostat on the back of the oven
chamber.
1. Disconnect the fusible link from the bimetallic thermostat and control
thermostat/terminal block as connected. This is the wire assembly with
the high temperature sleeving on it.
2. Connect the new fusible link to the bimetallic thermostat and control
thermostat/terminal block.
3. Replace the insulation and back panel, then power up and test the
oven.

Heater Replacement

7-2

Multipurpose Vacuum Oven

Disconnect power and remove the back panel (edge screws), insulation
from the back and the oven housing. The oven housing is held by screws
around the bottom edges. Lift it off and remove the rest of the insulation.

Unscrew the heater brace nuts to remove heater braces. Pull the leads
from heater terminals and test each heater for shorts or low resistance
at the heating element sheath. An ohmmeter resistance reading that
differs greatly from 48 ohms indicates a faulty heater.

Install a new or original heater with terminals facing down, using a

new heater brace if a new heater is installed. Attach leads to the heater,
so that wires do not touch any heated surfaces (see the wiring
schematic at the end of this manual). Tighten mounting nuts securely,
using a nickel-based anti-seize on the threads.

Repack side as well as back insulation, and replace the back panel.

Thermo Scientific

Section 8

Thermo Scientific

Replacement Parts

Description

Part Number

Cordset

CRX72 (3606), CRX70 (3606-1CE)

Door Glass (Interior Pane)

540-201-00

Feet, Rubber (4)

790-225-00

Fuse (2) - F1, F2

264306 (3606), 710-0022 (3606-1CE)

Gasket, Front Door

530-194-00

Heaters, 300 Watts (2) - HR1, HR2

340-331-00

Power Switch, Lighted - S1

440-359-00

Safety Shield (Exterior Panel)

720-466-00

Shelf, Upper/Lower (2)

810-387-00

Status Lamp Base - DS1

PL1483X1

Status Lamp, Heat Indicator (Amber) - F3

360-235-00

Temperature Control Knob

560-223-00

Thermometer, Dial

910-017-00

Thermostat, Hydraulic - S2

920-223-00

Thermostat, Bi-metal - S3

920-283-00

Vacuum Gauge

660-102-00

Vacuum/Purge Valve (2)

950-003-01 (3606-1CE)

Line Filter - FL1

330-346-00(3606-1CE)

Power Entry Module - P1

710-0019

Terminal Block - TB1

TRX178

Multipurpose Vacuum Oven

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Section 8
Section title

Ordering Procedures

Please refer to the Specification Plate for the complete model number, serial
number, and series number when requesting service, replacement parts or in
any correspondence concerning this unit.
All parts listed herein may be ordered from the Thermo Scientific dealer
from whom you purchased this unit or can be obtained promptly from the
factory. When service or replacement parts are needed, check first with your
dealer. If the dealer cannot process your request, then contact our Technical
Services Department.
Prior to returning any materials, please contact our Technical Services
Department for a Return Materials Authorization number (RMA).
Material returned without an RMA number will be refused.

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Multipurpose Vacuum Oven

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Thermo Scientific

Multipurpose Vacuum Oven

9-1

L2

3606-1CE

FL1

L1

F1

P1

S1

F2

3606

S2

GND

TB1

F3

3606

3606-1CE

S3

Vacuum Chamber

DS1

HR1

HR1

HR2

HR2

Thermo Scientific
401 Millcreek Road
Marietta, Ohio 45750
United States
www.thermofisher.com