What is the refrigerator’s capacity?
The BFRV84 model holds over 200 boxes of 10 x 0.5 ml vials or 70 boxes of 10 single-dose syringes (based on typical manufacturer box sizes). The TempArmour BFRV84 vaccine refrigerator’s capacity is comparable to a typical 21ft3 upright refrigerator.
The BFRV36 refrigerator holds over 130 boxes of 10 x 0.5 ml vials or 30 boxes of 10 single dose syringes (based on typical manufacturer box sizes).
How long can the refrigerator last without power?
The BFRV84 refrigerator maintains temperature within range for six days and the BFRV36 maintains temperature within range for four days in the event of an outage, unplugged cord, or appliance failure.
Do I have to use water bottles in the refrigerator to keep the temperature consistent?
Water bottles are not recommended. Our units’ design incorporates a phase-change material (PCM) liner that provides the same stabilizing protection as adding water bottles to a standard refrigerator but with space savings and greater performance.
Does the fridge use battery power to run when the power goes out?
TempArmour vaccine refrigerators use innovative design and technology, not batteries, to virtually eliminate the risk of cold chain excursions caused by power outages and appliance malfunction. TempArmour refrigerators can maintain their internal temperature within the critical 2°C to 8°C temperature range for several days without backup power.
What shipping options are there?
We have two shipping options:
- Standard shipping: The appliance arrives on a pallet and the driver brings in the pallet as access allows.
- White-glove shipping: The appliance is delivered inside, and the pallet and packing material are removed and disposed of.
What is the average life expectancy of TempArmour refrigerators?
While the lifecycle of an appliance is dependent on a number of factors, our units’ life expectancy is generally 10 years.
On which side of the refrigerator is the cord located? How long is it?
The cord is on the back right side of the refrigerators. It is approximately six feet long.
What is the freezer’s capacity?
The internal dimensions of the TempArmour BFFV15 freezer are 12x8x10”, with a capacity comparable to a standard 10.5ft3 freezer. It can hold approximately 100 boxes of 10 x 0.5 ml vials.
What is the temperature range? Can it hold ultra-low temperatures?
The BFFV15 freezer is intended to be used in the -50°C to -15°C temperature range. It is not designed for ultra-low temperatures.
How often do I need to and how do I defrost the freezer?
The need to defrost is dependent on many factors, including room humidity and how often the freezer is opened. At a minimum, we suggest that you plan on defrosting the freezer yearly. The TempArmour vaccine freezer is defrosted manually by unplugging the freezer and opening the lid fully to allow any frost to melt. Gently dab any excess moisture with an absorbent cloth.
Note: It is important to lift up and gently remove any moisture from the plate on the bottom of the freezer as well before plugging in the freezer to ensure optimal performance.
What accessories come with the freezer?
Every TempArmour BFFV15 freezer comes with an accessory kit including signage and user manual, as well as a calibrated Berlinger digital data logger and a calibrated DeltaTrak® min/max thermometer at no extra cost to you.
What type of outlet is required for the freezer?
TempArmour appliances do not require a specialized outlet. They use a standard household 115-volt 15-amp outlet.
How far away should the freezer be from the wall?
Allow adequate spacing around the cabinet for air circulation (three inches). Make sure that any air vents are not obstructed.
Does the freezer meet Vaccines for Children (VFC) and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) criteria?
TempArmour appliances meet VFC requirements and vaccine storage and handling guidelines. The min/max thermometer and data logger provided with each TempArmour freezer are designed and calibrated to meet VFC requirements and CDC recommendations in the USA, as well as Canada’s vaccine storage and handling guidelines.
What is the capacity of the medical cooler?
The VCT-4 and VCT-21 medical coolers hold up to 500 x 0.5ml vials or 120 syringes. The internal dimensions are 12.75x7.25x7.25”, with an internal volume of 11 liters.
How do you condition the PCM panels before use?
There are two ways to condition the refrigerated panels – in a refrigerator or a freezer. The freezer will be the fastest method, although conditioning times will vary depending on freezer temperature. You can also condition the panels in a refrigerator with a steady temperature below 4°C or colder for the liquid inside the panels to solidify. To condition the frozen panels, place the panels with space between them in a freezer with a steady temperature of -23°C or colder. Conditioning times will vary though depending on the temperature of your freezer.
Can I open the medical cooler while it holds supplies?
Yes, you can use the VCT-4 and VCT-21 coolers while opening and closing the lid as needed – just be aware that opening the lid will affect the temperature holdover of the carriers. Testing has shown that the coolers provide stable, in-range temperatures for more than eight hours based on opening and closing every five minutes. The actual length of time varies and is dependent on factors such as ambient temperature.
Is the medical cooler battery-powered?
No electricity, battery power, or ice packs are required to keep the VCT-4 or VCT-21 coolers in their respective critical temperature ranges.
What accessories are included with the coolers?
Each medical cooler includes one set of panels in your desired temperature range, a folding cart for easy transportation, an infrared thermometer to assist with conditioning the panels, and an accessory kit including a luggage tag, user guide, and laminated cards.
Can the frozen and refrigerated PCM panels be used in the same cooler?
Yes, you can use either a full set of the frozen PCM panels or a full set of the refrigerated PCM panels in the VCT-4 and VCT-21 coolers.
How long can the cooler hold refrigerated or frozen temperatures?
The VCT-4 medical cooler has consistent and stable temperatures within 2°C to 8°C for 72 hours* during transport when kept closed, and for more than eight hours when opening and closing every five minutes. The VCT-21 medical cooler has consistent and stable temperatures within -50°C to -15°C for 56 hours* when kept closed, and for more than eight hours when opening and closing every five minutes.
* Based on a summer ambient temperature testing protocol.
How big is the PowerHub backup system? What are its dimensions?
The PowerHub 1800-400 is 36”W x 20”D x 14”H and weighs approximately 330 pounds (six boxes). The PowerHub 1800-200 is 22”W x 20”D x 14”H and weighs approximately 185 pounds (three boxes).
Can you plug more than one appliance into the system at the same time?
PowerHub systems are equipped with four AC outlets. However, for medical equipment we recommend one appliance per PowerHub system.
How long can I expect the system to provide power?
Please contact a TempArmour sales associate at 1-866-485-4199 for assistance in calculating the approximate running time for your specific situation.
Will the system automatically switch on when the power goes out?
Yes, the PowerHub system will automatically switch over to battery power once it senses the A/C input has been cut off. It will switch back to A/C power and begin charging the batteries once it senses that power has been restored.
How often do I have to replace the batteries?
Understanding battery lifespan depends on many factors, we find the average PowerHub battery lifespan to be approximately five years. Runtime diminishes over time. Once the batteries reach three years of age, we recommend annual testing to ensure the expected runtime has not diminished.
Does an electrician need to install the system?
The PowerHub systems are plug-and-play and come with a complete user and installation guide and do not require a licensed electrician. You are welcome to call a TempArmour sales associate at 1-866-485-4199 for assistance, or contact an electrician, depending on your knowledge and comfort level.
Does the PowerHub system come with a warranty?
PowerHub 1800 systems come with a one-year Xantrex manufacturer’s warranty.
Does the data logger included with TempArmour appliances have Bluetooth or wireless capabilities?
No.
How often does the data logger log the temperature of the refrigerator or freezer?
The data loggers are programmed to log temperatures at five-minute intervals.
How do I access the information collected by the data logger?
Reports can be retrieved by plugging the USB connector into the USB drive of your computer.
Does the data logger meet VFC and CDC requirements?
The data loggers included with TempArmour appliances meet all federal specification requirements. However, states and local jurisdictions can have specific feature preferences. Please confirm with any relevant institutions that our data loggers are compliant and will meet your needs.