Fisher Isotemp IU2886D Ultra-Low Freezer

Product Code : SKU 2558J FREEZER

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Fisher Isotemp IU2886D Ultra-Low Temperature Freezer

When a laboratory grows beyond a single research group, cold storage becomes more than simply maintaining temperature—it becomes an inventory management challenge. Large biological collections require dependable temperature recovery, organized sample storage, and the confidence that thousands of irreplaceable specimens remain protected day after day. The Fisher Isotemp IU2886D Ultra-Low Temperature Freezer was designed to meet those demands, combining dependable -86°C performance with high-capacity storage for laboratories managing large research collections.

With 28 cubic feet (792.8 liters) of storage capacity and room for approximately 600 standard 2-inch cryoboxes, the IU2886D is an excellent choice for biotechnology companies, pharmaceutical manufacturers, hospitals, universities, public health laboratories, and biobanks that require centralized ultra-low temperature storage for high-value biological materials. Its large-capacity cabinet allows laboratories to consolidate multiple collections while maintaining organized inventory and dependable long-term preservation.

Many laboratories incorporate an ultra-low freezer like the IU2886D into a complete cold storage workflow alongside laboratory refrigerators for refrigerated reagents, laboratory freezers for routine frozen storage, cryogenic storage systems for liquid nitrogen preservation, and biosafety cabinets for sterile sample preparation.

Fisher Isotemp IU2886D Key Features

28 cu. ft. (792.8 L) storage capacity
Holds approximately 600 standard 2-inch cryoboxes
Temperature range from -50°C to -86°C
High-efficiency refrigeration system
Five insulated inner doors
Four adjustable shelves
Microprocessor temperature controller
Audible and visual alarm system
Battery backup for controller and alarms
Voltage buck/boost protection
RS-232 and 4–20 mA communication outputs
Key lock and padlock provision
Refurbished and performance tested by American Instrument Exchange
90-day warranty included

Fisher Isotemp IU2886D Overview

The Fisher Isotemp IU2886D was engineered for laboratories that depend on large-scale biological sample preservation. Whether supporting a centralized biobank, a pharmaceutical research program, or multiple laboratory groups, the freezer provides substantial storage capacity while helping maintain organized inventory and dependable ultra-low temperature performance.

Five insulated inner doors reduce cold air loss during routine sample retrieval by limiting exposure to individual storage compartments rather than the entire cabinet. Combined with the large interior capacity, this design helps improve temperature recovery while making it easier to organize collections by investigator, project, department, or study.

The microprocessor controller incorporates battery backup, onboard diagnostics, voltage buck/boost protection, and external communication capabilities that support modern laboratory monitoring systems and help protect valuable research collections during everyday operation.

Common Applications

The Fisher Isotemp IU2886D is commonly used for storing:

Stem cells
Cell lines
DNA and RNA libraries
PBMCs
Tissue specimens
Plasma and serum
Vaccines
Protein samples
Enzymes
Biopharmaceutical materials
Clinical trial specimens
Long-term research collections

Its high-capacity cabinet makes it particularly well suited for centralized repositories supporting multiple research groups.

Ideal Laboratory Types

The IU2886D is an excellent choice for:

Biotechnology companies
Pharmaceutical manufacturers
Academic research institutions
Hospitals
Clinical laboratories
Public health laboratories
Biobanks
Government research facilities
Clinical research organizations

Laboratories managing large biological collections will benefit from the freezer's combination of storage capacity, inventory organization, and dependable ultra-low temperature performance.

Temperature Recovery & Inventory Management

Large-capacity freezers often experience frequent door openings as multiple researchers access stored materials throughout the day. The IU2886D addresses this challenge through five insulated inner doors that reduce cold air loss during retrieval while helping maintain more stable cabinet temperatures.

The cabinet accommodates approximately 600 standard 2-inch cryoboxes, making it easier to organize collections by study, investigator, or department. A well-organized inventory not only improves workflow but also reduces the amount of time the freezer remains open during sample retrieval, further supporting long-term temperature stability.

Typical Stored Materials

The Fisher Isotemp IU2886D is commonly used to preserve stem cells, cell lines, PBMCs, DNA and RNA libraries, plasma, serum, tissue specimens, vaccines, protein samples, pharmaceutical compounds, and long-term biological research collections requiring storage as low as -86°C.

Applications requiring storage below -150°C are generally better suited for dedicated cryogenic storage systems utilizing liquid nitrogen.

Fisher Isotemp IU2886D Key Specifications

Capacity

28 cu. ft. (792.8 L)

Cryobox Capacity

Approximately 600 standard 2-inch cryoboxes

Temperature Range

Adjustable from -50°C to -86°C

Refrigeration System

High-efficiency mechanical refrigeration
Air-cooled condensers

Monitoring & Controls

Microprocessor controller
Battery backup
Audible and visual alarms
Voltage buck/boost protection
RS-232 communication
4–20 mA analog output
Onboard diagnostics

Interior Configuration

Four adjustable shelves
Five insulated inner doors

Electrical Requirements

208–230V, 60 Hz, 12 A

Operating Costs & Energy Considerations

The IU2886D combines high-capacity storage with insulation and electronic monitoring features designed to support dependable long-term operation. Regular condenser cleaning, maintaining adequate ventilation, and scheduling preventative maintenance will help maximize cooling efficiency and extend compressor life. Laboratories storing several hundred cryoboxes often find that consolidating inventory into a single high-capacity freezer simplifies organization and reduces overall floor space requirements.

Specifications compiled from Fisher Scientific manufacturer literature and American Instrument Exchange product information.

Refurbishment & Testing Process

Every Fisher Isotemp IU2886D received by American Instrument Exchange undergoes a comprehensive inspection and extended performance evaluation before shipment. Our technicians verify pull-down performance, temperature stability, refrigeration operation, controller functionality, alarm systems, battery backup, communication features, door seals, insulated inner doors, shelving, and overall cabinet condition before thoroughly cleaning the freezer for delivery.

Laboratories building complete cold storage programs frequently purchase laboratory refrigerators, laboratory freezers, cryogenic storage systems, biosafety cabinets, and centrifuges from American Instrument Exchange to create complete laboratory cold storage solutions.

Shipping & Installation Considerations

The Fisher Isotemp IU2886D ships by freight from American Instrument Exchange. Before delivery, laboratories should verify doorway clearances, available floor space, electrical service, and adequate ventilation around the cabinet. Because of its large storage capacity and operating weight, many facilities also evaluate floor loading, room layout, and sample organization before installation to maximize long-term workflow efficiency.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many cryoboxes can the IU2886D hold?

The Fisher Isotemp IU2886D accommodates approximately 600 standard 2-inch cryoboxes, making it an excellent choice for centralized laboratory storage and biobanking applications.

Who is this freezer best suited for?

The IU2886D is ideal for laboratories managing large biological collections, including biotechnology companies, pharmaceutical manufacturers, hospitals, universities, and biobanks that require dependable long-term storage at -86°C.

Why are the insulated inner doors important?

The five insulated inner doors reduce cold air loss during routine sample retrieval by exposing only a portion of the storage chamber, helping improve temperature recovery while supporting better inventory organization.

How is the freezer tested before shipment?

Every refurbished Fisher Isotemp IU2886D is inspected, cleaned, and performance tested by American Instrument Exchange technicians to verify refrigeration performance, pull-down capability, temperature stability, controller operation, alarm functionality, and overall system reliability before shipment.

Testing Procedures for Used and Refurbished Ultralow Freezers
Ensure -80°C Stability and Critical Sample Protection

Used and refurbished ultralow freezers from American Instrument Exchange are rigorously tested to ensure reliable long-term storage at temperatures as low as -80°C. Each unit undergoes a detailed inspection, full system evaluation, and extended runtime testing to meet the high standards required by research, clinical, and biorepository environments.

Why Testing Used Ultralow Freezers Is Essential

Before an ultralow freezer is placed back into service, it must be carefully tested for:
• Temperature stability and uniformity at ultralow levels (e.g., -70°C to -86°C)
• Cascade refrigeration system functionality and compressor health
• Seal and insulation effectiveness to prevent thermal loss
• Electrical safety, alarm functionality, and system compliance

Thorough testing helps prevent temperature excursions and equipment failure—crucial for protecting sensitive materials such as biological samples, vaccines, enzymes, and research specimens.
Our structured ULT testing protocol ensures each refurbished unit delivers dependable performance and long-term reliability.

Key Testing Procedures for Refurbished and Used Ultralow Freezers

1. Initial Visual Inspection

• Inspect external cabinet, hinges, and door gaskets for wear, corrosion, or damage
• Check power cords, plugs, and control interfaces for signs of wear or tampering
• Verify that internal racks, shelving, and chamber components are intact and operational

2. Functional Startup and Control Testing

• Power on the unit and confirm successful initialization of digital displays and alarm systems
• Test control panels, keypad responsiveness, and user-setpoint functionality
• Verify that door seals close tightly and form a secure barrier

3. Temperature and -80°C Stability Testing

• Test and evaluate internal temperature sensors thermometers/probes
• Monitor temperature performance at multiple chamber points over extended runtimes
• Confirm uniformity and stability at key setpoints, including -70°C, -80°C, and -86°C

4. Refrigeration System and Cascade Compressor Evaluation

• Test dual-stage (cascade) compressor function, startup times, and cycling behavior
• Evaluate evaporator coils, heat exchangers, and vacuum insulation panels for performance and integrity
• Check for refrigerant leaks, low-pressure faults, and abnormal compressor noise

5. Alarm and Safety System Verification

• Test high/low temperature alarms, power failure alerts, and battery backup systems (if equipped)
• Verify lockout controls, alarm delay settings, and door-open indicators

6. Final Quality Assurance and Documentation

• Run a continuous multi-day test cycle at -80°C to confirm sustained performance
• Document temperature logs, controller accuracy, and compressor behavior
• Complete a detailed service report

Dependable Performance from American Instrument Exchange

All refurbished ultralow freezers from American Instrument Exchange are tested to exacting standards for performance, safety, and reliability. With our rigorous inspection and testing procedures, you can trust your ULT freezer to deliver consistent -80°C storage from day one—ideal for research, clinical, pharmaceutical, and biobanking applications.

Repair and Refurbishment Protocol for Used Ultralow Freezers
-80°C Storage Performance from American Instrument Exchange

At American Instrument Exchange, every used ultralow temperature freezer (ULT freezer) undergoes a rigorous, multi-step refurbishment protocol designed to restore reliable -80°C performance. Whether upright, chest-style, or undercounter, our refurbished ULT freezers are tested and restored to deliver the cold storage precision required for biological samples, vaccines, enzymes, and other temperature-sensitive materials.

Why Choose a Refurbished Ultralow Freezer from American Instrument Exchange?

• Fully tested for -80°C cold storage stability and compressor performance
• Backed by a warranty
• A cost-effective alternative to expensive new ULT units
• Environmentally responsible through equipment reuse and waste reduction
• Serviced by experienced technicians specializing in laboratory-grade refrigeration

Step-by-Step Ultralow Freezer Refurbishment Protocol

Every ultralow freezer sold by American Instrument Exchange is carefully evaluated and restored through the following process:

1. Initial Intake & Inspection

• Exterior inspection for dents, corrosion, or physical damage
• Evaluation of door seals, hinges, and internal chamber components
• Documentation of missing parts or components requiring repair

2. Cleaning and Decontamination

• Comprehensive interior and exterior cleaning using non-abrasive cleaners
• Removal of dust, frost buildup, and residual contaminants
• Decontamination of all internal surfaces and removable parts like shelves and drawers

3. Mechanical and Electrical Repairs

• Replacement or repair of worn or damaged components (door latches, hinges, gaskets, etc.)
• Inspection and repair of control boards, displays, sensors, and switches
• Electrical system evaluation, including fuses, wiring, relays, and connectors

4. Ultralow Refrigeration System Assessment

• Testing of dual-stage compressors and cascade cooling system
• Evaluation of heat exchangers, evaporator coils, and vacuum insulation panels
• Inspection for refrigerant leaks, low pressure, or signs of compressor fatigue
• Verification of thermal insulation integrity

5. Temperature and Performance Testing

• Testing of internal temperature sensors and controllers
• Multi-point testing to verify chamber temperature uniformity at -80°C
• Long-duration, multi-day operational testing to ensure sustained ultralow performance

6. Safety and Compliance Checks

• Electrical safety testing and grounding verification
• Alarm function tests for high/low temperature alerts and power failure warnings

7. Final Quality Control and Documentation

• Multi-day runtime validation at -80°C
• Recording of temperature logs, compressor cycle data, and performance benchmarks
• Final inspection and service/testing report completed

Trust the Experts at American Instrument Exchange

With over 50 years in the lab equipment industry, American Instrument Exchange is your trusted source for refurbished ultralow freezers. Our certified refurbishment protocol ensures each ULT freezer delivers the precision, performance, and reliability your lab needs—at a fraction of the cost of new equipment.

Warranty Information

All used equipment sold by American Instrument Exchange is refurbished/reconditioned, tested to meet specifications, cleaned, and comes with a 90-day warranty from the date of shipment unless otherwise specified. New products include a warranty from the manufacturer. Your warranty is only valid if you have paid your invoice. If your invoice is over 30 days old, warranty work will not be performed until your invoice is paid in full. American Instrument Exchange is not liable for any special or consequential damages that result from the use of, or the inability to use, the materials on this site or the performance of the products,

Exceptions include international sales and items that are agreed to be sold with a lesser warranty or items that are agreed to be sold “as is.”

Should there be visible shipping damage to packaging or concealed shipping damage to item(s) supplied, buyer must communicate such damage to the delivering entity or carrier upon receipt first and to American Instrument the same day item is accepted / signed for. Failure to do so voids warranty. Customer decision to involve / procure third party or OEM service other than American Instrument or AIE assigned vendors to resolve in-warranty instrument failure or defect without first placing a service call to American Instrument voids warranty.

Return & Cancellation Policy

American Instrument Exchange will authorize the return of and issue a full refund for any equipment that is not working as represented and could not be replaced or repaired to the customer’s satisfaction by AIE or a representative of AIE during the warranty period. Returns without prior authorization and an RMA number will not be accepted.

Customers are responsible for proper packaging of the equipment and all included accessories. American Instrument will pay for insurance and shipping costs. Non-inventory items bought specifically to fill customer orders may possibly be returned, but on a case by case basis.

Customers who cancel orders after refurbishing has begun or after delivery where there are no equipment performance issues may be subject to a Restocking/Cancellation Fee of 20% or more and responsible for shipping costs for both the delivery and return.

Ongoing and Extended Support Options

American Instrument Exchange is able to provide additional repair and support services outside the warranty terms for most products that sell.

For biosafety cabinets, clean benches, chemical fume hoods, and other clean air products our team at AIE Laboratory Services can provide certifications, repairs, decontaminations, and other services for customers throughout New England, and guidance and limited technical assistance for any customers in the US and Canada for new or refurbished biosafety cabinets purchased from American Instrument Exchange.

For all other products, the repair service team at American Instrument Exchange can provide both field and depot repair evaluations. We can easily schedule and coordinate the pick-up and transportation of your malfunctioning equipment. By offering hourly rates lower than most OEM service providers and eliminating travel time for technicians, we help reduce repair costs. Furthermore, our lab depot repair service minimizes or eliminates scheduling delays. Our experienced service technicians are qualified to restore your equipment to factory specifications.

Please contact our team at info@americaninstrument.com for more details.

FAQ

Does the equipment come with a warranty?

Yes, all equipment from American Instrument Exchange comes with a warranty.
Used/reconditioned/refurbished equipment is tested to make sure it operates to the manufacturer's specifications and comes with a 90-day warranty (unless otherwise noted). New equipment comes with a warranty from the manufacturer.

How do you test and recondition the equipment?

Testing requirements vary across all the equipment categories we sell. Temperature controlled units are tested with NIST traceable probes and data loggers. Gaskets, external housing, glass, handles, controls and control screens are all thoroughly inspected for integrity and functionality.
We test all equipment using the manufacturer's parameters and specifications to confirm that the unit operates properly.

How do products ship from American Instrument Exchange?

We can ship products both nationally and internationally using a well-established network of transporters. Smaller items will ship via UPS. Larger equipment will be palletized and shipped either LTL or air-ride, depending on the specific equipment and/or delivery requirements.

Return and order cancellation policy

American Instrument Exchange will accept the return of any product that is not working as represented and could not be replaced or repaired to the customer's satisfaction during the warranty period. Customers who cancel orders after refurbishing has begun will be subject to a cancellation and restocking fee of between 20% and 40%.

Are discounts available for educational or non-profit institutions, or for bulk purchases?

Yes – call or email us today with a list of equipment you're looking for and we can potentially put together a quote that includes a discount.

How does your price matching policy work?

We strive to keep our pricing competitive and reasonable. If you find comparable items for sale at a lower price from other vendors please send us a link and or quote for the item and we'll do our best to match or beat the price.

Can I see the equipment in person before committing to a purchase?

Customers are welcome to make an appointment to view equipment in our warehouse. Given our workload we may not be able to test or clean the equipment prior to your arrival if you have not committed to an order.

1023 Western Avenue is a working warehouse, not a showroom, and customers should dress appropriately and wear closed toe shoes.

Can I ship products that I purchased elsewhere to American Instrument for repair?

Yes – please see our repair services page for more information.