Norlake FR301WWW/0GP Flammable Material Storage Refrigerator
The Norlake FR301WWW/0GP Flammable Material Storage Refrigerator is a 30 cu. ft. laboratory refrigerator designed for the refrigerated storage of flammable and volatile materials in general laboratory work areas. With an adjustable 1°C to 10°C temperature range, solid right-hinged door, five adjustable shelves, keyed door lock, and purpose-built flammable-storage construction, this Norlake refrigerator provides laboratories with a safer alternative to conventional refrigerators when storing compatible flammable chemicals and reagents at refrigerated temperatures.
Unlike a standard laboratory refrigerator, the FR301WWW/0GP is constructed without electrical components inside the storage chamber that could serve as potential ignition sources. Electrical components associated with the compressor are enclosed to provide additional protection when storing volatile materials.
This used Norlake flammable material storage refrigerator is tested and reconditioned by American Instrument Exchange prior to shipment and includes a 90-day warranty.
Key Features
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30 cu. ft. capacity for refrigerated flammable materials, solvents, reagents, and laboratory chemicals
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Adjustable 1°C to 10°C temperature range
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Designed for flammable material storage in general laboratory work areas
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No electrical components located inside the refrigerated storage chamber
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Compressor electrical components enclosed for additional protection
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Single solid right-hinged door
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Five adjustable shelves for flexible storage configurations
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Keyed door lock for controlled access
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Leveling legs for stable installation
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Large full-height cabinet for centralized chemical storage
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115V, 50/60 Hz electrical requirements
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90-day warranty from American Instrument Exchange
Overview
Laboratories that refrigerate flammable solvents, reagents, and other volatile materials require equipment designed specifically for that purpose. Conventional household and general-purpose laboratory refrigerators may contain switches, lights, fans, thermostats, or other electrical components within the storage chamber that can potentially create an ignition source.
The Norlake FR301WWW/0GP is designed to address this concern by removing electrical components from the refrigerated interior. The compressor's electrical components are also enclosed to provide additional protection when the refrigerator is used for its intended application.
With 30 cu. ft. of capacity, the FR301WWW/0GP offers substantially more storage space than an undercounter flammable-storage refrigerator. Five adjustable shelves allow laboratories to organize containers according to chemical type, research group, container size, or frequency of use.
The solid right-hinged door provides a durable insulated barrier between the refrigerated chamber and surrounding laboratory conditions, while a keyed lock helps laboratories control access to stored materials.
This combination makes the Norlake FR301WWW/0GP particularly useful for laboratories that routinely maintain larger inventories of temperature-sensitive solvents and other flammable materials.
Flammable Storage vs. Explosion-Proof Refrigeration
It is important to distinguish a flammable material storage refrigerator from an explosion-proof refrigerator, because the terms describe two different types of protection.
The Norlake FR301WWW/0GP is designed to safely refrigerate compatible flammable and volatile materials inside the refrigerator while the refrigerator itself is located in a normal laboratory environment. Its interior is designed to minimize potential electrical ignition sources associated with conventional refrigeration equipment.
An explosion-proof refrigerator is intended for situations where flammable or explosive vapors may be present in the room surrounding the refrigerator. These units require additional protection for electrical and refrigeration components outside the storage chamber.
The FR301WWW/0GP should not be used in an environment where volatile or explosive atmospheric conditions may exist. Laboratories should evaluate the chemicals being stored, quantities involved, facility classification, and applicable safety requirements when determining whether a flammable-storage or explosion-proof refrigerator is appropriate.
Common Applications
The Norlake FR301WWW/0GP is designed for the refrigerated storage of compatible flammable solvents, volatile reagents, chemical standards, temperature-sensitive organic materials, laboratory chemicals, and other materials requiring both refrigeration and flammable-storage precautions.
It can be particularly useful in chemistry, pharmaceutical, biotechnology, environmental, industrial, and analytical laboratories where certain chemicals must remain refrigerated but cannot appropriately be stored in a conventional laboratory refrigerator.
Its 30 cu. ft. capacity also makes the unit suitable for centralized chemical storage where several researchers or laboratory groups share refrigerated flammable materials.
Ideal Laboratory Types
The Norlake FR301WWW/0GP is well suited for chemistry laboratories, pharmaceutical research facilities, biotechnology companies, analytical laboratories, environmental testing laboratories, industrial R&D facilities, academic research laboratories, chemical processing laboratories, and quality-control laboratories.
The large interior is particularly valuable for facilities maintaining larger inventories of refrigerated solvents and reagents that would otherwise require several smaller flammable-storage refrigerators.
Facilities should always determine their specific chemical-storage requirements based on the materials being stored and applicable institutional, local, and regulatory safety requirements.
Performance & Temperature Uniformity
The Norlake FR301WWW/0GP provides an adjustable 1°C to 10°C temperature range, allowing laboratories to select refrigerated conditions appropriate for compatible chemicals and reagents.
As with any large laboratory refrigerator, storage practices can affect temperature distribution throughout the cabinet. Containers should be positioned to permit adequate circulation of cold air and should not be packed tightly against interior surfaces or arranged in ways that interfere with the refrigerator's cooling performance.
The solid insulated door helps separate the refrigerated chamber from changing ambient laboratory conditions and limits heat transfer when the refrigerator remains closed.
Because this refrigerator is intended primarily for chemical and flammable-material storage, users should select storage temperatures based on the requirements and safety information associated with the specific materials being stored rather than assuming a universal refrigeration setpoint.
Sample & Chemical Storage Recommendations
Flammable and volatile materials should be stored in properly closed, compatible containers appropriate for the chemicals involved. Containers should be clearly labeled and arranged so they remain stable and can be retrieved without unnecessary handling of surrounding materials.
The five adjustable shelves allow laboratories to separate materials according to chemical compatibility, container size, or organizational requirements. Secondary containment should be considered where appropriate to help contain spills or leaks.
Avoid overloading shelves or positioning containers in ways that interfere with refrigeration performance. Appropriate clearance should be maintained to support consistent cooling throughout the cabinet.
The refrigerator's keyed door lock can help restrict access, but laboratories should continue to follow their established chemical inventory, labeling, segregation, and access-control procedures.
Users should consult applicable Safety Data Sheets and institutional chemical hygiene procedures to determine appropriate storage temperatures and compatibility requirements for individual materials.
Key Specifications
| Specification |
Norlake FR301WWW/0GP |
| Manufacturer |
Norlake |
| Model |
FR301WWW/0GP |
| Product Type |
Flammable material storage refrigerator |
| Configuration |
Upright, single-door |
| Capacity |
30 cu. ft. |
| Temperature Range |
1°C to 10°C |
| Exterior Dimensions |
35.75"W × 35.5"D × 72.5"H |
| Interior Dimensions |
22.5"W × 32"D × 65"H |
| Door Type |
Solid |
| Door Hinge |
Right |
| Shelves |
5 adjustable shelves |
| Door Lock |
Keyed |
| Interior Electrical Components |
None |
| Installation |
Leveling legs |
| Electrical Requirements |
115V, 50/60 Hz |
| Weight |
381 lbs. |
| Warranty |
90 days from American Instrument Exchange |
Energy Efficiency & Operating Costs
The Norlake FR301WWW/0GP is a specialized safety refrigerator, so laboratories considering this model should prioritize proper flammable-material storage and application suitability rather than comparing energy consumption alone with conventional laboratory refrigerators.
Its solid insulated door helps reduce heat transfer into the refrigerated chamber during normal operation. Maintaining organized storage can also reduce door-open time by allowing personnel to locate and retrieve materials quickly.
Operating costs will vary according to ambient laboratory temperature, selected setpoint, refrigerator loading, frequency of door openings, and general operating conditions.
For laboratories that routinely require refrigerated storage of flammable materials, using one large 30 cu. ft. cabinet may also provide a practical alternative to operating several smaller specialized refrigerators.
Refurbishment & Testing
American Instrument Exchange technicians inspect, clean, test, and recondition used Norlake laboratory refrigerators prior to shipment.
Temperature-controlled equipment is tested using NIST-traceable temperature probes and data loggers to verify cooling performance, temperature stability, and the accuracy of temperature controls and readouts. The refrigeration system, compressor, thermostat and controls, door gasket, hinges, lock, shelving, electrical components, and cabinet are inspected for proper condition and operation.
Hardware and components are repaired or replaced as necessary during the refurbishment process. Particular attention is given to ensuring that the refrigerator retains the configuration required for its intended flammable-storage application.
The refrigerator is thoroughly cleaned before shipment and includes a 90-day warranty from American Instrument Exchange.
Shipping & Installation
The Norlake FR301WWW/0GP is a full-size laboratory refrigerator measuring approximately 35.75"W × 35.5"D × 72.5"H and weighing approximately 381 lbs.
Laboratories should confirm that loading docks, elevators, corridors, doorways, and other access points can accommodate the refrigerator before delivery. Appropriate material-handling equipment should be available for unloading and final positioning.
Once installed, the refrigerator should be placed on a level surface in an appropriate general laboratory environment and connected to a suitable 115V, 50/60 Hz electrical supply.
Because this is a specialized flammable-material storage refrigerator, laboratories should verify that the installation location and intended application comply with applicable facility safety requirements before placing flammable materials inside the unit.
Related Laboratory Equipment
American Instrument Exchange carries a wide selection of laboratory refrigerators, including flammable material storage refrigerators, explosion-proof refrigerators, general-purpose refrigerators, chromatography refrigerators, and glass-door laboratory refrigerators.
Laboratories requiring frozen chemical or sample storage can also explore available laboratory freezers, including specialized flammable-material storage and explosion-proof configurations when available.
For laboratories developing or expanding chemical research facilities, American Instrument Exchange also offers chemical fume hoods, balances, centrifuges, incubators, ovens, vacuum pumps, and other refurbished laboratory equipment.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a flammable material storage refrigerator?
A flammable material storage refrigerator is specifically designed for the refrigerated storage of compatible flammable and volatile materials. Unlike conventional refrigerators, these units are configured to minimize potential ignition sources within the refrigerated storage chamber.
Is the Norlake FR301WWW/0GP explosion-proof?
No. The FR301WWW/0GP is a flammable material storage refrigerator, not an explosion-proof refrigerator. It is intended to store flammable materials internally while operating in a normal laboratory environment. It should not be installed where the surrounding atmosphere itself may contain potentially explosive concentrations of flammable vapors.
Why shouldn't flammable solvents be stored in a conventional refrigerator?
Conventional refrigerators may contain electrical switches, lights, thermostats, fans, or other components inside the cabinet that could potentially act as ignition sources. A purpose-built flammable-storage refrigerator is designed to reduce this risk when compatible volatile materials require refrigeration.
What is the temperature range of the Norlake FR301WWW/0GP?
The refrigerator provides an adjustable 1°C to 10°C operating range, allowing laboratories to select a temperature appropriate for compatible refrigerated chemicals and reagents.
How much storage space does the FR301WWW/0GP provide?
The refrigerator provides approximately 30 cu. ft. of capacity with five adjustable shelves. This makes it a useful option for laboratories that need considerably more flammable-material storage capacity than an undercounter refrigerator can provide.
What types of materials can be stored in this refrigerator?
The FR301WWW/0GP may be appropriate for compatible flammable solvents, reagents, standards, and other volatile laboratory materials requiring refrigeration. Storage requirements vary by chemical, so users should consult the applicable Safety Data Sheet and their facility's chemical hygiene and safety procedures before storing a particular material.
Does the refrigerator have a locking door?
Yes. The Norlake FR301WWW/0GP has a keyed door lock, which can help laboratories restrict access to stored chemicals and maintain better control over laboratory inventories.
How do I know whether I need a flammable-storage or explosion-proof refrigerator?
The key distinction is the location of the potential hazard. A flammable-storage refrigerator is designed to reduce ignition risks associated with flammable materials stored inside the cabinet. Explosion-proof refrigeration is intended for locations where flammable vapors may also be present in the surrounding environment. Facility safety personnel should evaluate the application when there is uncertainty.
How does American Instrument Exchange test this refrigerator before shipment?
American Instrument Exchange tests temperature-controlled equipment using NIST-traceable probes and data loggers. Cooling performance, temperature stability, refrigeration components, controls, door seals, hardware, electrical systems, and other major components are inspected and tested, with repairs or replacement performed as necessary before shipment.
Does this Norlake flammable material storage refrigerator include a warranty?
Yes. This used and reconditioned Norlake FR301WWW/0GP includes a 90-day warranty from American Instrument Exchange.
