Thermo Scientific TSX60086 Ultralow Freezer

Thermo Scientific TSX60086A Ultra-Low Temperature Freezer – 28.8 Cu. Ft., 600 Cryobox Capacity

The Thermo Scientific TSX60086A Ultra-Low Temperature Freezer is a high-performance, energy-efficient upright -80°C freezer designed for reliable long-term storage of biological specimens, research samples, pharmaceutical materials, and other temperature-sensitive laboratory inventory. With 28.8 cu. ft. (816 L) of internal capacity and storage for up to 600 standard 2-inch cryoboxes, the TSX60086A provides substantial sample capacity for biotechnology laboratories, pharmaceutical research facilities, biobanks, and academic institutions.

Part of Thermo Scientific's TSX Series, this ultra-low freezer incorporates V-drive variable-speed refrigeration technology, advanced temperature management, vacuum insulation panels, natural hydrocarbon refrigerants, touchscreen controls, and onboard data logging. These technologies are designed to improve sample protection while reducing energy consumption, heat output, and operating noise compared with many older conventional ultra-low freezers.

This used Thermo Scientific TSX60086A freezer is refurbished and performance tested by American Instrument Exchange before shipment and includes a 90-day warranty. Purchasing a refurbished TSX60086A offers laboratories an opportunity to obtain advanced ultra-low temperature storage technology at significant savings compared with comparable new equipment.

Key Features

• 28.8 cu. ft. (816 L) ultra-low temperature storage capacity

• Adjustable operating range from -50°C to -86°C

• Capacity for up to 600 standard 2-inch cryoboxes

• Up to 60,000 cryovials with compatible 100-place boxes

• Thermo Scientific V-drive variable-speed refrigeration technology

• Adaptive compressor operation for changing thermal loads

• Approximately 9.3–9.4 kWh/day energy consumption in standard mode under published test conditions

• Quiet operation at approximately 45.5 dBA

• Touchscreen LCD controller with intuitive operating interface

• Onboard temperature, event, and diagnostic logging

• USB data download functionality

• Audible and visual temperature alarms

• Remote monitoring and alarm connectivity

• Vacuum insulation panels and high-performance foam insulation

• Natural hydrocarbon refrigerants

• Insulated inner storage compartments

• ENERGY STAR certified TSX Series design

• Refurbished and tested by American Instrument Exchange

• 90-day warranty included

Overview

The Thermo Scientific TSX60086A is designed for laboratories requiring dependable ultra-low temperature storage while managing the energy consumption and operating costs associated with maintaining samples at approximately -80°C.

With 28.8 cu. ft. of internal capacity, the TSX60086A occupies an important position in the Thermo Scientific TSX lineup. It provides more storage than the 400- and 500-box models while requiring less floor space than the larger 700-box configuration.

The freezer can accommodate up to 600 standard 2-inch cryoboxes using compatible storage racks. For laboratories maintaining large collections of biological specimens, this capacity allows substantial sample inventories to be organized within a single upright cabinet.

At the center of the TSX60086A is Thermo Scientific's V-drive variable-speed refrigeration technology. Traditional fixed-speed refrigeration systems typically cycle compressors between operating states. V-drive instead adjusts refrigeration output according to changing thermal conditions and usage patterns.

When the freezer experiences an increased thermal load following a door opening, the refrigeration system can increase cooling output. During periods of stable operation, the system can reduce compressor activity to conserve energy.

The TSX60086A also features a touchscreen interface that provides convenient access to operating information, temperature records, alarm settings, and system diagnostics. Integrated USB functionality allows laboratory personnel to download information for review, documentation, and troubleshooting.

For laboratories replacing aging -80°C freezers, the TSX60086A offers a combination of modern refrigeration technology, high storage density, and energy-efficient operation.

Common Applications

The Thermo Scientific TSX60086A supports long-term ultra-low temperature storage of compatible biological and research materials, including DNA, RNA, plasma, serum, tissue specimens, cell lines, stem cells, bacterial cultures, viral research samples, proteins, enzymes, antibodies, and pharmaceutical reference materials.

Its operating range of -50°C to -86°C makes it appropriate for many applications requiring approximately -70°C or -80°C frozen storage.

Common applications include molecular biology, genomics, proteomics, biotechnology research, pharmaceutical development, microbiology, vaccine research, biomedical research, clinical research, biobanking, and long-term sample archiving.

The freezer is particularly useful for laboratories managing large numbers of samples that must remain organized and accessible over extended storage periods.

Individual samples should always be stored according to their validated temperature requirements. Not every biological material is suitable for conventional -80°C preservation, and some applications require specialized cryogenic storage systems.

Ideal Laboratory Types

The TSX60086A is well suited for biotechnology companies, pharmaceutical research and development facilities, biobanks, academic research institutions, hospitals, clinical research organizations, molecular biology laboratories, public health laboratories, and government research facilities.

Its 600-box capacity makes it particularly attractive for laboratories that need substantial frozen storage but do not have sufficient space for multiple smaller ultra-low freezers.

Research institutions maintaining centralized sample repositories can benefit from the TSX60086A's combination of storage density, temperature monitoring, and organized rack-based inventory management.

The freezer's comparatively quiet operation can also be advantageous in laboratories where ultra-low freezers are installed near occupied work areas, provided ventilation and installation requirements are satisfied.

Temperature Recovery & Uniformity

Temperature recovery is an important consideration when selecting an ultra-low temperature freezer because routine door openings introduce warmer air into a chamber operating near -80°C.

The TSX60086A uses V-drive variable-speed refrigeration to respond to changing thermal loads. When additional cooling capacity is needed, the refrigeration system adjusts compressor operation to help restore the chamber to its operating setpoint.

Thermo Scientific reports approximately 31 minutes of door-opening recovery for the TSX60086A under published test conditions at a -80°C setpoint and 20°C ambient temperature.

The freezer also incorporates vacuum insulation panels and insulated inner compartments to help limit heat transfer and reduce temperature disturbances during sample retrieval.

Thermo's published performance data indicates approximately 297 minutes of warm-up time from -80°C to -50°C under specified test conditions. This figure provides useful context for the freezer's thermal performance but should not be treated as a guaranteed holdover period during an equipment or power failure.

Actual temperature recovery, uniformity, and warm-up performance depend on freezer loading, ambient temperature, door-opening frequency, sample arrangement, operating setpoint, and equipment condition.

Laboratories storing valuable biological specimens should supplement freezer monitoring with appropriate alarm procedures and backup-storage arrangements.

Sample Storage Recommendations

The TSX60086A accommodates up to 600 standard 2-inch cryoboxes, providing substantial capacity for organized biological sample storage.

Using compatible freezer racks and 100-place cryoboxes, the freezer can theoretically accommodate approximately 60,000 individual cryovials. Actual capacity will depend on vial dimensions, box design, rack configuration, and storage requirements.

For laboratories maintaining extensive sample collections, a consistent inventory system is essential. Cryoboxes should be clearly labeled and organized by research project, sample type, collection date, department, or other laboratory-defined criteria.

Frequently accessed materials should be positioned where they can be retrieved quickly. Reducing the time required to locate samples helps minimize door-open duration and unnecessary temperature disturbances.

The insulated inner compartments should be opened only as necessary during sample access.

High-value or irreplaceable biological samples should be supported by appropriate independent monitoring, remote alarm notification, emergency power procedures, backup ultra-low freezer capacity, and documented sample-transfer plans.

Key Specifications

Specifications are based on Thermo Scientific's published TSX60086A literature. Energy consumption and temperature-performance figures represent manufacturer test conditions and may vary in actual laboratory operation. Electrical requirements and shipping weights differ for other configurations, including the TSX60086D.

Energy Efficiency & Operating Costs

Energy efficiency is one of the primary advantages of the Thermo Scientific TSX60086A.

Ultra-low temperature freezers operate continuously at temperatures far below those maintained by conventional laboratory refrigerators and freezers. As a result, they can represent a significant portion of a laboratory's total electrical consumption and HVAC load.

The TSX60086A uses V-drive variable-speed refrigeration technology to adjust compressor operation according to changing thermal demand. This adaptive approach allows the refrigeration system to respond to door openings and other disturbances while reducing unnecessary energy consumption during stable operating periods.

Thermo Scientific's published literature reports typical standard-mode energy consumption of approximately 9.3–9.4 kWh per day at a -80°C setpoint in a 20°C ambient environment.

At 9.3 kWh per day, this corresponds to approximately 3,395 kWh annually under equivalent operating conditions.

For a laboratory paying $0.15 per kWh, that would represent approximately $509 in annual freezer electricity costs, excluding additional HVAC costs and variations in real-world operating conditions.

The TSX60086A's capacity for 600 cryoboxes also provides substantial storage density relative to its energy consumption. For laboratories maintaining extensive sample inventories, evaluating energy use per stored sample can provide a more useful comparison than considering freezer energy consumption alone.

The TSX Series additionally incorporates natural hydrocarbon refrigerants and water-blown foam insulation, reducing reliance on refrigerants and insulation materials associated with higher environmental impacts.

Actual operating costs depend on ambient temperature, freezer setpoint, sample loading, door-opening frequency, ventilation, maintenance, and local electricity rates.

Refurbishment & Testing

This Thermo Scientific TSX60086A ultra-low temperature freezer is supplied used and refurbished by American Instrument Exchange.

Before shipment, AIE technicians inspect, clean, and performance test the freezer to verify proper operation. Ultra-low temperature equipment is tested using NIST-traceable temperature probes and data logging equipment as appropriate to evaluate its ability to reach and maintain ultra-low operating temperatures.

The refrigeration system and V-drive compressor operation are evaluated along with the touchscreen controller, temperature display, alarms, monitoring functions, door hardware, inner doors, gaskets, insulation, shelving, electrical components, and cabinet.

Temperature performance is monitored over time rather than simply confirming that the freezer reaches its setpoint. This allows technicians to evaluate sustained refrigeration performance and identify problems that may not become apparent during initial cooldown.

Worn or defective components are repaired or replaced as necessary during refurbishment. The freezer interior and exterior are thoroughly cleaned before shipment.

Customers with specific testing or documentation requirements are encouraged to discuss those needs with American Instrument Exchange before shipment. When practical, AIE can accommodate application-specific temperature testing requests.

This refurbished Thermo Scientific TSX60086A includes a 90-day warranty from American Instrument Exchange.

Shipping & Installation

The Thermo Scientific TSX60086A measures approximately 39.6"W × 37.6"D × 78"H and has a manufacturer-published shipping weight of approximately 790 lb.

Although its footprint is smaller than that of the TSX70086A, the TSX60086A remains a large, heavy piece of laboratory equipment requiring appropriate delivery and installation planning.

Customers should verify loading dock access, doorway clearances, elevator capacity, floor loading, and the complete delivery path before shipment.

Thermo Scientific specifies a doorway clearance requirement of approximately 34.5 inches for the TSX60086 platform under its designated moving configuration. The published cabinet width also excludes additional allowance for the handle and hinge, so delivery clearances should be confirmed carefully.

The TSX60086A operates on 115 V, 60 Hz electrical service, with a rated current of 8.5 A and a NEMA 5-15P plug. Thermo specifies a 15 A dedicated grounded circuit.

Other electrical configurations, including the TSX60086D, have different power requirements. Customers should verify the model suffix and electrical data plate of the individual freezer before installation.

Adequate ventilation around the cabinet is essential because ultra-low refrigeration systems reject substantial heat into the surrounding environment. Installation should follow Thermo Scientific's recommended clearance and ambient-temperature requirements.

After delivery, the freezer should be positioned and allowed to stabilize at its intended operating temperature before valuable biological samples are transferred into the chamber.

American Instrument Exchange can arrange freight transportation throughout the United States and internationally. Customers requiring liftgate service, inside delivery, rigging, or specialized placement should discuss those requirements with AIE before shipment.

Related Laboratory Equipment

Laboratories expanding biological sample-storage capacity can browse American Instrument Exchange's selection of ultra-low temperature freezers, including Thermo Scientific, Revco, Forma, VWR, Panasonic, PHCbi, and other major manufacturers.

For laboratories comparing different freezer capacities, the Thermo Scientific TSX Series includes 400-, 500-, 600-, and 700-box configurations designed to accommodate different storage requirements and available laboratory space.

Samples requiring conventional -20°C storage rather than ultra-low temperatures can be maintained in one of AIE's refurbished laboratory freezers, while reagents, media, and other materials requiring refrigerated conditions can be stored in our selection of laboratory refrigerators.

For long-term cryogenic preservation, AIE also offers cryogenic storage equipment.

American Instrument Exchange maintains additional inventories of refurbished centrifuges, CO₂ incubators, and biosafety cabinets for laboratories developing complete sample-processing and storage workflows.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the temperature range of the Thermo Scientific TSX60086A?

The TSX60086A operates from -50°C to -86°C, making it suitable for many biological and research materials requiring approximately -70°C or -80°C storage.

How many cryoboxes can the TSX60086A hold?

The freezer accommodates up to 600 standard 2-inch cryoboxes when configured with compatible storage racks.

How many cryovials can the Thermo TSX60086A store?

Using 600 compatible 100-place cryoboxes, the TSX60086A can theoretically accommodate approximately 60,000 individual cryovials. Actual capacity depends on vial dimensions, box configuration, and storage racks.

What is Thermo Scientific V-drive technology?

V-drive is a variable-speed refrigeration technology that adjusts compressor operation according to changing freezer conditions.

The system can increase cooling output following door openings or other thermal disturbances and reduce compressor activity when conditions stabilize. This helps balance temperature recovery, energy consumption, operating noise, and sample protection.

How much energy does the TSX60086A consume?

Thermo Scientific reports approximately 9.3–9.4 kWh per day in standard mode at a -80°C setpoint and 20°C ambient temperature under published test conditions.

Actual energy consumption will vary according to operating conditions, freezer loading, door-opening frequency, and maintenance.

How does the TSX60086A compare with the TSX70086A?

The TSX60086A provides 28.8 cu. ft. of storage and holds up to 600 standard 2-inch cryoboxes. The larger TSX70086A provides 33.5 cu. ft. and accommodates up to 700 boxes.

The TSX60086A is approximately 39.6 inches wide, compared with 45.2 inches for the TSX70086A, making the 600-box model attractive for laboratories that need substantial storage capacity but have limited floor space.

How quickly does the TSX60086A recover after a door opening?

Thermo Scientific reports approximately 31 minutes of door-opening recovery under its published test conditions.

Actual recovery time depends on freezer loading, ambient temperature, door-open duration, and other operating conditions.

How loud is the Thermo TSX60086A?

Thermo Scientific reports approximately 45.5 dBA under its specified test conditions.

This relatively quiet operation can make the TSX60086A an attractive option for laboratories seeking to reduce noise from older ultra-low temperature equipment.

Does the TSX60086A have temperature alarms and data logging?

Yes. The TSX60086A includes audible and visual temperature alarms, onboard temperature and event logging, and USB data export functionality.

The TSX platform also supports additional remote monitoring and security capabilities.

Is the TSX60086A ENERGY STAR certified?

The TSX60086A belongs to Thermo Scientific's ENERGY STAR certified TSX ultra-low freezer platform, which incorporates energy-efficient V-drive refrigeration, natural hydrocarbon refrigerants, and high-performance insulation.

What are the dimensions of the Thermo TSX60086A?

The freezer measures approximately 39.6 inches wide, 37.6 inches deep, and 78 inches high.

Additional allowance may be required for the handle, hinge, ventilation, and installation access.

What electrical service does the TSX60086A require?

The TSX60086A operates on 115 V, 60 Hz electrical service, with a rated current of 8.5 A and a NEMA 5-15P plug.

Thermo Scientific specifies a 15 A dedicated grounded circuit.

Is the TSX60086A suitable for biobanking?

Yes. Its 600-box capacity, ultra-low operating range, temperature monitoring, and organized rack-based storage make the TSX60086A well suited for biobanks and research facilities maintaining large biological sample collections.

How does American Instrument Exchange test refurbished TSX60086A freezers?

American Instrument Exchange operates and performance tests refurbished ultra-low freezers before shipment.

NIST-traceable temperature probes and data logging equipment are used as appropriate to evaluate temperature performance over time. The refrigeration system, V-drive operation, touchscreen controller, alarms, doors, gaskets, electrical components, and cabinet are also inspected for proper operation and physical condition.

Does this refurbished Thermo Scientific TSX60086A include a warranty?

Yes. This used and refurbished Thermo Scientific TSX60086A ultra-low temperature freezer includes a 90-day warranty from American Instrument Exchange unless otherwise noted.

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