Thermo TSX3020FA Laboratory Freezer

Thermo Scientific TSX3020FA High-Performance -20°C Laboratory Freezer – 29.2 Cu. Ft., Refurbished

The Thermo Scientific TSX3020FA High-Performance Laboratory Freezer is a large-capacity, energy-efficient upright -20°C freezer designed for reliable storage of laboratory reagents, enzymes, biological specimens, research compounds, and other temperature-sensitive materials. With 29.2 cu. ft. (827 L) of refrigerated storage capacity and an adjustable operating range of -15°C to -25°C, the TSX3020FA provides dependable frozen storage for biotechnology companies, pharmaceutical research facilities, academic laboratories, and biomedical research institutions.

Featuring Thermo Scientific's V-drive variable-speed refrigeration technology, cold-wall convection cooling, and a manual-defrost design, the TSX3020FA is engineered for applications where minimizing temperature fluctuations is particularly important. Unlike automatic-defrost freezers, it does not periodically introduce heat through programmed evaporator defrost cycles.

The TSX3020FA operates on 115 V, 60 Hz electrical service, making it a practical option for laboratories equipped with a suitable dedicated standard-voltage circuit. Its ENERGY STAR certified design, natural R290 refrigerant, microprocessor controls, and substantial storage capacity combine modern laboratory freezer technology with practical operating efficiency.

This used Thermo Scientific TSX3020FA is refurbished and performance tested by American Instrument Exchange and includes a 90-day warranty.

Key Features

• 29.2 cu. ft. (827 L) high-capacity laboratory freezer

• Adjustable temperature range from -15°C to -25°C

• Factory temperature setpoint of -20°C

• 115 V, 60 Hz electrical configuration

• NEMA 5-15P plug and dedicated 15 A circuit requirement

• Thermo Scientific V-drive variable-speed refrigeration

• Cold-wall convection cooling system

• Manual defrost without automatic defrost heating cycles

• ENERGY STAR certified laboratory freezer

• Certified energy consumption of approximately 4.92 kWh/day under standardized test conditions

• Environmentally responsible R290 natural hydrocarbon refrigerant

• Microprocessor temperature controller with digital display

• Audible and visual temperature alarms

• Lockable, insulated solid door

• Four adjustable shelves for organized sample storage

• Self-closing door with 90-degree stop

• Automatic pressure equalization for easier door reopening

• Four casters with locking front casters

• Refurbished and tested by American Instrument Exchange

• 90-day warranty included

Overview

The Thermo Scientific TSX3020FA is part of the TSX Series of high-performance laboratory refrigerators and freezers, developed to provide dependable temperature management while reducing energy consumption and environmental impact.

Its 29.2 cu. ft. upright cabinet provides substantial frozen storage without requiring multiple smaller freezers. Four adjustable shelves accommodate reagent bottles, sample boxes, laboratory containers, and other materials requiring conventional -20°C storage.

A central advantage of the TSX3020FA is its manual-defrost design. Many conventional freezers use automatic defrost cycles that periodically introduce heat to remove frost from the evaporator. Although convenient for general storage, these cycles may be undesirable for certain temperature-sensitive laboratory materials.

The TSX3020FA instead uses cold-wall convection cooling and manual defrost to support stable frozen-storage conditions without programmed defrost heating cycles.

Thermo Scientific's V-drive variable-speed compressor technology further supports temperature management. The refrigeration system can adjust compressor speed according to changing operating conditions, increasing cooling output when necessary and reducing compressor activity during stable periods.

The TSX3020FA also incorporates microprocessor temperature controls, an insulated solid door, temperature alarms, and convenient access features designed for routine laboratory use.

For laboratories seeking a refurbished high-performance -20°C freezer, the TSX3020FA offers substantial capacity, modern refrigeration technology, and compatibility with an appropriate 115 V electrical supply.

Key Specifications

Specifications compiled from Thermo Scientific manufacturer literature, ENERGY STAR certification information, distributor technical references, and American Instrument Exchange product information. Actual operating performance depends on installation conditions, equipment loading, and usage.

Temperature Recovery & Uniformity

Temperature stability is particularly important for laboratories storing enzymes, research reagents, biological materials, and other frozen inventory that may be sensitive to repeated warming.

The Thermo Scientific TSX3020FA uses cold-wall convection cooling to support stable refrigerated conditions throughout the freezer compartment.

Its manual-defrost design eliminates programmed automatic-defrost heating cycles. This can be advantageous when storing materials for which periodic temperature increases are undesirable.

The V-drive variable-speed refrigeration system responds to changes in thermal demand. Following a door opening or an increase in freezer loading, the system can increase compressor output to help restore the desired temperature.

During periods of stable operation, compressor speed can decrease to reduce unnecessary energy consumption.

The freezer's insulated solid door helps limit heat transfer from the surrounding laboratory environment. Its automatic pressure equalization system assists with reopening the door following pressure changes caused by temperature differences.

Actual temperature recovery and uniformity depend on ambient temperature, sample loading, shelf arrangement, door-opening frequency, and refrigeration-system condition.

Laboratories with application-specific temperature requirements should verify freezer performance under their intended operating conditions and use appropriate independent monitoring where necessary.

Sample Storage Recommendations

The TSX3020FA provides 29.2 cu. ft. of frozen storage capacity for compatible laboratory materials requiring temperatures between -15°C and -25°C.

Its four adjustable shelves allow researchers to organize sample boxes, reagent bottles, frozen research materials, and other laboratory containers.

For efficient inventory management, samples should be grouped by research project, material type, collection date, department, or other appropriate categories.

Frequently accessed materials should be positioned where they can be retrieved quickly. Reducing unnecessary door-open time helps minimize temperature disturbances and supports efficient refrigeration operation.

Stored materials should be arranged to avoid excessive crowding and allow appropriate cooling throughout the cabinet.

Because the TSX3020FA uses manual defrost, laboratories should monitor frost accumulation and establish appropriate maintenance procedures. Samples should be transferred to suitable backup storage before defrosting when necessary.

The TSX3020FA is intended for conventional laboratory frozen storage near -20°C. Materials requiring -70°C or -80°C preservation should be maintained in an appropriate ultra-low temperature freezer.

Flammable materials should not be stored in this general-purpose laboratory freezer unless the equipment is specifically approved for that application.

Common Applications

The Thermo Scientific TSX3020FA supports a wide range of laboratory applications requiring conventional frozen storage.

Molecular biology laboratories may use the freezer for compatible enzymes, reagents, nucleic acid preparation materials, and other research supplies requiring approximately -20°C storage.

Biotechnology companies can use the TSX3020FA for frozen research inventory, analytical materials, and sample-preparation reagents.

Pharmaceutical research laboratories may use the freezer for compatible research compounds, reference materials, and temperature-sensitive supplies.

Academic and biomedical research institutions can use the freezer for biological specimens, laboratory reagents, and frozen materials associated with ongoing research programs.

Its manual-defrost design is especially attractive for laboratories seeking to avoid temperature disturbances associated with automatic defrost cycles.

Storage suitability should always be determined according to the manufacturer's instructions and the validated requirements of the individual materials.

Ideal Laboratory Types

The TSX3020FA is well suited for biotechnology companies, pharmaceutical research and development facilities, academic research institutions, clinical research organizations, molecular biology laboratories, industrial quality-control facilities, and government research laboratories.

Its large storage capacity makes it attractive for facilities maintaining substantial frozen inventory or seeking to consolidate materials currently distributed among several smaller freezers.

The 115 V electrical configuration can also be useful for laboratories that have an appropriate dedicated standard-voltage circuit available but do not have convenient access to the 208–230 V service required by the TSX3020FD.

The TSX3020FA can serve as a primary laboratory freezer for routine research storage or as dedicated equipment for a particular department, research project, or sample collection.

Energy Efficiency & Operating Costs

Energy efficiency is one of the principal advantages of the Thermo Scientific TSX3020FA.

The freezer incorporates V-drive variable-speed refrigeration technology, which adjusts compressor operation according to changing thermal demand rather than relying exclusively on fixed-speed compressor cycling.

This allows the refrigeration system to increase cooling output when needed and reduce compressor speed during periods of stable operation.

The TSX3020FA is ENERGY STAR certified. Its ENERGY STAR product certification reports energy consumption of approximately 4.92 kWh per day under standardized laboratory refrigeration test conditions.

At that rate, the freezer would consume approximately 1,796 kWh annually. At an illustrative electricity cost of $0.15 per kWh, this would represent approximately $269 per year in direct electrical consumption.

Actual energy use and operating costs will vary according to ambient conditions, freezer loading, operating setpoint, door-opening frequency, ventilation, and equipment condition.

The TSX3020FA also uses R290 natural hydrocarbon refrigerant, which has a low global warming potential compared with many conventional synthetic refrigerants.

For laboratories operating multiple -20°C freezers, selecting appropriately sized, energy-efficient equipment can help manage both electrical costs and the heat released into the surrounding laboratory environment.

Refurbishment & Testing

This Thermo Scientific TSX3020FA laboratory 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.

Temperature-controlled laboratory equipment is tested using NIST-traceable temperature probes and data logging equipment as appropriate to evaluate its ability to reach and maintain temperatures within the manufacturer's specified operating range.

The refrigeration system is operated under frozen-storage conditions, and temperature performance is monitored over time to evaluate sustained operation.

Technicians inspect the V-drive refrigeration system, microprocessor controller, temperature display, alarm functions, door hardware, gasket, shelving, electrical components, and exterior cabinet.

The door-closing mechanism and automatic pressure equalization system are also evaluated as appropriate.

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

Customers with specific temperature-testing or documentation requirements are encouraged to discuss those needs with American Instrument Exchange before purchase.

This refurbished Thermo Scientific TSX3020FA includes a 90-day warranty from American Instrument Exchange.

Shipping & Installation

The Thermo Scientific TSX3020FA measures approximately 34"W × 38.9"D × 78.5"H and has a manufacturer-published shipping weight of approximately 483 lb.

Its large upright cabinet requires appropriate delivery and installation planning.

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

The TSX3020FA operates on 115 V, 60 Hz, single-phase electrical service. Thermo Scientific specifies a rated current of approximately 4.70 A, a NEMA 5-15P plug, and a dedicated grounded 15 A circuit.

The manufacturer specifies that the circuit should not use a GFCI receptacle and should be protected by a circuit breaker appropriate for inductive loads, subject to applicable electrical codes and facility requirements.

This electrical configuration is an important distinction between the TSX3020FA and the TSX3020FD, which requires 208–230 V electrical service.

The freezer should be installed indoors in a well-ventilated, non-corrosive environment. Thermo Scientific specifies an ambient operating temperature range of approximately 15°C to 32°C.

Adequate clearance around the cabinet is essential for proper refrigeration performance and maintenance access.

After delivery, the freezer should be positioned, leveled, and allowed to stabilize at its intended operating temperature before valuable samples are introduced.

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 frozen-storage capacity can browse American Instrument Exchange's selection of laboratory freezers, including high-performance, manual-defrost, and general-purpose models from Thermo Scientific, Revco, Forma, VWR, and other major manufacturers.

For laboratories comparing electrical configurations, the Thermo Scientific TSX3020FD provides similar storage capacity and refrigeration technology but operates on 208–230 V electrical service rather than the 115 V configuration of the TSX3020FA.

Laboratories requiring a smaller upright freezer may also consider the Thermo Scientific TSX2320 Series, which offers approximately 23.3 cu. ft. of storage capacity.

For materials requiring -70°C or -80°C preservation, American Instrument Exchange offers refurbished ultra-low temperature freezers.

Materials requiring refrigerated rather than frozen storage can be maintained in our selection of laboratory refrigerators.

AIE also maintains inventories of refurbished centrifuges, CO₂ incubators, and biosafety cabinets for laboratories replacing or expanding essential research equipment.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Thermo Scientific TSX3020FA?

The TSX3020FA is a 29.2 cu. ft. high-performance laboratory freezer designed for conventional -20°C frozen storage. It features V-drive variable-speed refrigeration, cold-wall convection cooling, manual defrost, and microprocessor temperature controls.

What is the temperature range of the TSX3020FA?

The freezer operates from -15°C to -25°C and has a factory temperature setpoint of -20°C.

How much storage capacity does the TSX3020FA provide?

The TSX3020FA provides 29.2 cu. ft., or approximately 827 liters, of nominal internal storage capacity.

Does the TSX3020FA operate on 115 V power?

Yes. The TSX3020FA is the 115 V, 60 Hz configuration and uses a NEMA 5-15P plug with a dedicated grounded 15 A circuit.

What is the difference between the TSX3020FA and TSX3020FD?

Both models provide 29.2 cu. ft. of storage capacity and operate between -15°C and -25°C.

The primary difference is electrical configuration. The TSX3020FA operates on 115 V, 60 Hz electrical service, while the TSX3020FD operates on 208–230 V, 60 Hz electrical service.

Is the TSX3020FA a manual-defrost freezer?

Yes. The TSX3020FA uses manual defrost rather than automatic defrost heating cycles.

This design is useful for laboratories seeking to minimize intermittent temperature increases associated with automatic defrost operation.

What is V-drive refrigeration technology?

Thermo Scientific V-drive technology uses variable-speed compressor operation to adjust refrigeration output according to changing freezer conditions.

The system increases cooling output when additional refrigeration is required and reduces compressor activity during stable operating periods.

Is the TSX3020FA ENERGY STAR certified?

Yes. The TSX3020FA is ENERGY STAR certified as a high-performance laboratory freezer.

How much electricity does the TSX3020FA consume?

ENERGY STAR reports approximately 4.92 kWh per day under standardized test conditions.

Actual energy consumption depends on ambient temperature, freezer loading, door-opening frequency, operating setpoint, and equipment condition.

What refrigerant does the TSX3020FA use?

The freezer uses R290 natural hydrocarbon refrigerant, which has a low global warming potential.

How many shelves does the TSX3020FA have?

The TSX3020FA includes four shelves for organizing laboratory materials and frozen sample inventory.

How does the TSX3020FA differ from the TSX3020EA enzyme freezer?

The TSX3020FA is configured as a general-purpose manual-defrost laboratory freezer with four shelves.

The TSX3020EA is a specialized enzyme-freezer configuration with a different internal storage arrangement designed for organizing enzyme inventory.

Can the TSX3020FA store samples requiring -80°C?

No. The TSX3020FA operates between -15°C and -25°C.

Samples requiring approximately -80°C storage should be maintained in an appropriate ultra-low temperature freezer.

Is the TSX3020FA suitable for flammable materials?

No. The TSX3020FA is designed for general non-flammable laboratory materials and should not be used for flammable or explosive materials.

What are the dimensions of the TSX3020FA?

The exterior dimensions are approximately 34 inches wide, 38.9 inches deep, and 78.5 inches high.

The interior dimensions are approximately 30 inches wide, 28.5 inches deep, and 58 inches high.

How does American Instrument Exchange test refurbished TSX3020FA freezers?

American Instrument Exchange inspects, cleans, and performance tests refurbished laboratory freezers before shipment.

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

Does this refurbished Thermo Scientific TSX3020FA include a warranty?

Yes. This used and refurbished Thermo Scientific TSX3020FA high-performance laboratory freezer includes a 90-day warranty from American Instrument Exchange unless otherwise noted.

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