Bio-Rad Gene Pulser MXcell™ Electroporation System - Manual (Page 4)

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Safety and Regulatory Compliance
The Gene Pulser MXcell™ electroporation system is designed to run safely. Please read the following
sections to learn about the safe use of this system and regulatory requirements.
General Safety Information
This Bio-Rad instrument is designed and certified to meet the safety requirements of EN61010 and the
EMC requirements of EN61326 (for Class A) and conforms to the “Class A” standards for electromagnetic
emissions intended for laboratory equipment applications. This instrument is intended for laboratory
application only. It is possible that emissions from this product may interfere with some sensitive
appliances when placed nearby or in the same circuit as those appliances. The user should be aware of
this potential and take appropriate measures to avoid interference.
No part of the Gene Pulser MXcell system should be used if obvious external case damage has occurred
or the electronic displays are not functioning as described in the manual. This instrument is only to be
used with the components provided (or their authorized additions or replacements) including, but not
limited to, supplied cables and plate chamber. The operating temperature range for the Gene Pulser
MXcell system and its associated components is 18–35°C.
There are no user serviceable parts within the unit. The operator should make no attempt to open any
case cover or defeat any safety interlock. This instrument must not be altered or modified in any way.
Alteration of this instrument will result in the following:
• Void the manufacturer’s warranty
• Void the IEC 1010 safety certification
• Create a potential safety hazard
Bio-Rad is not responsible for any injury or damage caused by the use of this instrument for purposes
other than those for which it is intended or by modification of the instrument not performed by Bio-Rad or
an authorized agent.
Electrical Hazards
The Gene Pulser MXcell system produces voltages up to 500 V and is capable of passing very high
currents. When charged to maximum voltage, the instrument stores about 210 J. A certain degree of
respect is required for energy levels of this order. System safety features prevent operator access to the
high voltage and to the recessed electrode contacts inside the sample chamber. These mechanical
interlocks should never be circumvented.
The PULSE button is active whenever the character space in the lower right corner appears. There is high
voltage present whenever the PULSE button is depressed and “pulse being delivered” is shown on the
LCD display on the front of the instrument. Because of the built-in safety interlock in the Gene Pulser
MXcell plate chamber, no pulse is delivered to the electroporation plate when the plate chamber lid is
opened. If the capacitor has been partially charged but not fired (for example, when the charging cycle
has been interrupted before the pulse is delivered), some charge may remain on the internal capacitor.
This charge will dissipate over 1–2 minutes. However, the user cannot make contact with any charged
electrical components due to the system safety features.