Bio-Rad Model 225 Tube Gel Casting Stand - Manual (Page 9)

Section 4
Safety Instructions
Power to the Mini-PROTEAN tube cell is supplied by an external DC voltage
power supply. This power supply must be ground isolated in such a way that
the DC voltage output floats with respect to ground. All of Bio-Rad's power
supplies meet this important safety requirement. Regardless of which power
supply is used, the maximum specified operating parameters for the cell are:
1500 VDC maximum voltage limit
5 Watts maximum power limit
50 °C maximum ambient temperature limit
Current to the cell, provided from the external power supply, enters the unit
through the lid assembly, providing a safety interlock to the user. Current to the cell
is broken when the lid is removed. Do not attempt to circumvent this safety
interlock, and always turn the power supply off before removing the lid, or
when working with the cell in any way.
Since potentially dangerous voltages may be used in the electrophoresis cell, it
is important that certain precautions are observed for the safety of the operator.
Please become familiar with these precautions, both for safe operation of this
equipment and to prevent the loss of valuable experimental results.
1. Always turn off the power supply before removing the safety cover of the
electrophoresis cell. Do not use the safety cover as an on-off switch.
2. Never attempt to operate the electrophoresis cell without the safety cover.
3. Do not attempt to move the electrophoresis cell with the power on.
4. Do not leave an operating electrophoresis cell unattended for long periods.
Overnight runs at high voltages are to be avoided. Overnight runs at voltages up to
400 V are acceptable.
5. Do not overfill the upper or lower buffer reservoirs. This can cause current leaks
and arcing. Refer to Section 6.1 for proper buffer levels.
6. Insure that the upper horizontal surfaces of the tube gel module are dry before
starting IEF separation, especially when high voltages are used.
7. If the electrophoresis cell appears to be drawing excessive current, or if the current
fluctuates, turn off the power supply and check the entire system (for example,
buffer chamber or sample reservoir leaks, overfilled buffer chamber, buffer too con-
ductive, etc.).
8. Never allow untrained personnel to use this equipment without proper supervision.
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