If you need a lab incubator for your application, then you’ll no doubt be frustrated if it’s not doing its job properly. If your unit won’t heat up or cool down at all, or won’t reach its setpoint temperature, there could be a host of factors at play.

In this post, we’ll help you troubleshoot by looking at some possible reasons for temperature issues with your lab incubator, including those providing refrigeration.

1. There Has Been a Mechanical Failure

If your unit won’t heat or cool at all, it could spell a serious issue. You may have a broken element or controller, both of which would require service, and you may need to buy replacement parts. You might even need to think about purchasing a new machine.

If your lab incubator comes with a refrigeration function, but isn’t cooling at all, one of the most likely reasons is that the compressor has failed. In this case, you’ll need to have the machine serviced or even replaced.

Before you start shopping around, read on to find out about other possible issues that could be causing your temperature woes.

2. The Temperature Protection Is Set Too Low or Too High

Over-Temperature Protection (OTP) is a handy feature in many lab incubators. It acts as a backup by shutting off the heat (and sometimes activating a visual or audible alarm) in case the temperature spikes for some reason. This helps to ensure that the integrity and stability of your samples won’t be compromised by a too-high temperature.

Some units have automatic protection, such that the unit will shut down and activate alarms if the temperature deviates from the setpoint by a certain amount (often by 1°C).

For other models, the user sets an independent OTP controller to a specific temperature (about 1°C above the setpoint temperature is often advised). If this temperature is reached (according to a sensor in the chamber), power will be routed away from the heating elements.