The Scientemp 40-12C-L is a 12 cu ft low-temperature chest freezer from Scientemp's Super Cold (0 °C to -40 °C ~ -45 °C) line, reaching 0 °C to -40 °C (-40 °F). It ships with a CAL 9500 digital display, a visual/audible alarm, a key-locking door and casters and single-stage R-404A refrigeration with manual defrost - a premium mechanical-refrigeration freezer that is fully customizable to the application.
Key Specifications
| SKU | 40-12C-L |
| Type | Chest-style laboratory freezer |
| Temperature range | 0 °C to -40 °C (-40 °F) |
| Capacity | 12 cu ft |
| Exterior dimensions | 40"H x 78"W x 32.25"D (includes handle & hinges) |
| Interior dimensions | 25"H x 49"W x 17"D |
| Insulation | Urethane foam |
| Refrigeration | R-404A (single stage) |
| Compressor | 1/3+ hp (single stage) |
| Defrost | Manual (cold-wall evaporator) |
| Temperature controller | CAL 9500 digital display |
| Alarm | Visual and audible |
| Door / lock | Key-locking |
| Casters | 3" non-locking casters (locking available) |
| Running amps | 8 A (115 V) / 4 A (230 V) |
| Voltage (this SKU) | 230 V / 50 Hz, single phase |
| Voltage options | 115 V / 60 Hz, 230 V / 60 Hz, 230 V / 50 Hz |
Application Profile
At 0 °C to -40 °C (-40 °F), the Scientemp 40-12C-L covers the *super-cold* band that many enzymes, competent cells, tissue samples and reagents require for stable long-term storage below the reach of a standard -20 °C freezer. Single-stage R-404A mechanical refrigeration reaches these set-points without liquid nitrogen or cascade complexity, and the CAL 9500 digital display provides closed-loop control suited to valuable inventories. The 12 cu ft chest format holds cold well during access because dense cold air settles into the cabinet rather than spilling out when the lid is raised (see cold-storage).
Every Super Cold is customizable: access ports (1", 2" or 4"), ramp/soak control, CO2 and LN2 back-up systems, stainless-steel interior, observation window, and internal heater/fan are brochure-listed options - so the freezer can be specified to a protocol rather than bought off-the-shelf. Choose capacity by sample volume and set-point by the coldest material you store; for -80 °C-class work, step to the Ultra Cold line (see low-temperature-freezer-selection).
Frequently Asked Questions
What temperature does the Scientemp 40-12C-L reach?
Its working range is 0 °C to -40 °C (-40 °F). It reaches these set-points with single-stage R-404A mechanical refrigeration.
How much can it hold?
The 40-12C-L has a 12 cu ft interior measuring 25"H x 49"W x 17"D. Exterior dimensions are 40"H x 78"W x 32.25"D (includes handle & hinges).
What voltage options are available?
This SKU is configured for 230 V / 50 Hz, single phase. Factory voltage options are: 115 V / 60 Hz, 230 V / 60 Hz, 230 V / 50 Hz. Match the model to your facility's supply before ordering.
What makes this the low-profile version?
The 40-12C-L uses a wider, lower cabinet (about 40 in tall by 78 in wide) with the same 12 cu ft interior as the standard-height 12 cu ft model - for under-counter or low-ceiling installations.
Can it be customized?
Yes. Brochure-listed options include access ports, ramp/soak control, CO2/LN2 back-up systems, stainless-steel interior, observation window and internal heater/fan (option availability varies by model). Specify these on the quote.
Ordering & Configuration
The Scientemp 40-12C-L is built-to-order laboratory refrigeration; request a quote to confirm configuration and pricing. At quote, verify: set-point vs. the coldest material you store, capacity against your sample volume, voltage/electrical supply, any options (access ports, ramp/soak, CO2/LN2 back-up, stainless interior, monitoring), and freight/lead time for a unit of this size and weight.
Warranty: Per Scientemp standard terms - confirm at quote.
Positioning: the Scientemp 40-12C-L is a 12 cu ft Super Cold (-40/-45 °C) chest freezer with single-stage R-404A refrigeration and a CAL 9500 controller - the mid-band choice above a -20 °C freezer and below the two-stage -80 °C ULTs. Size by sample volume; pick the set-point by your coldest material.
