The Scientemp 80-9.4EX is a 9.4 cu ft ultra-low chest freezer from Scientemp's Ultra Cold (-45 °C to -80 °C ~ -86 °C) line, reaching -45 °C to -80 °C (-112 °F) with mechanical refrigeration only (no liquid nitrogen required). It uses a two-stage cascade system - R-134A high stage / R-508B low stage (two-stage cascade) - driving CAL 9500 digital display, a key-locking door and casters and a visual/audible alarm to hold ULT temperatures for long-term biological and material sample storage. This is the explosion-proof (EX) configuration, built for installation in hazardous (flammable-atmosphere) locations.
Key Specifications
| SKU | 80-9.4EX |
| Type | Chest-style laboratory freezer - explosion-proof |
| Temperature range | -45 °C to -80 °C (-112 °F) |
| Capacity | 9.4 cu ft |
| Exterior dimensions | 41"H x 60"W x 28"D |
| Interior dimensions | 19"H x 49"W x 17"D |
| Insulation | High-density fiberglass |
| Refrigeration | R-134A high stage / R-508B low stage (two-stage cascade) |
| Compressors | High stage 1/3+ hp / low stage 1/3+ hp |
| 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 | 15 A (115 V) / 7.5 A (230 V) - base 80-9.4; EX draw confirm at quote |
| Hazardous-location rating | Explosion-proof build - Class/Division/Group not stated in available brochure; confirm at quote |
| Voltage (this SKU) | Explosion-proof (hazardous-location) build - confirm voltage at quote |
| Voltage options | Explosion-proof build - confirm voltage at quote |
Application Profile
At -45 °C to -80 °C (-112 °F), the Scientemp 80-9.4EX reaches the *ultra-low* band used for long-term preservation of cells, tissues, nucleic acids, and biological and material samples that degrade at warmer temperatures - the -80 °C-class storage that underpins biobanking and cold-chain workflows (see cold-chain-sample-storage). A two-stage cascade refrigeration system (R-134A high stage / R-508B low stage (two-stage cascade)) achieves these temperatures mechanically, with no liquid nitrogen consumables to manage. The 9.4 cu ft chest geometry keeps cold air settled in the cabinet during access, aiding recovery after the lid is opened.
The CAL 9500 digital controller plus a visual and audible alarm provides the closed-loop control and fault warning that high-value ULT inventories demand; options include access ports, ramp/soak control, CO2/LN2 back-up, stainless interior, observation window and internal heater/fan. A chest ULT is a space- and access-efficient alternative to an upright -80 °C freezer where floor footprint and cold retention matter (see ult-freezer-selection).
Explosion-proof build. This EX model is the hazardous-location configuration of the 80-9.4 platform, for storing or siting near flammable solvents and volatile materials. The specific Class / Division / Group certification is not stated in the brochure on hand - it must be confirmed with Scientemp at quote against your site's electrical area classification. Do not assume it matches other EX models in the range.
Frequently Asked Questions
What temperature does the Scientemp 80-9.4EX reach?
Its working range is -45 °C to -80 °C (-112 °F). The unit holds ultra-low temperatures using a two-stage cascade system - no liquid nitrogen required.
How much can it hold?
The 80-9.4EX has a 9.4 cu ft interior measuring 19"H x 49"W x 17"D. Exterior dimensions are 41"H x 60"W x 28"D.
Is the 80-9.4EX certified for hazardous locations?
It is the explosion-proof build of the 80-9.4. The exact Class / Division / Group rating is not stated in the brochure available to us - confirm the certified rating with Scientemp at quote against your site's electrical classification. We do not publish an assumed rating.
Is defrost automatic?
No - like all Scientemp chest freezers, the 80-9.4EX uses manual defrost with a cold-wall evaporator, which avoids the temperature swings of an auto-defrost cycle for stable long-term storage.
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 80-9.4EX 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. For this explosion-proof model, confirm the certified hazardous-location rating against your facility's electrical area classification before purchase.
Warranty: Per Scientemp standard terms - confirm at quote.
Positioning: the Scientemp 80-9.4EX is the 9.4 cu ft explosion-proof Ultra Cold (-80 °C-class) chest freezer - two-stage cascade cooling for hazardous, flammable-atmosphere locations. Confirm the certified hazardous-location rating against your facility before purchase; the standard 80-9.4 build applies in non-hazardous areas.
