Forma 900 Series ULT Freezer
Probe Installation Guide
Step-by-step instructions for installing temperature monitoring probes using the factory-designed backup system pre-cutout - the only safe access point.
Equipment Specs
- Model: Forma 900 Series
- Temperature: -86C Ultra-Low
- Manufacturer: Thermo Fisher
- Monitoring Points: 2
Critical Warning: Do NOT Drill Elsewhere
The cabinet walls of the Forma 900 Series contain copper refrigerant tubing embedded in foam insulation. Drilling anywhere other than the factory pre-cutout location risks:
- Puncturing refrigerant lines - releasing harmful refrigerant gas
- Permanently disabling the freezer - damage is typically unrepairable
- Voiding your warranty
Why the Forma 900 Requires Special Attention
Unlike many other ULT freezers, the Forma 900 Series doesn't have an easily accessible probe port. However, Thermo Fisher designed a factory backup system pre-cutout that we can repurpose for monitoring probe installation.
Factory Pre-Cutout
The backup system pre-cutout is located on the top of the freezer where no refrigerant lines run - this is the ONLY safe drilling location.
Refrigerant Safety
Copper refrigerant tubing runs throughout the cabinet walls. The pre-cutout location was specifically chosen to avoid these critical components.
Proper Probe Placement
Using the pre-cutout ensures your probe enters the chamber safely while maintaining the freezer's thermal integrity and insulation.
Probe Installation Steps
Follow these steps carefully to install your temperature monitoring probe safely.
Locate the Backup Access Port
Find the factory-designed backup system pre-cutout on the top of your Forma 900 Series freezer. This location is documented on page 30 of the official manual.
Remove the Foam Plug
Carefully remove the foam plug covering the pre-cutout. This plug protects the pre-scored foam insulation underneath. Keep the plug for reference on hole sizing.
Drill Through the Foam
Using the pre-cutout as your guide, drill through the exposed foam insulation. The hole should be just large enough to accommodate your probe cable.
Insert the Temperature Probe
Thread your temperature monitoring probe through the drilled hole and position it inside the freezer chamber at the desired monitoring location.
Seal the Opening
Seal the hole around the probe cable with appropriate insulating material (foam sealant or silicone designed for low temperatures) to maintain the freezer's thermal integrity.
Connect to ATEK Wireless Transmitter
Connect your probe to an ATEK wireless transmitter mounted outside the freezer. The transmitter will begin reporting temperature data to the ATEK cloud platform for continuous 24/7 monitoring.
Calibration Requirements
For regulatory compliance, your temperature monitoring sensors must be calibrated against NIST-traceable reference standards. ATEK provides A2LA-accredited calibration services.
- Annual calibration recommended for regulatory compliance
- NIST-traceable calibration certificates provided
- A2LA ISO/IEC 17025:2017 accredited laboratory
- FDA 21 CFR Part 11 compliant documentation
Calibration Schedule
Download the Official Manual
Get the complete Thermo Fisher Forma 900 Series ULT Manual with detailed diagrams showing the exact location of the backup system pre-cutout on page 30.
Related Resources
Explore more about Thermo Fisher monitoring and ATEK solutions.
Thermo Fisher Equipment
Complete guide to monitoring all Thermo Fisher cold storage equipment.
View EquipmentCalibration Services
A2LA-accredited, NIST-traceable calibration for your monitoring sensors.
Learn MoreULT & Cryogenic Monitoring
Specialized monitoring solutions for ultra-low temperature storage.
Explore SolutionNeed Help With Your Forma 900 Installation?
Our team can help you implement continuous monitoring for your Forma 900 Series ULT freezers. Contact us for expert guidance and a custom monitoring solution.