1. Introduction
This manual provides essential information for the safe and effective operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting of your Corning PC-620D Stirring Hot Plate. The PC-620D is a laboratory instrument designed for precise temperature control and stirring of various solutions, featuring a durable Pyroceram top and digital displays for both temperature and stirring speed.
Figure 1: Corning PC-620D Stirring Hot Plate. This image shows the hot plate from an angled front view, highlighting the white Pyroceram top, the gray base, and the control panel with digital readouts for stirring speed (RPM) and temperature (Celsius), along with the 'Stir' and 'Heat' control knobs.
2. Safety Information
Always observe the following safety precautions to prevent injury and damage to the instrument:
- Hot Surface: The top surface can reach high temperatures. Always allow the unit to cool completely before touching or moving. A "HOT TOP" indicator light will illuminate when the surface temperature exceeds 60°C (140°F).
- Electrical Safety: Connect the unit only to a properly grounded electrical outlet with the specified voltage (120V/60Hz). Do not operate with a damaged power cord.
- Ventilation: Ensure adequate ventilation around the unit to prevent overheating.
- Spills: In case of spills, immediately disconnect the power and clean the unit carefully after it has cooled. Avoid liquid ingress into the internal components.
- Personal Protective Equipment: Always wear appropriate personal protective equipment (e.g., heat-resistant gloves, eye protection) when operating the hot plate.
- Intended Use: Use the hot plate only for its intended laboratory heating and stirring applications. Do not use for heating flammable or explosive materials without proper safety protocols.
3. What's in the Box
Upon unpacking, verify that the following item is present:
- One (1) Corning PC-620D Stirring Hot Plate
If any components are missing or damaged, contact your supplier immediately.
4. Setup
- Placement: Place the hot plate on a stable, level, and heat-resistant surface away from flammable materials. Ensure there is sufficient clearance around the unit for air circulation.
- Power Connection: Connect the power cord to the back of the hot plate and then plug the three-prong plug into a grounded 120V/60Hz electrical outlet.
- Initial Inspection: Before first use, inspect the unit for any visible damage from shipping.
5. Operation
5.1 Controls and Indicators
- POWER Indicator: Green light illuminates when the unit is powered on.
- STIR Knob: Controls the stirring speed from 60 to 1150 RPM. Turn clockwise to increase speed.
- STIR RPM Display: Digital LED display shows the current stirring speed in RPM.
- HEAT Knob: Controls the heating temperature from 5°C to 550°C. Turn clockwise to increase temperature.
- TEMPERATURE Display: Digital LED display shows the set temperature in Celsius. It blinks until the set temperature is reached.
- HOT TOP Indicator: Red light illuminates when the top surface temperature exceeds 60°C (140°F), even if the heat function is turned off.
5.2 Stirring Function
- Place a suitable stir bar into your vessel (e.g., beaker, flask) containing the solution.
- Place the vessel centrally on the Pyroceram top.
- Turn the STIR knob clockwise to the desired RPM. The digital display will show the set speed.
- Adjust the speed as needed for optimal mixing without splashing.
- To stop stirring, turn the STIR knob counter-clockwise to the "Off" position.
5.3 Heating Function
- Place your vessel containing the sample on the Pyroceram top.
- Turn the HEAT knob clockwise to the desired temperature. The digital display will show the set temperature in 5°C increments.
- The temperature display will blink until the set temperature is reached, then it will remain steady.
- Monitor the HOT TOP indicator. It will remain lit as long as the surface temperature is above 60°C, even after the heat is turned off.
- To turn off heating, turn the HEAT knob counter-clockwise to the "Off" position. Allow the unit to cool down naturally.
6. Maintenance and Care
- Cleaning: Disconnect the power cord and allow the unit to cool completely before cleaning. Wipe the Pyroceram top and housing with a damp cloth and mild detergent. Do not use abrasive cleaners or solvents.
- Spills: Clean spills immediately to prevent residue buildup. For chemical spills, refer to appropriate safety data sheets for cleaning procedures.
- Storage: Store the hot plate in a clean, dry environment when not in use.
- Inspection: Periodically inspect the power cord for any signs of damage.
7. Troubleshooting
| Problem | Possible Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Unit does not power on. | No power to outlet; power cord disconnected or damaged. | Check power outlet; ensure power cord is securely connected and undamaged. |
| No stirring action. | Stir knob is off; stir bar not present or not coupled. | Turn stir knob to desired RPM; ensure stir bar is in vessel and centered. |
| No heating. | Heat knob is off; temperature set too low. | Turn heat knob to desired temperature; increase set temperature. |
| Temperature display blinking. | Unit has not reached set temperature. | This is normal operation. Wait for the unit to reach the set temperature. |
8. Specifications
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Model Number | 6795-620D |
| Top Plate Material | Pyroceram Glass-Ceramic |
| Top Plate Dimensions | 10 x 10 inches (25.4 x 25.4 cm) |
| Temperature Range | 5°C to 550°C (41°F to 1022°F) |
| Temperature Increments | 5°C |
| Stirring Speed Range | 60 to 1150 RPM |
| Electrical Requirements | 120V/60Hz |
| Overall Dimensions (L x W x H) | 19 x 18 x 8 inches |
| Weight | 11.46 Pounds |
| Certifications | UL, cUL Approved |
9. Warranty and Support
The Corning PC-620D Stirring Hot Plate comes with a 2-year warranty from the date of purchase, covering defects in materials and workmanship under normal use. For warranty claims, technical support, or service inquiries, please contact Corning customer service or your authorized distributor.
Please have your model number (6795-620D) and purchase information ready when contacting support.
