Centrific Centrifuge Model 225 and

225A Quick Guide

General information, troubleshooting hints, and brush replacement procedure for the
Fisher Scientific “Centrific” model 225 and 225A.

model 225, model 225A, 0497850Q, 0497850AQ,

04-978-50, 04-978-50A
Revision Date: January 1, 2016
Please note that these models were discontinued in
September 2007, so parts and info are limited.
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Model 225 Centrifuge Trouble Shooting Guide

Models 225 (left) and 225A (right)

notes:

-225A discontinued 12/2007

-units manufactured in Malaysia, designated by letter "Q" in the catalog number and serial
format : XXXX YY MM XXXXX

-units built at former Indiana, PA facility have serial number format: # # # N # # # # and are
obsolete.

TROUBLESHOOTING:

Symptom: Tubes keep breaking 1st Possible Cause: tubes aren't

designed to withstand the desired
RPM/G-force.

- Check catalog or with tube

manufacturer for tube's g-force or
RPM specifications. Polystyrene tubes
are notorious for breaking.

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2nd Possible cause: tubes are

incorrect size and/or shape for the
rotor's buckets.

- Verify that the tip of the tube is

resting at the bottom of the bucket.
Tubes should not be hanging by the
cap, etc.

- Make sure there is not so much extra

space that tubes have room to roll
around inside the bucket.

- Conical bottom tubes may break in

round bottom buckets and vice versa.
Be sure bucket and tube are of the
same type.

3rd possible cause: missing tube

cushions

- If the buckets include tube cushions,

make sure they are being used.

Symptom: Unit will not run First verify that the line voltage to the
unit matches the data plate voltage. If
so:

1st Possible Cause: no power to unit

- Does Power LED come on

when timer is activated?
- Check that unit is plugged in
- Check that outlet has power
2nd Possible Cause: motor brushes
worn

- Inspect brushes. Replaces brushes if

worn down to ¼” (procedure below)

3rd Possible Cause: wiring problem

- Inspect for loose connections or

burnt wires.

4th Possible Cause: timer shorted out

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- Check whether there is power into &

out of the timer

5th Possible Cause: short in controller

- Check whether there is power into &

out of the control board

6th Possible cause: bad motor

- Check whether there is power to the

motor

Symptom: Unit vibrates when it runs 1st possible Cause: load is out of
balance

- All tubes should weigh approximately

the same

- Tubes should be evenly spaced if

rotor is not full

2nd Possible Cause: rotor is not tight

- Make sure rotor thumbscrew is tight.

- Check that the plane of the rotor is

perpendicular to the motor shaft. if not,
remove rotor and try putting it on
again.

Note: The rotor stops at the tapered

portion of the motor shaft. It does not
slide down far enough to engage the
pins on the motor shaft.

This is normal. The friction of the rotor

against the motor shaft and a tight
thumbscrew are more than sufficient
coupling.

3rd Possible Cause: motor mounting

nuts are loose

- Remove rotor and check that the

three nuts that hold the motor to the
base casting are tight.

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Symptom: Unit is noisy - See "Unit vibrates when it runs". If

the load and rotor check out OK:

Possible cause: Lid not latched

securely

- Check that lid is latched. If lid is

latched but not tight, adjust lid latch
pawl.

Symptom: Units runs, but NOT at the correct speed 1st Possible cause:
misunderstanding/misapplication

- Verify whether the desired

RPM is achievable. Depending
on which rotor is being used
and the number of tubes being
spun, the unit may not be able
to spin that fast. Use the table
on the left and the equation
below to determine if your rotor
is spinning as fast as it should:
R.C.F.= 1.12 X 10-5 x R x RPM2

R = Tube tip radius in cm (from manual)

RPM = speed in revolutions per minute

1.12 x 10.0-5 = universal constant

Note that catalog numbers listed above in the left column

no longer require dashes when searching for info
2nd Possible Cause: out of calibration

- If RPM is off by more than +/-50

RPM, perform calibration procedure as
described in the manual.

3rd Possible cause: bad speed

controller

- If after calibration the RPM is still too

low, check power from the controller to

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the motor. The controller output should

be near line voltage.

4th Possible cause: bad motor

- If the motor is getting approximately

line voltage, but still too slow, replace
motor.

Motor Brush Assessment/Replacement

Motor brush inspection and replacement is considered to be a routine service

procedure and is not covered in the warranty. The motor brushes should be inspected

every 3 to 4 months of normal use, or more often in high usage applications. Replace the

brushes if less than 0.25 inches remain in length.

The replacement brush and optional brush cap are SPN106166 and SPN106550 respectfully.

Required Tools:
1. Standard Phillips screwdriver

2. Standard Flat screwdriver

Optional Tools: (Makes installation & replacement easier)

3. 3/8” nut driver or open-ended wrench or socket w/handle

4. 11/32” nut driver or open-ended wrench or socket w/handle

Procedure:
1. Unplug the centrifuge power cord

2. Place the centrifuge on its side, with the bottom of the control panel facing the front.

3. Remove the one (1) screw that holds the rear foot and bottom panel in place

(Required Tools: large flat screwdriver or 3/8” nut driver)

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4. Depends on whether Model225 or 225A:

A. 225, Remove the two (2) screws from the front panel (Required Tool: Phillips screwdriver)

model 225:

B. 225A, Remove the four (4) screws from the bottom panel. Unplug the wire quick connect
socket from the front panel. (Required Tool: Phillips screwdriver)

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model 225A

5. Optional (simplifies replacement), Locate the three (3) 11/32” locknuts that hold the motor to the
casting. While supporting the motor, loosen and remove the three nuts. The motor will now be easily
removed from the base casting. The motor can now be easily handled.

6. Locate the two (2) brush holders at opposite sides of the motor. Carefully remove the caps, springs and
brushes. (Required Tool: Flat screwdriver)

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Caution: When removing brushes, note their orientation (curved contacting surface) with

respect to the armature. For smooth operation, it is important that the brushes are replaced with

their original orientation.

Replace brushes if they measure 0.25” or less in length.

Tabs on end of brush spring, fit in to existing groove in cap well threads.

7. Install brushes and reverse operation of disassembly. Ensure all screws and nuts are properly tightened.

Centrific Model 225 and 225A Product Guide