Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc. PowerPac Basic Power Supply
Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc. · Model PowerPac Basic Power Supply
Versatile application – ideal for horizontal and mini vertical gel electrophoresis Constant-voltage or constant-current mode – ensures stable, reproducible results Built-in timer control – enhances workflow automation and accuracy Reliable performance – optimized for biomedical, molecular biology, and life science research Perfect for biomedical engineers, researchers, and lab professionals, this electrophoresis power supply delivers precise control, efficiency, and ease of use for routine gel electrophoresis applications. (Generated by AI)
Key tips
- ·Run QC controls before trusting any repair - an analyzer that passes self-test can still report clinically wrong results.
- ·Rule out a reagent lot change before opening the instrument - it can look exactly like a hardware fault.
- ·Centrifuge rotors have a hard retirement age/cycle limit regardless of visible condition - don't eyeball it.
Typical Failure Modes
Failure patterns typical of this equipment class - general BMET reference, not verified against this exact unit's own service history unless flagged. Severity is a category-level estimate.
Sample probe / pipette clog
MediumSymptoms: Aspiration error, short sample, carryover.
Root cause: Clot/crystal obstruction.
Centrifuge imbalance / bearing
HighSymptoms: Vibration, loud noise, stop error.
Root cause: Worn bearing or unbalanced rotor.
Temperature control fault
MediumSymptoms: Incubator out of range.
Root cause: Failed heater/fan or sensor.
Optics / lamp degradation
LowSymptoms: Low signal, wavelength drift.
Root cause: Lamp/LED or monochromator aging.
Serviceable Parts & Consumables
The parts a BMET typically services on this class of equipment. Service class and relative cost are general engineering estimates for the category, not figures from this unit's documentation. Part numbers appear only when pulled from this unit's own service manual. Always confirm intervals and pricing against the manufacturer.
Sample aspiration probe
Frequent R&R on high-throughput analyzers.
Class Periodic replacementRel. cost $$$R&R Moderate
Peristaltic pump tubing
Consumable - replace proactively.
Class Frequent wear itemRel. cost $R&R Easy
Xenon / LED light source
Class Periodic replacementRel. cost $$$R&R Moderate
Centrifuge rotor & bearings
Class Major service partRel. cost $$$R&R Difficult
| Part | Service class | Relative cost | R&R difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sample aspiration probe Frequent R&R on high-throughput analyzers. | Periodic replacement | $$$ | Moderate |
| Peristaltic pump tubing Consumable - replace proactively. | Frequent wear item | $ | Easy |
| Xenon / LED light source | Periodic replacement | $$$ | Moderate |
| Centrifuge rotor & bearings | Major service part | $$$ | Difficult |
Relative cost: $ lowest · $$$$ highest service-part cost for this equipment class. Not a price.
PM Checklist
Preventive-maintenance tasks typical of this equipment class. Perform to the manufacturer's procedure and your facility's policy - this is general reference, not a schedule for this specific unit.
- ·Daily QC controls run and reviewed
- ·Calibration verification per assay
- ·Routine cleaning and decontamination
- ·Scheduled reagent-path and pump-tubing maintenance
Troubleshooting Approach
A structured starting point derived from the failure modes above. Follow the manufacturer's service documentation for the actual procedure.
Symptom: Sample probe / pipette clog
- Confirm the presentation - typically aspiration error, short sample, carryover - and note the exact alarm or message and the conditions when it occurs.
- Check the most likely cause first: clot/crystal obstruction.
- Isolate the affected subsystem using the manufacturer's functional check or self-test, where one is provided.
- If the fault is confirmed and not a field adjustment, service or replace the sample aspiration probe per the manufacturer's service documentation.
- Return the device to service only after the manufacturer's functional and applicable electrical-safety checks pass.
- Record the findings, any parts used, and the verification results in the maintenance history.
Symptom: Reagent / wash flow fault
- Confirm the presentation - typically clogs, high blank, QC fail - and note the exact alarm or message and the conditions when it occurs.
- Check the most likely cause first: pump tube wear, air in line.
- Isolate the affected subsystem using the manufacturer's functional check or self-test, where one is provided.
- If the fault is confirmed and not a field adjustment, service or replace the peristaltic pump tubing per the manufacturer's service documentation.
- Return the device to service only after the manufacturer's functional and applicable electrical-safety checks pass.
- Record the findings, any parts used, and the verification results in the maintenance history.
Typical Location
Where this class of equipment is typically deployed - general reference, not this unit's own placement record.
- Central / core laboratory
- Point-of-care testing stations
- Blood bank
- Microbiology lab
Documents & Manuals
No documents available for this device yet.
Safety & Recalls
Synced live from the FDA openFDA API.
- RECALL
Due to two issues: 1) Customer complaints associated with greater than expected Rapid Plasma Reagin (RPR) reactivity which does not confirm with treponemal antibody test which may be due to a positive correlation between the mass COVID vaccinations and false reactive RPR results, and 2) During routine stability monitoring, an increase in mean bias above specification was observed which can cause elevated RPR reactivity potentially due to early shelf-life failure.
- RECALL
On a rare occasion the D-10 software might generate an extra result by duplicating the result form the previous sample and the Sample ID/Injection number from the next sample.
- RECALL
A previous recall related to reports of calibration failure and late retention times using Elution Buffer led to an examination of other buffers manufactured during the same time period and a decision was made to field correct these products until a definitive root cause and corrective action have been found and implemented.
- RECALL
Test Cartridges may leak and have the potential to generate error messages and biased inaccurate results.
- RECALL
Inaccurate results with high bias-- Inaccurate results may be read by the machine, creating the risk for untreated hypoglycemia at elevated altitudes.
- RECALL
Product mislabeled-- the ANA cutoff Control and Prostiva controls were mislabeled. Use of the incorrect controls will cause run failure - patient results cannot be reported because controls will not pass..
- RECALL
The firm received customer complaints of increased positivity rates associated with the Anti-dsDNA test kits.
- RECALL
The ANA Screening kit generates a high percentage of false positive results, associated with a low check control reading.
- RECALL
Inaccurate results-- Consumer complaints of increased positivity rates with the ANA screening kit.
- RECALL
The firm received customer complaints of increased positivity rates associated with the ANA Screening kit due to a decline in stability.
- RECALL
The value for the ANA Cutoff and ANA Positive Controls will decrease overtime resulting in an unusually elevated positivity rate for patient samples tested.
- RECALL
False positive test results caused by decrease in the OD values of ANA Cutoff Controls and ANA Positive Controls. The increased positivity rates were associated with the Meridian ANA Screening kit. False positive ANA values could result in misdiagnosis or mistreatment .
- RECALL
Pressure contained within the Elution Buffer vial may expel the rubber stopper, causing the potential for injury.
- RECALL
Incorrect patient results are being generated from out-of-range samples tested withc ompetitive enzyme immunoassays on the PhD system with software version 2.1A.
- RECALL
The firm received customer complaints of microbial contamination in Positive Controls in its Anti-Cardiolipin IgM Test Kit Lot CL-863.
- RECALL
Incorrect values: An error was found in the BioPlex 2200 Software, Version 2.0 that results in assignment values being utilized for the BioPlex assay Calibrator Set that may be slightly different from those printed on the Value Assignment Data Sheet. Some values may be identical between the lot assignment combinations with the ANA Screen with MDSS kit.
- RECALL
The product may produce a faint line which could be interpreted as a false negative test result .
- RECALL
The Diluent in the D-10 Dual Program Calibrator reorder packs is defective, and can cause early calibration failure or elevated control and sample recovery results.
- RECALL
New instructions to recommend against using samples with visibly high level of blood.
- RECALL
The device was producing false negative results for cocaine tests.
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