User Manual

Section 1
General Information
1.1 Introduction
The Criterion Dodeca Cell is a multi-cell for mini-vertical gel electrophoresis. It can run
one to twelve Criterion gels simultaneously.
Table 1. Specifications
Tank and lid Acrylic
Upper electrode assembly Polycarbonate with 241 cm, (95 inches) platinum
wire
Lower electrode assembly Polycarbonate with 201 cm (79 inches) platinum
wire
Drain line Tygon
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tubing
Drain line connectors Delrin
2
Cooling coil Acrylic
Cooling coil connector tubing Tygon
Total buffer volume 6 liters maximum (running one gel),
(upper and lower buffer 5.34 liters minimum (running 12 gels)
chambers combined)
Overall size 49 cm (L) x 18.8 cm (W) x 19.2 cm (H)
Precast gel compatibility Criterion precast gels
Handcast gel compatibility Gels prepared in empty Criterion cassettes
Recommended power supply PowerPac 200 power supply
Safety limits 600 V, 250 W
Weight 4.66 kg (10.25 lb)
Note: Dodeca Cell components are not compatible with acetone or ethanol. Use of organic
solvents voids all warranties.
1.2 Safety
Power to the Criterion Dodeca Cell is supplied by an external DC voltage power supply
(not included). The output of the power supply must be isolated from external ground to insure
that the DC voltage output floats with respect to ground. All Bio-Rad power supplies meet this
important safety requirement. Regardless of the power supply used, the maximum specified
operating parameters for the Criterion Dodeca Cell are as follows:
600 VDC voltage limit
250 watts power limit
40 °C ambient temperature limit
The current to the cell enters the unit through the lid assembly that provides a safety-
interlock to the user. The current to the cell via the lid’s upper electrodes is broken when the
lid is removed. Always turn off the power supply before removing the lid. Do not attempt to
use the cell without the safety lid.
1
Tygon is a registered trademark of Norton Co.
2
Delrin is a registered trademark of E.I. DuPont de Nemours.
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