Access Fuses/Remove Cover on Beckman Microfuge 20R

What part of the cover are you talking about? The front panel screws are readily accessible from the front and underneath the front panel. Don

I think you're referring to the 22R centrifuge, which does have a separate front panel that's easy to access. I have a 20R, which has a full cover that comes off together as a single piece. I can get the cover partway off, but it seems like the placement of some of the internal parts is what is preventing me from taking it fully off.

You are correct. I believe that the biggest issue with getting the cover off is that there are cable clamps and ties that are meant to keep things held in place. most of them can be carefully cut free. Most of BCI's benchtop centrifuges were made to European standards so generally there is NOTHING loose inside of the covers. Cutting them free should not cause any harm as the drive motor is no where near the front cover cabling. Don

I got your query so what you have to do to access the fuses or perform maintenance on your Beckman Microfuge 20R, you will need to fully remove the cover. Make sure to check for any latches or screws securing the cover that need to be fully disengaged. If you are unsure, refer to the user manual for step-by-step instructions on cover removal and fuse replacement. If you still have trouble, contacting Beckman Coulter's technical support would be best. They can provide specific guidance for your model and help with any difficulties you encounter. Always prioritize safety by ensuring the centrifuge is powered off and unplugged before starting any maintenance.

After retiring from BCI after almost 33 years as a Field Service Engineer I can tell you that product support has strict instructions about not telling customers how to gain access to the insides of ANY product they sold because of possible liability issues if someone injured themself following their instructions. Also, with rare exceptions the operator's manuals did not provide that information either and I never was allowed to do so over the phone either. It had nothing to do with generating service income but it sure did have everything to do with keeping my job. Don

To replace fuses you must remove the entire cover (housing). To take the cover off, remove the Allen head screws around the bottom (I think there are 6 or 7). Then remove the two Phillips screws on either side of the lid latch. Lift of the entire cover up a couple of inches, then rock it toward the front and continue to rotate it frontward. Support the cover and remove the plugs along the front of the PCB (two for the small magnetic lid sensors, one long one for the latch mechanism, and a ribbon cable on the top going to the display). You should then be able to completely remove the cover. Remove the two plugs from the PCB going to the motor, then the two hex head screws (from the bottom) that hold the metal PCB mounting plate. You should then be able to lift and rotate the front end of the PCB/plate to gain access to the fuse holders at the rear of the board.

bowlby_2496 - excellent instructions on the cover removal! I just popped one off and found the rock and turn clockwise helps. Also, it is possible to remove only the left lid sensor cable and unsnake it from behind the latch to give enough slack to lay the entire cover along the right of the chassis without removing the rest of the cables. OP JRDART20 - did you resolve your fuse issue? We found a burned component that blew the fuse in ours.

Yes; one of the fuses needed replacement. Popped in new fuse and unit worked fine.