Laboratory Refrigerators & FreezersHigh Performance Refrigerator
CME CMEB-REF-P-49-S-HCF Laboratory Refrigerator Manual
Setup, everyday use, maintenance and troubleshooting for the 45.3 cu. ft. high-performance laboratory refrigerator, with verified specifications.
- Volume45.3 cu. ft.
- TypeHigh Performance Refrigerator
- Energy use2.48 kWh/day
- Est. yearly cost$154
About the CME CMEB-REF-P-49-S-HCF
This guide covers the CME CMEB-REF-P-49-S-HCF, a 45.3 cu. ft. high-performance laboratory refrigerator listed as ENERGY STAR certified. The cabinet measures 53.9 in. wide, 32 in. deep and 78 in. high.
It has 2 solid doors, 8 shelves or drawers, 2 access ports for probes or monitoring cables, and manual defrost. Installed accessories listed in the certification: door lock and temperature monitor.
Rated energy use is 2.48 kWh per day, 3.5% below the ENERGY STAR maximum of 2.57 kWh/day for its size and type.
In the ENERGY STAR test the unit held an average cabinet temperature of 4.3 °C (40 °F) and showed a peak temperature variance of 4.7 °C.
Specifications
| Brand | CME |
|---|---|
| Model number | CMEB-REF-P-49-S-HCF |
| Product type | High Performance Refrigerator |
| Total volume | 45.3 cu. ft. |
| Form factor | Upright |
| Width | 53.9 in. |
| Depth | 32.0 in. |
| Height | 78.0 in. |
| Number of doors | 2 |
| Glass doors | 0 |
| Solid doors | 2 |
| Door style | Swinging |
| Shelves or drawers | 8 |
| Access ports | 2 |
| Defrost type | Manual |
| Daily energy use | 2.48 kWh/day |
| Steady-state energy use | 2.31 kWh/day |
| ENERGY STAR maximum (MDEC) | 2.57 kWh/day |
| Below ENERGY STAR maximum | 3.5% |
| Average cabinet temperature in test | 4.3 °C |
| Peak temperature variance | 4.7 °C |
| NSF/ANSI 456 (vaccine storage) certified | No |
| Refrigerant(s) | R-290 (propane) |
| Installed accessories | Door lock and temperature monitor |
Safety information
- Plug the unit into a dedicated, properly grounded receptacle that matches the nameplate rating. Do not use extension cords or power strips, and protect the plug from being knocked loose — consider a plug lock or a labeled "do not unplug" receptacle.
- Do not store flammable or volatile chemicals in this unit unless it is specifically rated and labeled for flammable-materials storage. Ordinary laboratory refrigerators contain ignition sources inside the cabinet.
- Use two or more people, or a suitable lift, to move the unit, and secure it against tipping as the manufacturer directs — tall uprights can be top-heavy when loaded.
- Decontaminate the interior before service or relocation if it has held biological or hazardous materials, and follow your institution's biosafety procedures.
- Disconnect power before cleaning the condenser or performing any maintenance behind panels.
Installation and first-time setup
Plan the location before delivery. This unit is 53.9 in. wide, 32 in. deep and 78 in. high; check doorways, elevators and corridors, and allow the side, rear and top clearances the manual specifies for airflow plus room for the door to swing open fully.
- Choose the location
Pick a level floor in a room that stays within the ambient temperature range in the manual, away from direct sun, heat sources, supply-air diffusers and high-traffic doorways.
- Let it stand
If the unit was transported on its side or tilted, leave it upright for the period stated in the manual (often several hours or overnight) before switching it on.
- Level and secure
Adjust the leveling feet or lock the casters so the cabinet is stable and the doors close and seal on their own. Install any anti-tip hardware supplied.
- Power up empty
Switch the unit on with nothing inside and let it reach its setpoint and stabilize — usually a few hours — before loading.
- Set alarms and monitoring
Program high and low temperature alarm limits, test the audible alarm, and connect any remote alarm contacts or monitoring system through the access ports.
- Verify temperature
Before storing critical materials, confirm performance with a calibrated, independent thermometer or data logger over at least a day, ideally checking several shelf locations.
Using your laboratory refrigerator
Temperature settings
Laboratory refrigerators are usually set to hold 2–8 °C (36–46 °F); for vaccines, aim for about 5 °C (41 °F), the middle of that range. This unit averaged 4.3 °C in its certification test. Change the setpoint in small steps and confirm with an independent probe.
The certified peak temperature variance of 4.7 °C reflects how much temperature varied across the cabinet and over time during testing — useful when deciding where to place your most temperature-sensitive materials.
Loading for stable temperatures
- Leave space between items and between items and the walls so air can circulate; never block the air vents or fan grilles.
- Do not load large quantities of warm material at once — stage loading so the unit can recover.
- Keep an up-to-date inventory map so doors are opened briefly and items are found quickly.
- Avoid storing materials in door shelves or directly against the evaporator plate, where temperatures swing the most.
Defrosting
This unit uses manual defrost. Frost builds up from humid air entering when the door opens. Remove frost from door gaskets and inner doors regularly with a soft scraper or cloth, and fully defrost the unit when frost becomes thick enough to interfere with door sealing or reduce storage space. Move contents to a backup unit before a full defrost.
Alarms and power failures
Respond to every temperature alarm promptly and record the event. During a power outage keep the door closed; a full, well-loaded unit holds temperature longer. Critical units should be on emergency power circuits, and a plan for moving contents to a backup unit should be in place before it is needed.
Care and maintenance
| When | What to do |
|---|---|
| Daily | Check and record the displayed temperature (and min/max readings) and confirm no alarms are active. |
| Every week | Check door gaskets for frost, ice or debris and wipe them clean; make sure doors close and latch fully. |
| As needed | Remove frost from gaskets and inner doors; perform a full defrost when frost is thick or doors no longer seal well. |
| Every month | Clean the interior and spills with a mild detergent or a disinfectant compatible with the liner; test the alarm. |
| Every 3–6 months | Disconnect power and vacuum or brush the condenser coil and clean any condenser filter. Dusty labs need more frequent cleaning. |
| Every year | Have temperature probes and displays calibrated or verified against a reference, replace alarm backup batteries, and have a technician check refrigeration performance. |
Keep a maintenance and temperature log for each unit; regulatory programs and accreditation bodies often require it.
Troubleshooting
If an alarm sounds, first protect the contents — move critical materials to a backup unit if temperature cannot be restored quickly — then work through the checks below.
| Problem | Possible cause | What to try |
|---|---|---|
| High-temperature alarm | Door left open or not sealing; large warm load; dirty condenser; room too hot. | Close and check the door and gasket; allow recovery time; clean the condenser; check room temperature and clearances. |
| Temperature varies between shelves | Blocked air vents; overloading; items against walls. | Rearrange contents to leave airflow gaps; keep vents clear. |
| Frost or ice buildup | Frequent or long door openings; worn gasket; defrost due. | Minimize door openings; replace a damaged gasket; defrost as described above. |
| Unit runs constantly | Dirty condenser; high ambient temperature; gasket leak. | Clean the condenser; improve room ventilation; inspect gaskets. |
| Condensation on the exterior or glass | High room humidity; door not fully closed. | Lower room humidity if possible; check door alignment and seal. |
| Unusual noise or vibration | Cabinet not level; fan obstruction; loose panel. | Level the cabinet; check for items touching fans; contact service if noise persists. |
| Alarm or error code displayed | Brand-specific diagnostic code. | Error codes are not standardized; consult the code table in your manufacturer's manual. |
Energy use and running costs
The CME CMEB-REF-P-49-S-HCF is rated at 2.48 kWh per day under the ENERGY STAR test method. Running continuously, that is about 905 kWh a year — roughly $154 per year at $0.17 per kWh.
ENERGY STAR sets a maximum daily energy consumption (MDEC) of 2.57 kWh/day for a unit of this type and volume. This model uses 3.5% less, saving about 33 kWh ($5.58) a year compared with a unit at the limit.
Real-world consumption rises with room temperature, frequent door openings and frost buildup, and lab cooling equipment also adds heat that the building's HVAC must remove.
Frequently asked questions
What is the capacity of the CME CMEB-REF-P-49-S-HCF?
It has a total volume of 45.3 cubic feet with 8 shelves or drawers.
What are the dimensions of the CME CMEB-REF-P-49-S-HCF?
It measures 53.9 in. wide, 32 in. deep and 78 in. high. Add the clearances specified in the manual for airflow and door swing.
How much energy does the CME CMEB-REF-P-49-S-HCF use?
It is rated at 2.48 kWh per day, about $154 a year at $0.17/kWh, and 3.5% below the ENERGY STAR maximum for its class.
Can the CME CMEB-REF-P-49-S-HCF be used for vaccine storage?
It is not listed as NSF/ANSI 456 certified. Laboratory-grade units can be suitable for vaccine storage, but check your immunization program's requirements, which may specify purpose-built units, before using it for vaccines.
What refrigerant does the CME CMEB-REF-P-49-S-HCF use?
The certification lists R-290 (propane). This is a natural hydrocarbon refrigerant with very low global-warming potential; it is flammable, so service requires specially trained technicians.
Does the CME CMEB-REF-P-49-S-HCF defrost automatically?
No. It uses manual defrost, so remove frost from gaskets regularly and fully defrost it when frost builds up, after moving contents to a backup unit.
Is the CME CMEB-REF-P-49-S-HCF ENERGY STAR certified?
Yes. It appears on the ENERGY STAR list of laboratory-grade refrigerators and freezers, with a certification date of June 2025.
Sources and disclaimer
Specifications on this page come from the ENERGY STAR certified laboratory refrigerators & freezers dataset published by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (record certified June 5, 2025), retrieved October 7, 2026.
The setup, operating, maintenance and troubleshooting guidance is written by ManualHarbor's editors for this specific product type and configuration. It is an independent guide — not a reproduction of the manufacturer's manual — and ManualHarbor is not affiliated with CME. Always follow the safety instructions, installation requirements and warranty terms supplied with your unit, and contact CME or an authorized service provider for warranty repairs and replacement parts.
Running-cost figures use assumed U.S. average utility prices and are estimates for comparison only. See our editorial methodology for details.
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