Description
Summit Upright Pharmacy Vaccine Refrigerator Description:
Accucold’s Pharma-Vac Performance Series are upright all-refrigerators designed and purpose-built for pharmacy, medication, and vaccine applications to support meeting CDC/VFC guidelines, with a powder-coated silver ion handle that helps prevent germ spread.
The Summit ARS18PV Upright Pharmacy Vaccine Refrigerator is a 18 cu.ft. all-refrigerator with an adjustable control range from +2 to +8ºC. The microprocessor temperature controller is externally located to minimize door openings, helping to protect stored contents from ambient temperature. The buffered temperature probe is encased in a glycol-filled bottle to better simulate temperature of the stored product, with an additional sensor that reads air temperature to ensure superior temperature control. The current and min/max temperature display is viewable in Celsius or Fahrenheit to the nearest tenth of a degree. The audible and visual temperature alarm sounds if the unit’s interior goes out of range. Additional alarms include a power failure alert, door open alarm, and sensor failure alarm. This unit is equipped with remote alarm contacts in the rear and a 1/2″ probe port on the right side to accept additional monitoring devices. A hospital grade cord with ‘green dot’ plug is also included for added safety in high traffic areas.
Inside, the Summit ARS18PV Upright Pharmacy Vaccine Refrigerator utilizes adjustable cycle defrost operation to avoid temperature spikes. Optimized forced air cooling with one internal fan ensures excellent temperature stability and uniformity with rapid recovery after door openings. The adjustable plastic-coated wire shelves can be positioned at 1/2″ increments to accommodate virtually any sized item. We include seven shelves, more than competitor products providing to maximize interior shelving storage area. This unit includes LED internal lighting with an on/off rocker switch. The interior is constructed from white powder coated metal to ensure added durability and better temperature retention.
The Summit ARS18PV Upright Pharmacy Vaccine Refrigerator comes in a white exterior finish with a blue accented control panel and user-reversible door. The factory-installed antimicrobial handle is powder-coated with naturally occurring silver ions, which help to reduce the spread of germs, allowing for a safer, cleaner user experience. This model includes a factory-installed lock and ships with two keys for staff use. Powerful magnetic gaskets ensure a positive seal. Four pre-installed 3″ high casters with brakes make it easier to move as needed.
Designed with hydrocarbon refrigerant, the ARS18PV provides an energy efficient solution to vaccine storage. This unit is Pyxis, Omnicell, and AcuDose RX compatible. Additional sizes, as well as glass door options, are also available. Explore the full Pharma-Vac series at accucold.com/pharmavac.
NOTE: Accucold refrigerators are purpose-built to the support meeting the current CDC (Centers for Disease Control) guidelines for the storage of vaccines. At this time, Accucold refrigerators have not been evaluated to the new NSF 456 standard. As referenced in the current Vaccine Storage and Handling Toolkit, these units incorporate microprocessor controls and forced air circulation for stable operation between 2 and 8ºC. For additional temperature assurance, the CDC recommends a calibrated digital data logger (DDL), which can be added with the factory-installed option DL2B or addition of the DL2BKit accessory.
Summit Upright Pharmacy Vaccine Refrigerator Features:
- Purpose-built design– Designed and purpose-built for pharmacy, medication, and vaccine applications to support meeting CDC/VFC guidelines
- +/-1ºC Variation– The published temperature variation is derived from the maximum deviation of an NTC sensor in a 1 oz. vial located nearest the chamber geometric center during a 24 hour test period
- Antimicrobial silver ion-coated handle– Powder-coated handle with naturally occurring silver ions to help reduce the spread of germs
- Adjustable temperature– Intuitive controls let you adjust the interior temperature between +2 to +8ºC
- Temperature alarm– Visual and audible alarms alert if the interior temperature rises or falls out of set range
- Remote alarm contacts– Electronic controller is equipped with a volt-free contact for alarm forwarding to an external remote system (contacts located in the external rear of the unit)
- Automatic defrost with adjustable cycle defrost– Adjustable cycle defrost operation ensures the unit avoid temperature spikes and ice buildup
- Access port– Includes a pre-installed 1/2″ probe hole in the right interior wall to allow easier connection to user-provided monitoring equipment
- Open door alarm– Alarm will sound if the door is left ajar for over 4 minutes (adjustable from 1-99 minutes)
- Audible power failure alarm– Battery-powered alarm sounds if the power connection is interrupted
- Sensor failure alarm– Audible and visual alarm warns if the sensor is disrupted
- Password protection– Control panel requires password entry to adjust the parameters beyond the set point
- Microprocessor control panel– Digital controls with a large LED readout in Celsius or Fahrenheit for intuitive temperature management
- Resettable min/max display– Control panel provides a readout of the low and high temperatures in 15 minute increments
- Factory-installed lock– Keyed lock conveniently located towards the top of the door for added security (2 keys included)
- Adjustable plastic coated wire shelves for improved circulation– Shelves can be positioned with a front lip for small storage items or reversed to a flat position to better hold larger items, with multiple shelf positions spaced at 1/2″ to accommodate virtually any size
- Hospital grade cord with ‘green dot’ plug– Secure three-pronged cord for added unit safety
- Durable interior– Walls are constructed from white powder coated metal for added strength and improved temperature retention
- Interior light– Energy efficient LED lighting with internal on/off switch
- Reversible door– User-reversible door swing for added flexibility
- Magnetic door gasket– Quality door gaskets ensure a tight seal for energy savings and improved performance
- Locking casters– Four pre-installed 3″ wheels with brakes ensure smooth mobility, making it easier to clean around and underneath the unit as needed
- Extended warranty– 2 years parts and labor/5 years compressor
- Eco-Friendly– Using environmentally friendly hydrocarbons refrigerants for a greener footprint
- Usage stickers– Ships with removable warning stickers for “DO NOT UNPLUG,” “DO NOT ADJUST TEMPERATURE,” and “DO NOT STORE PERSONAL ITEMS”
- Additional choices– Solid and glass door choices available from 1 to 15 cu.ft. Browse the Pharma-Vac series for more information
- Versatile design– Compatible with Pyxis®, Omnicell®, and AcuDose RX®
- 100% CFC free– Environmentally friendly design without ozone-damaging chemicals
- CARB Compliant– Environmentally friendly hydrocarbon-based refrigerant for a greener footprint that meets current CARB regulations
Summit Upright Pharmacy Vaccine Refrigerator Overview:
- Height of Cabinet– 78.5″
- Width– 27.5″
- Width with Door Open– 28.0″
- Depth– 26.0″
- Depth with Handle– 27.75″
- Depth with door at 90°– 52.0″
- Capacity– 18.0 cu.ft.
- Defrost Type– Automatic
- Door– White
- Cabinet– White
- US Electrical Safety– ETL
- Canadian Electrical Safety– ETL-C
- Amps– 1.5
- Voltage/Frequency– 115 V AC/60 Hz
- Weight– 275.0 lbs.
- Shipping Weight– 300.0 lbs.
- Parts & Labor Warranty– 2 Years
- Compressor Warranty– 5 Years
- UPC– 761101084183
Summit Upright Pharmacy Vaccine Refrigerator Features:
- Door Swing– RHD
- Reversible– Yes
- Shelf Type– Wire
- Shelf Qty– 7
- Adjustable Shelves– Yes
- Thermostat Type– Digital
- Fan Type– Interior
- Refrigerant Type– R290a
- Refrigerant Amount– 1.75oz.
- High Side PSI– 280.0
- Low Side PSI– 90.0
- Wheel Qty– 4
- Interior Light– Yes
- Temperature Range– 2 to 8ºC
Summit Upright Pharmacy Vaccine Refrigerator Dimensions:
- Interior Height– 68.5″
- Interior Width– 24.13″
- Interior Depth– 18.75″
- Compressor Step Height– 6.5″
- Compressor Step Width– 24.13″
- Compressor Step Depth– 6.5″
Summit Upright Pharmacy Vaccine Refrigerator Available Exterior Upgrades:
- DTFAR– Temperature display converted to Fahrenheit
- LHD– Left hand door swing
- DL2B– Factory installed NIST calibrated digital data logger (DDL)
- KAL– Keyless Access Lock
Summit Appliance manufactures compact and specialty major appliances: including refrigerators, freezers, laboratory and scientific refrigeration and refrigerated and freezer drawers. Our products are grouped into: laboratory, medical and scientific refrigerators and freezers.
Product FAQ
What is the ARS18PV and what is it used for?
The ARS18PV is an 18 cu ft (~510 L) upright pharmacy-vaccine refrigerator purpose-built for healthcare settings, designed to support compliance with vaccine-storage guidelines (e.g., 2-8 °C range) with features like an antimicrobial silver-ion handle and hospital-grade power cord.
What are the key technical specifications?
• Capacity: 18 cu ft (~510 L)
• External dimensions: Height ~78.5″ (~199 cm) × Width ~27.5″ (~70 cm) × Depth ~26.0″ (~66 cm); depth with door at 90° ~52.0″ (~132 cm)
• Defrost type: Automatic cycle defrost
• Temperature range: +2 °C to +8 °C (~35.6 °F to ~46.4 °F) for vaccine storage
• Electrical: 115 V AC/60 Hz; ~1.5 Amps
What safety and monitoring features are included?
Features include:
– Visual & audible alarms for high/low temperature out of range, door-open, power failure, sensor failure.
– Remote alarm contacts for forwarding alerts to external systems.
– Access probe port for external monitoring devices.
– Antimicrobial silver-ion-coated handle to help reduce germ spread.
– Hospital-grade “green dot” power cord and user-reversible door swing.
Which environments is this unit best suited for?
Ideal for pharmacy, medication rooms, hospital vaccine storage, clinics or immunization centers where reliable temperature control (2-8 °C) is required. Not designed for ultra-low temp freezer use or non-medical refrigeration.
What warranty coverage is provided?
Warranty: 2 years parts & labor; 5 years compressor.
Shipping FAQ
How long does shipping take after placing an order?
Dispatch is often next-day (where in-stock) for this model; transit time will vary depending on destination and carrier.
Is international shipping available and what should I consider for Melbourne, Australia?
Yes — international shipping available. For delivery to Melbourne, Australia you should consider:
• Import duties, customs clearance & Goods & Services Tax (GST).
• Site entry/access: ensure door width, corridor or elevator clearance, floor‐loading capacity for the palletized unit (weight ~122 kg).
• Electrical compatibility: This unit is rated for 115 V AC/60 Hz (US specification) — if installation in Australia (230 V/50 Hz) ensure you order correct variant or use a suitable transformer, and verify plug/voltage compliance.
How is the unit packaged for transit and what site requirements should be met?
Unit ships palletized and boxed with protective packaging; approximate unpacked size ~199 cm H × ~70 cm W × ~66 cm D; door swing clearance ~132 cm. Ensure your delivery surface is level, firm, and that handling equipment (pallet jack or lift) is available.
What should I do if my shipment arrives damaged or is delayed?
On delivery inspect packaging and unit for visible damage or transit delay signs. If damage is found: photograph condition, retain packaging and delivery receipt, then contact supplier with your order/tracking details to initiate a freight claim or replacement.
Application FAQ
How do I install and set up the ARS18PV?
1. Position the unit upright on a firm, level surface in a climate-controlled room; allow clearance behind and above for ventilation, and ensure door can fully open (approx. 132 cm depth with door open).
2. Connect to a dedicated grounded outlet matching the unit’s specification (115 V AC/60 Hz). If installing in Australia, verify correct variant or provide a suitable step-down transformer for 230 V/50 Hz.
3. Plug in and power on the unit. Allow internal temperature to stabilize (several hours) before loading vaccines; set the thermostat control within the +2 °C to +8 °C range.
4. Verify the digital display, audible/visual alarms, door lock & handle, shelves and airflow are functioning correctly; ensure remote alarm contacts are appropriately wired if used.
What best practices should I follow when storing vaccines?
• Store vaccines in original packaging; label with date/time and rotate stock.
• Avoid over-packing or blocking airflow around bottles/vials—maintain clearance for uniform cooling.
• Keep door-open time to a minimum; ensure door closes completely and gasket is clean to maintain stable internal temperature.
• Log internal temperature reading regularly (min/max) and record any alarm events as part of your facility’s audit traceability.
What should I do if a temperature excursion or power interruption occurs?
If internal temperature moves outside the +2 °C to +8 °C range, or if a power outage occurs:
• Record the event: date/time, observed temperature, impacted contents.
• Immediately relocate vaccines to validated backup storage until conditions stabilize.
• Identify root cause (door left open, ambient heat load, sensor/power fault).
• Once stable, verify vaccine integrity and confirm unit returns to required range before resuming normal storage.
What maintenance and verification routines are recommended?
• Monthly: Inspect door gasket/seal, hinges, handle/lock, and clean interior surfaces.
• Quarterly: Clean condenser/coils if accessible, check fan airflow, remove debris or dust from ventilation paths.
• Periodically: Test alarms and remote contacts, calibrate temperature sensors if needed, maintain service logs and temperature logs for audit readiness.


