Description
Summit 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 ARS18PVDL2B 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.
We also include our DL2B digital data logger to be mounted to the door, a feature recommended by the CDC and VFC for vaccine storage. This password-protected DDL is NIST calibrated in our ISO/IEC 17025:2017 accredited laboratory and offers a large LCD display of the current and high/low temperature, recording up to 32,000 data groups to its internal memory or even more on the included 4GB USB flash drive. Data can be viewed through a PC or Mac in Microsoft Excel or any .CSV compatible program. Users can set their own recording intervals starting at increments of 10 seconds to best meet a facility’s specific logging needs. We include a 2-year certificate of calibration beginning the date of manufacture. The logger can be re-calibrated in our laboratories after the certificate expires. (For additional information on the DDL, see the DL2BKit listing on our website.)
Inside, the Summit ARS18PVDL2B 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 ARS18PVDL2B Pharmacy Vaccine Refrigerator comes in a white exterior finish with a blue accented control panel. 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 ARS18PVDL2B 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: The DL2B data logger adds 1 1/2″ to the depth of the upper right hand corner of the door (not included in the listed specifications on this page).
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, as well as a calibrated digital data logger (DDL) to display the current and high/low temperature.
Summit 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
- Digital data logger (DDL) included– Accucold DL2B data logger is NIST calibrated in our ISO/IEC 17025:2017 laboratory, with user-set logging intervals, a large LCD readout of the current and high/low temperature, and virtually unlimited storage through internal memory and a convenient USB drive; for additional information on this logger’s features, view the DL2BKit on our website
- 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
- 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 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– 270.0 lbs.
- Shipping Weight– 300.0 lbs.
- Parts & Labor Warranty– 2 Years
- Compressor Warranty– 5 Years
Summit Pharmacy Vaccine Refrigerator Features:
- Door Swing– RHD
- Reversible– Factory Reversible
- 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 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 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 ARS18PVDL2B and what is it designed for?
The ARS18PVDL2B is a freestanding upright vaccine/pharmacy-grade refrigerator with a storage capacity of approximately **510 L** (≈ 18 cu ft).
Its external dimensions are about 199 cm H × 70 cm W × 66 cm D (~78.5″ × 27.5″ × 26.0″).
It is engineered for healthcare, pharmacy, laboratory or clinical environments where precise ambient refrigeration (+2 °C to +8 °C) and secure storage of vaccines or medications is required.
What temperature range and control features does it support?
The unit supports an internal temperature set-point range of approximately +2 °C to +8 °C (≈ 36 °F to 46 °F).
It features a digital microprocessor thermostat with external display, a buffered probe designed to simulate stored-product temperature, an auxiliary air sensor for improved accuracy, automatic defrost capabilities, and a factory-installed data logger for monitoring stability.
What alarms, monitoring and security features are included?
Includes audible and visual alarms for high/low temperature, door-ajar alerts, power-failure alarms and sensor-fault alarms.
Additionally, the unit is equipped with remote alarm contact outputs for facility integration, a keyed lock for secure access, antimicrobial handle, and probe access port for external monitoring/logging.
What construction and usability features support its clinical application?
Construction includes a self-closing reversible door, LED interior lighting, adjustable wire shelving, and a sealed-back powder-coated steel cabinet.
The refrigeration uses a bottom-mounted self-contained system with hydrocarbon refrigerant (R290a) for efficiency and reduced environmental impact.
Front-breathing ventilation supports built-in or freestanding placement.
Shipping FAQ
What are the exterior dimensions and shipping weight?
Approximate external size: ~199 cm H × ~70 cm W × ~66 cm D.
Typical shipping weight is around ~136 kg (≈ 300 lb).
What electrical and installation requirements apply?
Operates on 115 V AC / 60 Hz with a current draw of about 1.5 amps.
Requires a dedicated grounded outlet, a level installation surface, and sufficient clearance for door-swing (~132 cm when open) and front ventilation when built-in.
What steps should be taken during unpacking and placement?
Inspect the unit on delivery for visible transit damage; if shipped on its side, allow upright for several hours before powering on.
Ensure the installation surface is level, confirm door-swing clearance and ventilation, and test the controller, alarms and data-logger before loading contents.
What delivery or shipping method is typical for this model?
Due to its professional specification and size, this model typically ships via palletized freight.
Ensure clear off-loading access, a stable staging area and that the installation site is fully prepared (especially relevant for facilities in Melbourne).
Application FAQ
Is this unit suitable for vaccine, pharmacy or clinical ambient-cold-storage applications?
Yes — the ARS18PVDL2B is explicitly designed for vaccine, medication and laboratory use, supports the +2 °C to +8 °C range and includes the monitoring, alarm and secure-storage features needed for regulated cold-storage workflows.
What daily best-practice steps should be followed for operation?
Use a calibrated data logger placed at mid-shelf height; label and organize stored items; avoid over-packing to maintain proper airflow; minimize door-open time; and record daily minimum/maximum internal temperature values and any alarm events in your facility’s log.
What routine maintenance is recommended?
Clean the condenser and ventilation paths at least twice per year; verify alarm, probe and thermostat operation monthly; inspect the door-gasket seal and locking mechanism annually; ensure the cabinet remains level and ventilation paths are unobstructed.
What should be done in the event of a temperature excursion or alarm?
Document the date/time, temperature deviation and any impacted contents; relocate items to approved backup storage if necessary; identify and correct the root-cause (door left open, blocked airflow, power interruption); restore proper internal operating conditions and log corrective actions according to your facility’s SOP.
