WIGGENS WH-10 Temperature-Controlled Incubator

Overview

The WIGGENS WH-10 Temperature-Controlled Incubator is an engineered solution for reliable, stable, and reproducible thermal environments in microbiological culture, cell-based assays, enzyme activity studies, and stability testing under non-humidified or low-humidity conditions. Designed and manufactured to German engineering standards, the WH-10 employs a high-precision PID temperature controller coupled with a forced-air convection system to ensure uniform thermal distribution throughout its 100 L working chamber. Its operational range spans from +5°C above ambient temperature to 65°C—optimized for applications requiring precise thermoregulation without integrated humidification. The incubator’s structural integrity derives from a dual-layer insulation system using environmentally compliant thermal barrier materials, minimizing external surface temperatures and eliminating burn hazards during routine operation.

Key Features

• PID-controlled digital temperature regulation with real-time display and Bias correction function for compensating minor drifts without recalibration
• Independent mechanical overtemperature safety cutoff—fully redundant to the main controller—complies with IEC 61010-1 requirements for laboratory equipment safety
• Double-sealed tempered glass inner door (5 mm thick) combined with outer cold-rolled steel door ensures superior thermal retention and visual monitoring without compromising chamber integrity
• Electropolished stainless steel interior chamber and adjustable stainless steel shelving (2 standard, up to 4 optional) facilitate easy cleaning, sterilization, and flexible sample arrangement
• Intelligent door-interlock logic: fan and heating elements deactivate immediately upon door opening; visual indicator illuminates, and an audible alarm triggers after 60 seconds if the door remains open
• Power recovery mode offers configurable behavior following unexpected mains interruption—users may select either automatic resumption of prior setpoints or manual restart protocol
• Timer functionality supports durations from 1 minute to 99 hours 59 minutes, enabling unattended overnight or extended-duration experiments

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The WH-10 accommodates standard Petri dishes, multiwell plates (6–96-well), flasks (up to 2 L), and tube racks within its uniformly heated workspace. Its internal airflow design avoids laminar disruption while maintaining consistent thermal profiles across all shelf levels—validated per ISO 15212-1 (incubator performance testing). The unit meets CE marking requirements under the EU Machinery Directive 2006/42/EC and Low Voltage Directive 2014/35/EU. While not certified for GMP-grade humidified incubation, its temperature accuracy (±0.3°C at 37°C) and stability (±0.1°C at 37°C) satisfy GLP-compliant validation protocols for non-regulated research and QC laboratories. Optional RS232 interface enables integration into audit-trail-capable data management systems aligned with FDA 21 CFR Part 11 principles when paired with validated third-party software.

Software & Data Management

The WH-10 supports optional RS232 serial communication for remote parameter readout—including current temperature, setpoint, elapsed time, and alarm status—as well as limited command-driven control (e.g., start/stop timer, reset alarm). When used with WIGGENS-supplied or validated third-party logging software, users can generate timestamped CSV reports suitable for electronic record retention. All logged data retains traceability to instrument ID and operator context where supported by host software architecture. No onboard memory or cloud connectivity is embedded; data persistence relies entirely on external PC-based acquisition systems meeting institutional IT security policies.

Applications

• Bacterial and fungal culture propagation in clinical, environmental, and food safety labs
• Mammalian and insect cell line maintenance during subculturing and passaging procedures
• Enzyme kinetics and protein denaturation studies requiring tightly bounded thermal exposure
• Accelerated stability testing of pharmaceutical excipients and diagnostic reagents
• Quality control of industrial biocatalysts and fermentation inocula
• Educational use in undergraduate life science laboratories for standardized growth curve analysis

FAQ

Does the WH-10 include built-in humidity control?
No—the WH-10 is a temperature-only incubator. Humidity regulation requires external humidification accessories or alternative models such as the WIGGENS WH-10H series.
Can the WH-10 be validated for ISO/IEC 17025 accredited testing?
Yes—its documented temperature accuracy, stability, and repeatability meet minimum metrological criteria for inclusion in laboratory scope validation, provided IQ/OQ/PQ protocols are executed using NIST-traceable reference thermometers.
Is the RS232 interface compatible with modern Windows and macOS systems?
Yes—when paired with a USB-to-serial adapter and appropriate drivers, the interface supports standard terminal emulation and scripting via Python (pySerial), LabVIEW, or MATLAB.
What is the maximum load capacity per shelf?
Each stainless steel shelf is rated for 15 kg distributed load; total chamber loading must not obstruct rear wall airflow grilles.
How often does the unit require preventive maintenance?
Annual inspection of door gaskets, calibration verification using a Class A PT100 probe, and cleaning of the rear ventilation filter are recommended per WIGGENS Technical Bulletin TB-WH10-REV3.