Description
Blue M FR-256PB-1 Temperature Humidity Environmental Chamber -18 to 93°C 98% RH
The Blue M FR-256PB-1 is a walk-in-style floor-standing temperature and humidity environmental test chamber capable of cycling specimens through a wide thermal range of -18°C to 93°C while simultaneously controlling relative humidity from 20% to 98% RH. The chamber uses a single-stage mechanical refrigeration system and a wet-bulb humidification system to achieve combined temperature and humidity conditions. The control section is housed in a separate blue cabinet integrated into the unit, featuring a Chromalox programmer and Honeywell circular chart recorder for data logging. Note: On this unit, the cooling system has been confirmed operational — the chamber reached -12.0°C within 20 minutes of power-on. The Chromalox controller will not power on, so the heating and humidity functions have not been tested.
Specifications & What's Included
- Model: Blue M FR-256PB-1
- Temperature Range: -18°C to 93°C (0°F to 200°F)
- Relative Humidity Range: 20% to 98% RH
- Chamber Interior Dimensions (approx.): 25" Wide × 20" High × 20" Deep
- Overall Dimensions (approx.): 37" W × 68" D × 75" H
- Approximate Weight: 925 lbs
- Power: 208V, Single Phase, 60Hz, 49A maximum draw
- Controller: Chromalox 2030-22544 programmer (currently will not power on)
- Chart Recorder: Honeywell circular chart recorder
- Control Indicators: Drain, Fill, Humidify, Heat, Alarm
- Hi-Limit controller with rotary setpoint dial
- Refrigeration System: Single-stage mechanical refrigeration
- Refrigerant: R-22
- Compressor: 3/4 HP
- Humidification: Wet-bulb system with cylindrical water supply bottle, solenoid valves, and water supply plumbing (rear-mounted)
- Chamber interior: Stainless steel walls and floor with perforated side panels and wire rack shelf
- Inner access port/window on chamber door with orange gasket seal
- Mounted on heavy-duty casters for repositioning
- Manufacturer: Blue M Electric (a unit of General Signal)
Applications
Blue M environmental chambers of the FR series are used for accelerated life testing, environmental stress screening (ESS), and reliability qualification of electronic assemblies, components, and materials. By combining temperature cycling with controlled humidity, they can simulate years of real-world service exposure in condensed timeframes — making them standard tools in aerospace, defense, telecommunications, and industrial electronics manufacturing. The -18°C low end allows freeze testing of components and materials, while the 93°C upper range covers standard high-temperature soak conditions common in MIL-STD and IEC reliability test protocols. These chambers were produced by Blue M Electric, a well-regarded U.S. manufacturer that became part of General Signal and later SPX; they were widely used in industrial and government test labs from the 1970s through the 1990s. A working unit of this size and specification is well-suited for labs needing a dedicated humidity-capable environmental chamber that doesn't require a three-phase power service.
This Blue M FR-256PB-1 Temperature Humidity Environmental Chamber has been powered on at our facility and confirmed functional in its cooling mode — it reached -12.0°C within 20 minutes of operation. However, the Chromalox controller will not power on, which means the heating and humidity functions have not been tested and cannot be verified. The chamber is being sold in its current as-found state: the cooling/refrigeration system works, but the controller, heater, and humidifier functions are untested. The stainless steel chamber interior is in good condition, and the refrigeration compressor, Honeywell chart recorder, and overall structure appear sound. Buyers should factor the controller issue into their plans — a repair or controller replacement may be needed to restore full functionality. Please review all photos carefully and contact us with any questions before purchasing.
Warranty Information
Additional Information
Brand: |
Blue M |
Model: |
FR-256PB-1 |
MPN: |
FR-256PB-1 |
Type: |
Temperature Humidity Environmental Chamber |
SKU: |
52070 |
Temperature Range: |
-18°C to 93°C (0°F to 200°F) |
Relative Humidity Range: |
20% to 98% RH |
Chamber Interior Dimensions: |
25" W x 20" H x 20" D (approx.) |
Overall Dimensions: |
37" W x 68" D x 75" H (approx.) |
Power Requirements: |
208V, 1-Phase, 60Hz, 49A max draw |
Voltage: |
208V |
Phase: |
Single Phase |
Frequency: |
60 Hz |
Maximum Current Draw: |
49 Amps |
Controller: |
Chromalox 2030-22544 |
Chart Recorder: |
Honeywell Circular Chart Recorder |
Refrigerant: |
R-22 |
Refrigeration System: |
Single Stage |
Refrigeration Compressor: |
3/4 HP |
Control Features: |
Drain, Fill, Humidify, Heat, Alarm indicators |
Manufacturer: |
Blue M Electric (a unit of General Signal) |
Country/Region of Manufacture: |
United States |
Form Factor: |
Floor Standing / Cabinet |
Seller Notes: |
Chamber only — no additional cables or accessories confirmed beyond what is shown in photos. |
Condition Notes: |
Blue M FR-256PB-1 environmental chamber powered on and cooled to -12.0°C in 20 min (cooling confirmed). Chromalox controller will not power on — heating and humidity functions untested. Sold as-found. Please contact us with questions. |
California Prop 65 Warning: |
WARNING: This product can expose you to chemicals including lead and lead compounds, and DEHP (a phthalate), which are known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm. Go to P65Warnings.ca.gov |
