Tissue culture and media preparation
Type A2
Operator, product and environmental protection
Class II Biosafety Cabinets
Class II is the cabinet you will find in almost every cell culture room, and the one most often mis-specified. All four sub-types protect you, the sample and the room. What separates them is where the air goes after it leaves the work zone — and that single difference decides whether you need ductwork, make-up air, and a different certification route. Type A2 recirculates 70% of the air through the supply filter and exhausts 30% back into the room. Type B1 sends roughly 70% to a dedicated duct and recirculates 30%. Type B2 exhausts 100% and never recirculates. Type C1 can be switched between A2 and B2 behaviour, which suits laboratories that do occasional chemical work in a biology cabinet. Use the comparison below to narrow the choice, then open the sub-type page for dimensions, airflow figures and the configurations we hold in stock.
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- 4Direct categories
- Technical support
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Class II Biosafety Cabinets subcategories
Choose a subcategory to narrow your selection. Product lists are shown on categories without further subcategories.
TECHNICAL DATA
One platform, four exhaust paths
All four sub-types share the work zone, filter class, blower and control architecture. The exhaust plenum and the damper arrangement are what change, which keeps spares and training common across your fleet.
Class II Biosafety Cabinets
View ProductWSHLab C1 Convertible Biosafety Cabinet
- Airflow class
- Class II Type C1 — convertible A2 / B2
- Modes
- A2: 30% exhaust, 70% recirculation; B2: 100% exhaust
- Downflow velocity
- 0.33 ± 0.025 m/s
- Inflow velocity
- 0.53 ± 0.025 m/s
- Exhaust volume
- 1400 m³/h in B2 mode
- Filter
- ULPA U15, 99.9995% at 0.12 µm
- Working width
- 4 ft / 1.2 m
- External dimensions
- 1300 × 800 × 2250 mm (W × D × H)
- Internal dimensions
- 1150 × 600 × 660 mm (W × D × H)
- Power
- 1800 VA maximum, 230V
- Noise
- ≤65 dB(A)
- Certification
- CE, UKCA, EN 12469, certified in both modes
- Width
- 4 ft / 1.2 m
- Work Access Opening
- 8 in / 203 mm
- Electrical
- 230V
- Performance Standard
- CE · EN-12469 · UKCA
- Application
- Multi-purpose
- Control System
- Pressure Sensor
Applications
Matching the sub-type to the work
The protocol decides the sub-type; the room decides whether it is practical.
Vivarium cage changing
Type A2 with a 12 in sash opening
USP 797 sterile compounding
Type A2 with pressure monitoring
USP 800 hazardous drugs and cytotoxic API
Type B2
Volatile solvents alongside cell work
Type B1 or C1
PERFORMANCE & SELECTION
The four sub-types, in one table
Read the exhaust column first. Everything else — ducting, room pressure, installation cost — follows from it.
- Type A2 — 30% exhausted to the room, 70% recirculated
- no duct
- Type B1 — about 70% to a dedicated duct, 30% recirculated
- Type B2 — 100% to a dedicated duct, no recirculation
- Type C1 — convertible between A2 and B2 modes
CONFIGURATION & COMPATIBILITY
Choose by what you handle, not by price
Volatile toxic chemicals and radionuclides must not be recirculated into the room. If your protocol includes them, A2 is the wrong cabinet whatever the budget.
- Biological agents only — Type A2
- Biological agents plus small volumes of volatile chemicals — Type B1
- Cytotoxic drugs, API powders, USP 800 — Type B2
- Mixed programme, occasional chemistry — Type C1
IDENTIFICATION & TRACEABILITY
Clear Product Identification & Specification
Product names, model numbers, SKUs and option identifiers keep quotations, orders and internal records aligned.
- Product and model identification
- Option-specific SKU information
- Consistent quotation specifications
PRODUCT IDENTIFICATIONClass II Biosafety Cabinets
- Catalog
- Safety & compliance
- Products
- 10
- Selection
- Specification-led
Traceability
Traceable Supply & Quality Inspection
Documentation and inspection requirements are confirmed against the selected product and order.
- Product identification records
- Pre-delivery checks
- Documents available on request
Quality system
Factory testing before shipment
Every cabinet is run and measured, not sampled.
Downflow and inflow velocity mapped across the work zone
PAO scan of supply and exhaust filter seals
Noise ≤65 dB(A) and illumination ≥1000 lx verified
Electrical safety IEC 61010-1, EMC IEC 61326
Serial-numbered report shipped with the unit
Why WSHLab
Why specify Class II on the WSHLab platform
You get the same filter class, the same control interface and the same documentation whether the cabinet recirculates or exhausts, so a mixed laboratory does not need two sets of procedures.
ULPA U15 filters on both supply and exhaust, 99.9995% at 0.12 µm
EC blower with constant airflow and filter-load compensation
ISO Class 4 work zone at the tested sash height
Motorised sash, tempered glass, anti-pinch
Airflow, filter-load and sash alarms with dry contacts
NSF/ANSI 49 or EN 12469 certification on the same cabinet
OPTIONS & SPECIFICATIONS
Class II Biosafety Cabinets Options & Specifications
Choose the format that suits your application, workload and handling requirements.
A2 vs B1 vs B2 vs C1
Exhaust percentage and ducting
Certification standard
Sash height and ergonomics
Control system and alarms
| Type | Capacity / Option | Material / Specification | Suitable Application | Storage / Handling |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| A2 vs B1 vs B2 vs C1 | By selected product | Product-specific configuration | Confirm with our team | Follow product guidance |
| Exhaust percentage and ducting | By selected product | Product-specific configuration | Confirm with our team | Follow product guidance |
| Certification standard | By selected product | Product-specific configuration | Confirm with our team | Follow product guidance |
| Sash height and ergonomics | By selected product | Product-specific configuration | Confirm with our team | Follow product guidance |
| Control system and alarms | By selected product | Product-specific configuration | Confirm with our team | Follow product guidance |
Delivery and site
Class II Biosafety Cabinets Handling & Care Guide
Follow the product manual and site procedures for safe installation, use and maintenance.
- 01
Check Product & Accessories
Confirm model, options and supplied components.
- 02
Review Product Documentation
Read installation and safety instructions before use.
- 03
Prepare the Working Environment
Confirm space, utilities and operating conditions.
- 04
Plan Routine Care
Follow cleaning, inspection and maintenance guidance.
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QUESTIONS & ANSWERS
Class II Biosafety Cabinets: frequently asked questions
The questions buyers ask most often when specifying Class II Biosafety Cabinets, answered by our technical team.
What is the difference between Class II Type A2 and Type B2?
Type A2 recirculates 70% of the filtered air and exhausts 30% into the room, so it needs no ducting. Type B2 exhausts 100% of the air through a hard duct to atmosphere and recirculates nothing, which is why it is required for cytotoxic drugs and volatile toxic chemicals.
Can I install a Type B2 cabinet without ductwork?
No. A B2 cabinet moves its full exhaust volume outside the building and will not hold containment without a correctly sized duct and make-up air. Budget for the duct run, the roof or wall penetration and the room air balance before you order.
Which Class II cabinet is best for pharmacy compounding?
For non-hazardous sterile compounding under USP 797, a Type A2 with pressure-based monitoring is normally sufficient. For hazardous drugs under USP 800, specify Type B2 total exhaust.
GET A QUOTATION
Not sure which sub-type you need?
Send us the agents, the volumes and the room drawing. We will tell you which sub-type holds containment, and what the installation will require.