The A-dec Pac 1 3420 Field Unit & Compressor are designed to be used together to provide the capability to perform general dental procedures under field conditions. The unit and compressor are supplied in two plastic cases (modules) with a combined weight of 180 pounds. The system is easily assembled in minutes. The unit is supplied with two handpiece connections: one for a highspeed or sonic scaler and one for a slowspeed handpiece. Fiberoptic capability is available but not standard. The unit also features a foot control with wet/dry toggle switch, air/water syringe, manual handpiece selector switch, and separate water system with handpiece flush. Unit controls include adjustment knobs for drive air, air coolant, and water coolant. The air venturi suction can be configured to provide both high- and low-volume evacuation. To maximize performance, simultaneous operation of both high- and low-volume evacuation is not recommended. The second module contains the : horsepower oil-less compressor with 1-gallon air storage tank. The unit can be configured for either 120 or 240 volts but is not operator switchable.
The Pac 1 Field Unit is compact and easy to assemble. Its smooth, simple design is easily barrier-protected or disinfected. The controls were accessible and easy to understand. The optional handpiece fiberoptic light system provided excellent illumination. Access to internal components for adjustment or repair was easy. A thermal-overload protector shuts off the compressor should the motor overheat. The operational instructions are complete, easy to understand, and include a very helpful troubleshooting guide and a waterline disinfection protocol.
The unit and compressor meet all electrical safety tests but the compressor supplied is not field-switchable between 120 and 240 volts as required. The optional fiberoptic handpiece lighting system requires an external 120-volt outlet. A required step-down transformer and duplex electrical outlet needed to power such accessory equipment as an amalgamator or curing light are not provided. Two of the three evaluators reported that the high- and low-volume suction is inadequate. The air compressor generates noise levels such that two of the three clinical evaluators reported the noise was objectionable. The waste collection system does not contain a solids collector or automatic overflow prevention device. The unit does not have a master on/off switch or a visible on/off indicator. The compressor is not equipped with a resettable circuit breaker.
This review has been adapted from the DECS website. The DECS has no formal association with Dentalcompare or with vendors listed on dentalcompare.com. The DECS does not specifically endorse any particular product or vendor and is provided for informational purposes only.
