Compliance, State Minimums & Operating Conditions

American Mortuary Coolers — founded as Funeral Source One in 2009 — manufacturers USA-made mortuary refrigeration for funeral homes, hospitals, medical examiners, and government agencies. Compliance is always the buyer's responsibility. Read this page before placing any order.

Last updated: June 2026  |  Page applies to all AMC, AME, and USPE equipment

⚠ CRITICAL — Read Before Ordering AMC equipment is rated for ambient temperatures not exceeding 80°F (27°C). If your facility cannot maintain 80°F or below year-round, you must resolve the ambient temperature issue BEFORE placing your order — not before installation. Once an order ships or is delivered, no returns or exchanges are accepted if the failure to perform a proper Temperature/Humidity/Isolation (THI) audit prior to ordering resulted in equipment incompatibility with your facility conditions.

80°F Ambient Temperature Requirement — Pre-Order THI Audit Required

All AMC upright coolers, walk-in coolers, and self-contained refrigeration systems are engineered and rated to perform in indoor, climate-controlled environments with ambient air temperatures at or below 80°F (27°C). This is a hard engineering limit, not a guideline.

You must perform a THI (Temperature, Humidity, Isolation) audit before placing your order. This means confirming:

  • The room or space where the cooler will be installed does not exceed 80°F during any season, including summer months
  • Ventilation and clearance around the condenser coil meets published specifications
  • Humidity levels are within acceptable ranges for your region and HVAC configuration
  • The space is isolated from direct outdoor air exposure, direct sunlight, or unconditioned airflow
⚠ No Returns or Exchanges After Shipment/Delivery If a unit is shipped or delivered and the customer subsequently discovers the installation space exceeds 80°F ambient — or fails to maintain required operating temperatures — no return or exchange will be accepted. The responsibility for pre-order site assessment rests entirely with the buyer. If you are uncertain, contact us before ordering: 1-888-792-9315.
Condition Requirement Your Responsibility
Maximum ambient temperature 80°F (27°C) continuous Verify year-round BEFORE ordering
Minimum clearance around condenser Per model spec sheet (typically 6-12") Confirm room dimensions before order
Electrical service 115V/15A or 208-240V/20A depending on model Electrician review before installation
Drainage / condensate Required on all 2025+ orders Customer-installed drain line required
Floor surface Level, hard surface (concrete or equiv.) Verify floor condition before delivery
Installation environment Indoor, conditioned, ventilated No garages, sheds, outdoor use

State Minimum Standards — Your Jurisdiction Controls

Requirements for mortuary cold storage vary by state, county, accrediting body, and facility type. AMC makes no representation that any product configuration meets any specific jurisdiction's minimum requirements unless stated in writing on a signed quote. It is the buyer's sole responsibility to verify applicable state board, health department, accreditation body, and local AHJ requirements before purchase.

Common variables that differ by state include:

  • Minimum number of cases that may be held per cooler
  • Required interior temperature ranges (typically 34–38°F for preservation; check your state)
  • Temperature recording and alarm requirements
  • Ventilation and exhaust requirements for prep rooms
  • Drain and sanitation standards
  • Inspection and licensing requirements for embalming rooms

AMC can configure equipment to meet specific written requirements when they are provided with your RFQ. Contact us at 1-888-792-9315 or submit an RFQ with your jurisdiction's requirements attached.

Drain Line Requirement — 2025 and Later Orders

All equipment ordered in 2025 or later requires a customer-installed drain line on-site and operational before the unit is placed into service. This is a regulatory change reflecting updated DOE and refrigerant safety requirements. Equipment ordered before 2025 was not subject to this requirement. If your facility does not have an existing drain, a licensed plumber must install one before startup.

Warranty Void Conditions

Warranty coverage is void — and no return or exchange will be honored — when failure results from any of the following:

  • Operation above 80°F rated ambient temperature
  • Outdoor or unconditioned installation not approved in writing by AMC
  • Insufficient clearance around the condenser coil
  • Improper electrical supply or wiring not meeting NEC and local code
  • Installation not performed to published specifications
  • Refrigerant service performed by personnel without EPA 608 certification
  • Unauthorized modification or alteration of equipment
  • Failure to perform routine maintenance (coil cleaning, condensate management, filter cleaning)
  • Failure of customer to perform pre-order THI audit and order equipment appropriate for site conditions

See also: Warranty Disclaimer & Refrigerant Safety Notice

Frequently Asked Questions — Compliance & Site Requirements

What is the maximum ambient temperature for AMC mortuary coolers?
All AMC self-contained mortuary coolers are rated for ambient temperatures at or below 80°F (27°C). Operating above this threshold causes high head pressure, compressor strain, temperature drift above target (34–38°F), and premature compressor failure. The 80°F limit applies year-round — including summer months in hot climates (Florida, Texas, Arizona, Louisiana, etc.). Do not order until you have confirmed your facility maintains 80°F or below.
What is a THI audit and when do I need to do it?
A THI (Temperature, Humidity, Isolation) audit is a site assessment that confirms your installation space is appropriate for mortuary refrigeration. You must complete this before placing your order. It includes measuring ambient temperature at multiple points throughout the day and in each season, checking humidity levels, verifying airflow and ventilation, and confirming the space is isolated from outdoor air and direct sunlight. AMC does not accept returns or exchanges after delivery if a pre-order THI audit was not performed.
Can I install a mortuary cooler in a garage or shed?
No. Garages, sheds, unconditioned storage rooms, outdoor locations, and spaces exposed to direct sunlight or outdoor air are not appropriate for AMC mortuary coolers. These spaces routinely exceed 80°F in summer months and lack the ventilation needed for condenser performance. Installation in these spaces voids the warranty and will result in equipment failure. If you have a unique facility situation, contact us before ordering to discuss options.
What happens if my state requires a different temperature range than 34–38°F?
AMC coolers are engineered to hold 34–38°F interior temperature in compliant ambient conditions. If your state board requires a specific temperature range, confirm that our equipment meets that range before ordering. If your state requires temperature logging, alarms, or backup systems, include those requirements in your RFQ so we can configure accordingly. AMC does not guarantee compliance with any specific jurisdiction's requirements unless confirmed in writing on your quote.
Do I need a drain line?
Yes, for all equipment ordered in 2025 or later. A customer-installed drain line must be in place and operational before the unit is put into service. This is a DOE/regulatory requirement effective for 2025+ orders. Pre-2025 equipment was not subject to this requirement. If your facility does not have a drain, engage a licensed plumber before your equipment arrives.
What electrical service does a mortuary cooler require?
Requirements vary by model. Most 2–3 body upright coolers operate on standard 115V/15A service. Larger units (4-body, 6-body, walk-in) typically require 208–240V/20A service. Always confirm electrical requirements for your specific model before ordering and have a licensed electrician verify the circuit before delivery. Incorrect electrical service voids the warranty.
Can I return or exchange equipment if my facility turns out to be incompatible?
No. Once an order has shipped or been delivered, AMC does not accept returns or exchanges on the basis of site incompatibility. This policy exists because site conditions — ambient temperature, ventilation, drainage — are the buyer's responsibility to assess before ordering. If you are uncertain whether your facility is compatible, contact us before placing your order. We will help you evaluate your site conditions.

Questions About Your Facility? Contact Us Before Ordering.

We strongly encourage all buyers to contact us with site photos and dimensions before placing any order. Our team can help evaluate whether your facility is appropriate for mortuary refrigeration and advise on any upgrades needed.

Call 1-888-792-9315 Submit an RFQ Send Site Photos