FAQ

• Why should I buy a Tuttnauer sterilizer?
• Which is the best autoclave for my office?
• Which type of sterilizer is better, a manual or automatic unit?
• What are the benefits of a closed-door drying system?
• Do I need a printer on my automatic autoclave?
• Why should I use distilled water?
• Why are my spore tests failing?
• How often should I clean my sterilizer?
• What should I use to clean my sterilizer?
• Why is my manual sterilizer taking a long time to fill the chamber with water?
• The buttons on the keypad of my automatic sterilizer do not respond.
• My sterilizer does not turn on.
• The timer on my manual machine does not ring.
• The pressure is not reaching 30 psi.
• My manual sterilizer is not drying the pouches completely.
• My automatic sterilizer is not drying the pouches completely.
• Why is there water remaining in the bottom of the chamber when I open the door?
• Why do I get a Low Water message on my sterilizer?
• Why do I hear a loud noise coming from the water reservoir?
• Why can’t I unscrew the locking device on my sterilizer?
• Why is there steam leaking from around the door?
• Why doesn’t the drain valve allow the water to drain from the reservoir?
• Why are my pouches turning brown and my plastics melting?

Why should I buy a Tuttnauer sterilizer?

• Tuttnauer autoclaves have a reputation of excellence that is evident by their contemporary design, ease of use and reliability.
• Tuttnauer autoclaves offer the best warranty and in office support.

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Which is the best autoclave for my office?

• For those on a budget, Tuttnauer has a complete line of Manual autoclaves to fit every need.
• For those desiring the utmost in sterilization efficiency and ease of use, Tuttnauer has a complete line of fully automatic sterilizers, which feature the EZ9 and EZ10 models.

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Which type of sterilizer is better, a manual or automatic unit? All Tuttnauer autoclaves have been engineered and manufactured to provide high quality sterilization for your office.

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What are the benefits of a closed-door drying system?

Closed door drying offers a more efficient and thorough drying cycle, insuring that your instrument wraps come out of the autoclave dry.

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Do I need a printer on my automatic autoclave? While not required, a printer offers you a printed record of each cycle run. The record contains information about the temperature and pressure all during the cycle, as well as any messages that may have been generated by the system.

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Why should I use distilled water? Distilled water is free of minerals that would otherwise clog the sterilizer and create the need for more than the normal amount of cleaning.

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Why are my spore tests failing?

• The number one reason that a spore test fails is because air has become trapped in the sterilization chamber. Check that your unit is reaching the proper sterilization pressure. If it is, then cleaning the air jet should solve your problem.
• Overloading your sterilizer can also cause this problem to occur, refer to your Operator’s Manual for proper loading instructions.

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How often should I clean my sterilizer? The more often you use your sterilizer the more frequently it should be cleaned. If your average usage is 20 cycles per week, then cleaning once per week is recommended. If you use your sterilizer only once or twice a week, then cleaning once per month is okay.

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What should I use to clean my sterilizer? Tuttnauer has a cleaning product called Chamber Brite, which is made specifically for cleaning your sterilizer. Please follow the instructions on the package for proper usage.

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Why is my manual sterilizer taking a long time to fill the chamber with water? This is probably the result of debris collecting in the multivalve or piping. To clear the plumbing, follow these instructions:

• Fill the chamber with water.
• Close the door, set the timer and begin a normal sterilization cycle.
• Allow the pressure to build to 15 psi.
• Turn the timer back to zero.
• Turn the multivalve clockwise, without stopping, to the Fill Water position.
• The piping should now be clean and water flow should have improved.

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The buttons on the keypad of my automatic sterilizer do not respond. If the display shows only drying time on the screen and the keypad is unresponsive, the unit is probably trying to complete a drying cycle. Press the Stop button for at least one second, the unit should beep and the drying cycle will end. The keypad should now respond to your instructions.

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My sterilizer does not turn on.

• Check that there is power to the outlet that the unit is plugged into.
• Check that the power cord is plugged into the back of the autoclave and also into the wall outlet.
• Check that the circuit breaker lever is in the up position. If the unit has fuses, check that the fuses are not blown.
• Press in the small red reset button.
• Make sure the green Start / Stop switch is in the start position.
• If the unit still does not turn on, then there is an internal problem that requires a qualified technician to look at.

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The timer on my manual machine does not ring. If setting the timer to less than 15 minutes, make sure you first turn the timer past 15 minutes and then back to the desired time. This will cock the hammer for the bell. b. The bell hammer may have broken off and the timer needs to be replaced.

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The pressure is not reaching 30 psi

• Is the temperature set for 273ºF? A lower temperature setting will correspond to a lower pressure.
• The voltage going to the machine may be low. A 120-volt unit needs to have a minimum of 115 volts to perform correctly. A 230-volt unit needs to have a minimum of 220 volts to perform correctly.
• The unit may be out of calibration, please call your technician for service.
• The unit may have bad heaters, please call your technician for service.

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Why is there steam leaking from around the door?

• The door may not be tightened completely. Tighten the door-locking device until it feels very snug. Try not to over tighten, as this will cause excess wear of the door gasket.
• The door gasket may be worn. If you see any cracking or other damage to the door gasket, you should replace it.

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My manual sterilizer is not drying the pouches completely.

• The instrument pouches may be too closely packed in the chamber. We recommend using a Tuttnauer Pouch Rack for proper spacing of the pouches.
• You may be allowing the autoclave to sit too long after the sterilization cycle is completed. The cooling of the chamber and instruments allows for a moisture build up, causing a less efficient and more difficult drying. Make sure to turn the multivalve to the Exhaust / Dry position as soon as the bell rings, indicating the end of the sterilization stage.

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My automatic sterilizer is not drying the pouches completely.

• The instrument pouches may be too closely packed in the chamber. We recommend using a Tuttnauer Pouch Rack for proper spacing of the pouches.
• If you have an EA or EZ unit, the HEPA filter may be clogged and need changing. See your Operator’s Manual for instructions.
• If you have an E unit, cracking the door open will help.

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Why is there water remaining in the bottom of the chamber when I open the door?

• If you have a manual autoclave, this can happen if the unit is allowed to cool at the end of the sterilization cycle and the pressure drops below 10 psi before you turn the multivalve to Exhaust / Dry.
• In either a manual or automatic autoclave, this can happen because one of the valves is defective allowing water to seep back into the chamber.

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Why do I get a Low Water message on my sterilizer?

• The water sensor at the back bottom of your sterilizer may need to be cleaned. Using a damp cloth or sponge and a gentle twisting motion, clean off the sides of the sensor.
• There may be an internal leak that is allowing water and steam to escape back to the reservoir, leaving the chamber low. Please have a technician check your unit.

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Why do I hear a loud noise coming from the water reservoir?

• This can be the safety valve blowing off. Make sure the sterilization temperature is not set above 274ºF.
• The safety valve may be weak and in need of replacement. Please call your technician to service the unit.

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Why can’t I unscrew the locking device on my sterilizer? The door bellows pin may be stuck. Try tightening the locking device; this should release the pin so you can unscrew the device. If this does not work, then a technician will be required to repair the unit.

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Why doesn’t the drain valve allow the water to drain from the reservoir?

• The drain valve is probably clogged. Open the valve and blow air into the valve. This should cause the clog to travel back to the reservoir. Make sure you have a cloth covering the reservoir opening as the compressed air can cause water to shot out of the reservoir.

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Why are my pouches turning brown and my plastics melting?

• Your chamber may not be filling with the right amount of water. Check the Operator’s Manual for instruction on how to check the pitch of the chamber and how to properly fill the chamber before sterilizing. For automatic sterilizers you may need to have the “automatic water fill” calibrated. For manual autoclaves you must be sure to turn the multivalve to STE before closing the door, otherwise the chamber water can be pushed back into the reservoir leaving the chamber low.
• There may be an internal steam leak that is allowing water to leak back into the reservoir. This will cause the chamber to overheat. A technician will need to check this.
• Make sure the door is tightened sufficiently and the door gasket is in good condition so no steam is able to escape.
• Do not set the timer for too long of a cycle time. This will cause the chamber to run out of water and overheat.
• If this problem is occurring during the Drying Cycle, then the problem is most likely the result of a defective component and you should call your service technician.

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