Equipment care, made clear
Frequently asked
questions.
Practical guidance for keeping your autoclave reliable, compliant and ready for every working day.
Expert support for dental, medical, veterinary, podiatry, tattoo and beauty practices.
Autoclave essentials
Depend on experience.
Protect your uptime.
Autoclaves and sterilisers are central to safe daily operations. The answers below cover the questions we hear most often about servicing, validation, installation, testing and record keeping.
Questions
Select a question to view the answer.
01How often should my autoclave be serviced?
Always follow the manufacturer's service schedule and the applicable Australian standards. As a practical guide, dental autoclaves are commonly serviced every six months, while general medical units are often serviced every twelve months.
02How often should my autoclave be validated?
Validation is generally required annually. Your autoclave should also be validated after relocation, significant repairs or changes that may affect performance.
03Where should my autoclave be located?
Place the unit on a secure, level and stable bench. Maintain the clearances specified by the manufacturer—commonly around 10 cm at the sides, rear and above—to allow ventilation, servicing and safe operation.
04What power point requirements do I need?
Many autoclaves operate from a standard 10 amp outlet, but some models require a dedicated 15 amp outlet. Check the unit's specification or contact our team before installation so the electrical supply can be confirmed.
05What kind of water should I use in my autoclave?
Do not use tap water unless your manufacturer's instructions specifically allow it. Most autoclaves require distilled or reverse-osmosis water to reduce mineral deposits and protect the chamber and internal components.
06Do I need to do a vacuum test and helix test on my B class autoclave?
Yes. These tests are normally completed on every day the autoclave is used.
07Do I need to photocopy or scan the thermal paper printouts?
Yes. Thermal print can fade over time, so scan or photocopy the records and store them securely. Cycle records form an important part of your practice documentation and should remain legible for the required retention period.
08How often should the chamber filter be cleaned?
Inspect and clean the chamber filter weekly, or more often if recommended by the manufacturer or required by your workload. A clean filter supports drainage and reliable cycle performance.
09Do I need to do a vacuum or Bowie-Dick test on my S class autoclave?
If your S class autoclave includes a vacuum test cycle, complete the appropriate test on the days the unit is used. Always follow the cycle requirements stated by the manufacturer for your specific model.
Daily maintenance
A small routine.
A meaningful difference.
Unless the manufacturer specifies otherwise, use a lint-free cloth and distilled water each day to:
- 01Wipe the chamber
- 02Wipe the chamber face
- 03Clean the door gasket or seal
Need a clear answer?
Let’s keep your equipment
working with confidence.
Tell us your autoclave make, model and concern. Our team will help you identify the most practical next step.
Book a service info@fantasticmedical.com.au