by WEST-JAN
In a busy veterinary clinic, your autoclave is one of the most critical pieces of equipment. When it fails, everything slows down — and if you don’t know what those error codes mean, you’re left guessing.
Here are the top 5 error codes we see most often in clinics using Tuttnauer and Midmark units — and what they’re trying to tell you.
1. LOW TEMP FAIL (Tuttnauer)
Meaning: The autoclave didn’t reach sterilization temperature in time.
Causes: Failing heating element, bad sensor, low water, or door not sealed.
2. ERROR 28 (Midmark)
Meaning: Pressure buildup failure during the heat-up phase.
Causes: Weak heating element, air leak, or door not sealing.
3. LOW WATER
Meaning: The reservoir isn’t full, or the sensor can’t detect it.
Causes: Empty tank, sensor fault, or blocked water line.
4. DOOR NOT LOCKED
Meaning: The door didn’t latch properly or seal during cycle start.
Causes: Worn gasket, misaligned door, or user didn’t apply full pressure.
5. SENSOR FAIL / TEMP SENSOR ERROR
Meaning: The unit’s temperature probe isn’t reading correctly.
Causes: Corroded sensor, failed wiring, or electronic fault.
Why These Codes Matter
These aren’t just technical blips. Ignoring them or “restarting and hoping” can:
• Compromise sterilization and safety
• Trigger failed spore tests or flagged College inspections
• Lead to bigger — and more expensive — repair issues later
What We Recommend
• Document the code
• Don’t repeat cycles without understanding the cause
• If the same error occurs twice in a week, call a technician
How West-Jan Helps
We specialize in on-site autoclave troubleshooting, repair, and preventive maintenance. We’ll test heating elements, clean sensors, flush lines, and replace gaskets — fast and professionally. You’ll receive a full report for your clinic records.
Click here https://west-jan.com/contact/#serviceto schedule a technician visit — and keep your sterilizer running safely.
