Can you start using the autoclave right after delivery?
Start using your autoclave right after delivery?
What you need for commissioning — and which steps should be planned early.
Germany Austria Switzerland
Short answer
Yes, the autoclave may be used immediately. For instrument reprocessing you need the matching sterilisation tests — and you should schedule the validation promptly.
Commissioning step by step
Yes, the autoclave may be used immediately.
If you use the autoclave for instrument reprocessing, you should carry out the documentation in accordance with the RKI requirements. For this you need sterilisation strips.
Depending on what you sterilise, you need Class 5 indicators (for „Critical A“ instruments) or even Helix tests (for „Critical B“ and „Critical A-B“ instruments). Further information on instrument reprocessing can be found in our WIKI.
You can find suitable sterilisation tests here.
In addition, a validation should be scheduled promptly.
If you use the autoclave for instrument reprocessing, you should carry out the documentation in accordance with the RKI requirements. For this you need sterilisation strips.
Depending on what you sterilise, you need Class 5 indicators (for „Critical A“ instruments) or even Helix tests (for „Critical B“ and „Critical A-B“ instruments). Further information on instrument reprocessing can be found in our WIKI.
You can find suitable sterilisation tests here.
In addition, a validation should be scheduled promptly.
You don't have to handle this alone
The most common concerns of our customers — and how we resolve them.
„Set it up myself or have a technician do it?“
Both are possible: simple self-commissioning — or setup, training and initial validation in a single day.
„Do I need three-phase power?“
A normal power socket is enough — we will tell you all the connection values in advance.
Legally compliant through every inspection.
Initial and revalidation on site throughout the entire DACH region — documented to withstand audits. No one has ever failed with us.
4.9 out of 5 on Google Medical device Class B · EN 13060 · TÜV SÜD 39 locations + 150 partners DACH Family business since 1957
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Frequently Asked Questions
Commissioning after delivery – key questions answered clearly.
Can I start using the autoclave right after delivery?
Yes, the autoclave may be used immediately. You unpack it, set it up, connect it to power and fill the fresh-water tank with distilled water. For reprocessing critical instruments you should also have the matching sterilisation tests ready and schedule the validation promptly.
Does the initial validation have to be completed before the first use?
No. The initial validation is a process validation and can also be carried out after commissioning; the autoclave is ready to use immediately after delivery. We do, however, recommend scheduling the appointment promptly.
Can I carry out the setup and commissioning myself?
Yes. According to the manual, setup and commissioning may be carried out by the operator and are not complicated. On request our technicians will also handle this on site.
Do I need a technician for commissioning?
No, not necessarily. You can set up and commission the autoclave yourself; all you need is a power socket and distilled water. On-site setup by a technician can be booked optionally.
What do I need to commission the autoclave?
You need a standard household power socket, distilled or demineralised water for the fresh-water tank, a container or drain for the waste water, and the matching sterilisation tests for documentation. Nothing more is required to get started.
Is a normal power socket enough or is three-phase power required?
A standard household power socket is sufficient; three-phase power is not required. Apart from the power connection, no further connection is needed for the model without a fixed water connection. We are happy to tell you the exact connection values in advance.
Does the autoclave need a fixed water connection?
No. All our autoclaves are stand-alone units with an integrated fresh- and waste-water tank and can be filled manually with distilled or demineralised water. A fixed water connection is available optionally and can also be retrofitted later.
Which water do I need to fill in for commissioning?
Use distilled or demineralised/fully deionised water with the lowest possible conductivity. Standard distilled water from a drugstore, supermarket or hardware store is suitable; tap water is not suitable and can damage the unit.
Where do I find the power cable on the delivered autoclave?
The power cable is inside the chamber of the autoclave; the door is unlocked on delivery. Open the chamber, take out the cable and connect the unit.
Where do I connect the waste-water hose?
Fit the supplied hose to the back of the unit and route it into a container (e.g. an empty canister), a drain or the sink. A fixed waste-water connection is not necessary.
What is the code for commissioning the autoclave?
The code for commissioning is 03115. A matching step-by-step video guide can be found on our YouTube channel.
Are there videos or guides on commissioning?
Yes, on our YouTube channel you will find commissioning videos and shorts. The 12L full video serves as a good reference, since 12L and 23L are almost identical in handling. In addition, we offer a free instruction session via video chat.
Can you send me the instruction documents and guides?
Yes, gladly. Please let us know your device model and your email address, and we will send you the matching instruction documents and guides.
Will I receive an instruction on the device?
Yes. An instruction session is available free of charge via video chat (e.g. using a smartphone) or by phone; on request we will also come on site. With on-site commissioning or initial validation, the instruction is included.
Do you offer staff training on the device?
Yes. An instruction session is included with on-site commissioning or initial validation. On request we additionally offer training of your staff on everything related to sterilisation.
How long does delivery take after ordering?
The devices are usually in stock. After receipt of payment, shipping takes place by freight forwarder; we will tell you the exact delivery time when you order. Please plan the steps following delivery early.
Is the device set up and commissioned on site during delivery?
Pure delivery is handled by a freight forwarder. On-site setup, commissioning and initial validation are booked separately; for these we arrange a dedicated appointment with you.
Is setup included in the scope of delivery?
No, on-site setup is not included as standard. You unpack the device and set it up yourself; for this there are instructional videos and a free online instruction session. On-site setup can be booked optionally.
Is setup by a layperson permitted?
Yes, according to the manual the setup and commissioning may be carried out by the user. On request our technicians will also handle this on site.
What does on-site commissioning include?
Commissioning covers proper setup in accordance with the manual (correct voltage supply, water connection if applicable) as well as an instruction session. It can be carried out by our technicians or, in accordance with the manual, by the operator.
Which sterilisation tests do I need after commissioning?
For RKI-compliant documentation you need sterilisation strips. Depending on the instrument, Class 5 indicators (for „Critical A“ instruments) or Helix tests (for „Critical B“ and „Critical A-B“ instruments) are required. You can find suitable tests in our shop.
Do I have to keep the documentation in accordance with RKI immediately?
If you use the autoclave for instrument reprocessing, you should carry out the documentation in accordance with the RKI requirements from the very beginning. For this you need the matching sterilisation strips; further information can be found in our WIKI.
When must the initial validation take place after purchase?
The initial validation should take place promptly after commissioning and is carried out on site in a separate appointment. You can already start using the device immediately after delivery.
Why does a factory-tested new device have to be validated at all?
Even a factory-tested new device must be validated at the place of use, because validation checks the actual on-site conditions - setup, loading and process. That is not possible at the factory, which is why the initial validation is mandatory.
What is done during the on-site initial validation?
An approved validator uses measuring sensors to check whether your autoclave meets all requirements at the place of use - including a vacuum test, empty-chamber profile and several sterilisation runs with your instruments. You then receive a validation report.
Can I order the initial validation together with the autoclave?
Yes, you can order the initial validation directly with the autoclave or commission it separately at any time afterwards. We arrange the appointment individually with you.
Does the validation have to take place on site?
Yes. Validation must take place on site: after delivery and setup, a validator carries out the initial validation with your instruments. Until then you can already use the device.
Do you handle setup, installation and validation on site?
Yes. We carry out setup/installation and the initial validation on site. Our technicians and partners operate in Germany, Austria and Switzerland - throughout the entire DACH region.
Who actually needs a validation?
If the device is used to reprocess critical instruments on humans, a validation is required. It is carried out on site with or after commissioning; whether it is mandatory in your case depends on the field of use. We are happy to advise you on this.
Does the autoclave have to be in a separate room?
A separate room is not strictly necessary; the autoclave can also be placed in the treatment room. If reprocessing is done in the treatment room, this may only take place when no patients are present. A window and water connection are not required.
Do I need any further connections besides power for commissioning?
No. Apart from an ordinary mains connection for the power supply, no further connection is necessary in stand-alone operation. You fill the device manually with distilled water.
Does the autoclave need an external compressor?
No, the device is already equipped with a compressor and tank. For operation it only needs power and distilled water.
How do I fill the fresh-water tank?
Viewed from the front, the fresh-water tank is on the right and the waste-water tank on the left. You fill the distilled water into the top of the fresh-water tank, usually under a plastic flap on the top of the device.
Can I retrofit a fixed water connection later?
Yes. From 12L upwards, a fixed water connection with drain can be ordered optionally or retrofitted later, which is sensible with frequent use. Manual filling operation remains possible at all times.
What do I have to order to operate the autoclave via a fixed water connection?
Order the „with fixed water connection“ option plus a water treatment system such as the AQUAdem 40. All autoclaves can then still be filled manually as well.
Can I return the device or withdraw from the purchase after delivery?
Yes, within 2 weeks of receipt you can return an unused device or withdraw from the purchase. Please fill out the withdrawal form and ideally coordinate the return with us in advance; depending on the case, shipping costs may apply.
Do you offer planning support for setting up your own sterilisation area?
Yes, we are happy to advise you on planning your reprocessing - from device selection through setup to validation and maintenance. Use our configurator for this or contact us for individual advice.
How quickly can I start sterilising after commissioning?
As soon as the device is connected to power and the fresh-water tank is filled with distilled water, you can start the first cycle after heating up. For reprocessing critical instruments, keep the matching indicators ready.
Should I do a test run after commissioning?
Yes, a test run including a vacuum test is recommended to check correct operation at the installation site before you reprocess instruments. If you have any questions, our free instruction session via video chat will support you.
Where is the autoclave's fuse located?
The fuse is located in a small drawer at the power cable connection on the back of the device. If the device does not start after connecting, check here first.
How do I switch off the autoclave in an emergency?
Press the STOP button for about 5 seconds or switch off the power. For regular cycle aborts, please observe the instructions in the manual.
A water message appears on the first run - what should I do?
Fill the fresh-water tank with fresh distilled water and restart the cycle. If water has stood in the tank too long or the sensor is dirty, empty and clean the tank. If the message persists, please use our service form at steri24.de/help.
Do I need to take anything into account regarding the power supply after delivery?
A standard household power socket with the correct voltage is sufficient; three-phase power is not needed. We will tell you the exact connection values in advance so that the connection works without surprises.
Can I also operate the autoclave permanently without a fixed water connection?
Yes. In stand-alone operation you fill distilled water manually into the fresh-water tank and empty the waste-water tank as needed. A fixed water connection is only an optional convenience solution for frequent use.
Do I have to regularly refill distilled water after commissioning?
In manual operation, yes - when the refill warning appears, fill fresh distilled or demineralised water into the fresh-water tank. With a fixed water connection and water treatment, refilling is automatic.
What happens if I postpone the validation for now?
The device is ready to use immediately after delivery, and the initial validation can be carried out after commissioning. For reprocessing critical instruments on humans, however, you should schedule the validation promptly.
Does Steri24 offer commissioning throughout the entire DACH region?
Yes. With 39 locations and over 150 partners, we operate on site in Germany, Austria and Switzerland and, on request, handle setup, training and initial validation - on request in a single day.
How do Pro and Premium devices differ in commissioning?
The operation is basically the same. Premium models additionally offer a fixed water connection, WLAN/LAN connection to the practice software, and paperless batch release with SteriTrace. With the Pro, documentation is done via an integrated printer/USB and manual water filling.
How do I find out which autoclave is right for my practice?
The easiest way is via our autoclave configurator: based on your application purpose and volume, it recommends the right model for you. Alternatively, we will advise you personally, also on commissioning, validation and maintenance.
What sets Steri24 apart in commissioning and service compared to established expensive providers?
You receive tested Class B technology in accordance with EN 13060 at a fair price - combined with a dense on-site service network throughout the entire DACH region, which is untypical in this price class. Setup, instruction and initial validation come from a single source.