3M Steri-Vac

TM TM

8XL Gas Sterilizer/Aerator 2-Door

Operator’s Manual

3Health Care
Please read this manual carefully to learn
how to correctly operate and maintain the
3M Steri-Vac 8XL Gas Sterilizer/Aerator
2-Door. Incorrect operation may lead to
sterilization failure or serious personal injury.
This manual explains the function of the
sterilizer/aerator, how to correctly sterilize
heat-and/or moisture-sensitive devices, and
how to maintain the sterilizer/aerator.

NOTICE

Before operating the sterilizer / aerator,

read and understand the Health & Safety
Information section of this manual.
Steri-Vac 8XL Gas Sterilizer/Aerator 2-Door Table of Contents

TABLE OF CONTENTS

INTRODUCTION
Intended Use ……………………………………. 1
Features and Benefits ……………………………………. 2
General Information ……………………………………. 3
3M™ Steri-Gas™ EO Cartridge 8-170 Label ……………………………………. 4

HEALTY & SAFETY INFORMATION

Toxicity ……………………………………. 5
Flammability ……………………………………. 5
Ethylene Oxide Leaks or Spills ……………………………………. 5
Agency Listings ……………………………………. 6

OPERATION
Introduction ……………………………………. 7
Operating Procedure ……………………………………. 8
Sterilizer Controls ……………………………………. 14
Printer ……………………………………. 15

ERROR CODES & TROUBLESHOOTING

Introduction ……………………………………. 17
Caution & Error Codes ……………………………………. 18

PREVENTIVE MAINTENANCE
Cleaning ……………………………………. 23
Compressed Air Line Filters ……………………………………. 23
3M Authorized Service ……………………………………. 24
Preventive Maintenance Agreement ……………………………………. 24

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Steri-Vac 8XL Gas Sterilizer/Aerator 2-Door Introduction

INTRODUCTION

Intended Use:
The 3M™ Steri-Vac™ 8XL gas sterilizer/aerator is a compact unit designed to sterilize heat- and/or
moisture-sensitive devices. This gas sterilizer/aerator is intended for INDOOR USE ONLY.

Environmental Operating Conditions

Environmental Condition Condition Range Units
Altitude 2500 (max) meters
Operating Temperature 5 - 35 ºC
Humidity 35-80 (non-condensing) %RH
Voltage Range 220-240 ±10% ~VAC
Transient Over Voltages Category II N/A
Pollution Degree 2 N/A
Note: Follow all applicable governmental, state and local environmental regulations concerning proper installation of
sterilizer/aerator and control of ethylene oxide emissions.

Disposal Information
This product contains lithium batteries on the printed wiring board. Follow all governmental, state and local
required procedures for proper disposal.

Unit Conversion
Pressure: 1 atm = 101.3 kPa = 1.013 bar = 1013 mbar = 76.00 cmHg

Authorized Representatives:
3M Health Care
St. Paul, MN 55144-1000, USA

3M Health Care
D-41453 Neuss, Germany

1
Introduction Steri-Vac 8XL Gas Sterilizer/Aerator 2-Door

FEATURES & BENEFITS ⎯ETHYLENE OXIDE STERILIZATION

The Steri-Vac 8XL gas sterilizer/aerator is a Major Features and Benefits

compact unit designed to sterilize heat- and/or Following are the major features and benefits of
moisture-sensitive devices. It utilizes a fully the sterilizer/aerator:
automatic control system to ensure that proper
sterilization conditions are met, and to minimize Accurate and Dependable
the possibility of operator exposure to ethylene The solid state electronic design provides
oxide gas. The 2-door model allows pass through accuracy and dependability. The electronic
operation in clean room facilities. controller automatically stops the cycle and
Health care facilities throughout the world have displays the error code if errors are detected.
found ethylene oxide gas sterilization to be a Continuous Temperature Monitoring
dependable and effective method of sterilizing
heat- and/or moisture-sensitive devices. There Under normal conditions, the temperature will be
are many benefits to gas sterilization: maintained to within ±3°C of the selected cycle
temperature; if the temperature sensor detects a
temperature 4°C beyond the setpoint the
• All microorganisms, including resistant
sterilization cycle will automatically stop.
spores, are killed by the chemical reaction
with ethylene oxide. Humidification
• Materials can be pre-packaged, then Multiple pulses of low-temperature steam help
sterilized and maintained sterile until use. assure proper humidification.
• Ethylene oxide is relatively non-corrosive to 100% Ethylene Oxide Unit-Dose Cartridge
plastic, metal, or rubber materials. A unit-dose cartridge of ethylene oxide is
• Ethylene oxide can penetrate and sterilize punctured inside the chamber only when proper
irregular-shaped items. chamber conditions are achieved.
• Biological monitoring systems (such as Negative Pressure
3M™ Attest™ Biological Indicators) or Throughout the cycle, the chamber remains at
chemical monitoring systems (such as negative pressure relative to the room so gas can
3M™ Comply™ EO Monitor Tape or 3M™ not escape into the sterilization work area. If a
Comply™ EO Indicators) should be used to leak failure does occur in the chamber, room air
ensure that sterilization parameters are met. will migrate into the chamber and the controller
These monitoring systems can also be used will automatically detect the leak and interrupt
to distinguish processed materials from the sterilization cycle until service is performed.
unprocessed materials. Vacuum Controlled Puncture
• Ethylene oxide can be used to sterilize those The vacuum in the chamber provides the force to
materials that cannot be immersed in liquid puncture the cartridge; this cannot occur unless
disinfectants or processed in dry heat, steam, the door is closed and a vacuum below 160
or other chemical vapor sterilization mbars exists in the chamber.
systems.
Cycle Status Display
Ethylene oxide should not be used to sterilize The display on the front panel of the sterilizer
liquids or devices that may be a potential source shows cycle status.
of ignition. Contact the device manufacturer with
questions regarding the proper sterilization
method for a particular device.

2
Steri-Vac 8XL Gas Sterilizer/Aerator 2-Door Introduction

FEATURES & BENEFITS⎯ETHYLENE OXIDE STERILIZATION

Manual Cycle Interrupt Chamber Dimensions

The operator can manually interrupt a cycle at Width.......................................... 51 cm (20 in)
any time. If the cartridge of gas was punctured, Depth.......................................... 97 cm (38 in)
the final vacuum and air purge automatically Height......................................... 46 cm (18 in)
clears the chamber before the door is unlocked. Diagonal……………………….. 117 cm (46in)
Automatic Aeration
Basket Dimensions
Aeration begins automatically after the
sterilization cycle. The sterilization/aeration Width........................................... 46 cm (18 in)
process can be accomplished in one chamber, Depth.......................................… 91 cm (36 in)
reducing potential gas exposure that can occur Height......................................... 20 cm (8 in)
during load transfer to an aerator.
Water Requirements
General Information Distilled water is added by the operator to a
Sterilization Cycles reservoir with 7.5 liter (2 gal.) capacity.
Cycle Time
Temperature Gas Exposure Time
approx.
37°C (99°F) 3 hours 5 hours 30 min
55°C (131°F) 1 hour 3 hours 45 min

NOTICE
Additional time is required after the sterilization
cycle time to allow for aeration of the load. It is
necessary to obtain recommended aeration times
and temperatures from device manufacturers.

Sterilant
3M™ Steri-Gas™ EO Cartridge 8-170
100% ethylene oxide (EO).
Weight of gas....................................170 grams
Minimum gross weight..................... 185 grams

Sterilant Specifications
Refer to the 3M Steri-Gas Consumer Product
Profile.

Shelf Life and Gas Weight

Refer to the 3M Steri-Gas Consumer Product
Profile.

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Introduction Steri-Vac 8XL Gas Sterilizer/Aerator 2-Door

FEATURES & BENEFITS⎯ETHYLENE OXIDE STERILIZATION

3M™ Steri-Gas™ EO Cartridge 8-170 Label

4
Steri-Vac 8XL Gas Sterilizer/Aerator 2-Door Health and Safety Information

HEALTY & SAFETY INFORMATION ⎯ETHYLENE OXIDE STERILIZATION

Please read and understand all instructions before using the Steri-Vac sterilizer/aerator.

The Steri-Vac sterilizer/aerator uses ethylene oxide gas to sterilize heat-and/or

DANGER moisture-sensitive devices. Ethylene oxide is flammable and toxic. Follow all
instructions and precautions carefully.

Toxicity First Aid Toxicity First Aid

Acute Inhalation If Inhaled Skin If On Skin Or Clothing

May be fatal if Move exposed person to Contact Immediately flush skin with
inhaled in high fresh air. Keep warm. If Liquid plenty of water for 15 – 20
concentrations. person is not breathing, ethylene minutes while removing
May cause call 911 or an oxide may contaminated clothing and
irritation of ambulance, then give cause skin shoes. Call a poison control
respiratory tract, artificial respiration, irritation, center or doctor immediately for
chest tightness, preferably mouth-to- dermatitis, treatment advice. Aerate, wash,
headache, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, mouth if possible. If and blistering. or clean contaminated clothing,
light-headed feeling, dizziness, breathing is difficult, give and discard leather goods.
weakness, drowsiness, cyanosis, loss oxygen. Call a poison
of coordination, convulsions, coma, control center or doctor
delay lung injury (fluid in the lungs), immediately for further
immediate or delayed skin irritation or treatment advice. Call a
blisters, allergic skin reaction. physician even if no
symptoms are present.
Chronic Inhalation Keep under medical
The Occupational Safety and Health observation. Symptoms
Administration (OSHA) classifies may be delayed.
ethylene oxide (EO) as a probable
human carcinogen and reproductive
hazard.

Toxicity First Aid Toxicity First Aid

Eye Contact If In Eyes Ingestion If Swallowed

Splashes of Hold eye open and rinse A highly Call a poison control center or
ethylene oxide slowly and gently with unlikely doctor immediately for
may cause water for 15 – 20 route of treatment advice. Have person
severe eye injury. minutes. Remove contact exposure. sip a glass of water if able to
High gas lenses, if present, after Liquid swallow. Do not induce vomiting
concentrations the first 5 minutes, then ethylene unless told to do so by a poison
may cause continue rinsing eye. Call oxide, control center or doctor. Do not
severe eye irritation and injury. a poison control center or upon ingestion, is caustic and give anything by mouth to an
doctor for treatment may cause severe irritation and unconscious person.
advice. burns to the gastrointestinal
mucosa.

Flammability Ethylene Oxide Leaks Or Spills

Ethylene oxide is flammable in concentrations The following indicate Steri-Gas cartridge leakage:
from 3% (30,000 ppm) to 100%. Keep all • Liquid ethylene oxide spurting or rapidly dripping from a
sources of ignition such as matches, lighted cartridge
cigarettes, sparks, and static discharge away
from the sterilizer and cartridges. • A cartridge that feels very cold to the touch
• Cartridge weight loss

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Health and Safety Information Steri-Vac 8XL Gas Sterilizer/Aerator 2-Door

HEALTY & SAFETY INFORMATION ⎯ETHYLENE OXIDE STERILIZATION

Agency Listings

The Steri-Vac gas sterilizer/aerator is listed with

Underwriters Laboratories, Inc. (UL).

This internationally recognized laboratory has

inspected and evaluated the Steri-Vac 8XL gas
sterilizer/aerator. UL performs on-going
inspections at the manufacturing facilities.

EPA Registration
Manufacturers of chemical pesticides, such as
ethylene oxide, are required to register their
product label claims with the Environmental
Protection Agency (EPA). Based on these
claims, the EPA requires the manufacturer to
demonstrate that the product meets certain
performance standards prior to issuing a
registration number. The EPA registration
number, which appears on all Steri-Gas
cartridges, is 7182-1.

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Steri-Vac 8XL Gas Sterilizer/Aerator Operation

OPERATION

Introduction
This section of the manual describes how to
correctly operate the sterilizer/aerator. Included
are procedures for turning on the sterilizer,
preparing items for sterilization, and correctly
performing the sterilization procedure.

A detailed description of the controls and

indicators are also provided. Before operating
the sterilizer/aerator, read and understand the
descriptions for each of the controls and
indicators.

NOTICE
User Responsibility: Only health care professionals or
other appropriately trained personnel in health care and
industrial use areas should use this equipment. It is a
violation of Federal Law (USA) to use this product in a
manner inconsistent with its labeling. Injury to person or
property can result unless the operating instructions are
followed carefully.

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Operation Steri-Vac 8XL Gas Sterilizer/Aerator 2-Door

OPERATING PROCEDURE

Step 1 Power on the sterilizer.

Turn on the power switch (located on the
left side of the sterilizer). Leave the power
switch on at all times to simplify operation
and allow the sterilizer electronics to
continually monitor sterilizer functions.

Step 2 Prepare items for sterilization.

Thoroughly clean and rinse all items to
be sterilized to remove mucous, dried
blood, or other organic matter. Dry the
items to remove water droplets.

Step 3 Package items for storage.

Before sterilizing, package items that
will be stored before they are used. Use
only packaging materials that are
intended for ethylene oxide sterilization.

NOTICE
The packaging area should have a minimum
room humidity of 35% RH.

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Steri-Vac 8XL Gas Sterilizer/Aerator 2-Door Operation

OPERATING PROCEDURE

Step 4 Load the sterilizer baskets.

When loading items in the baskets, leave
some space between each item. Place
packages on edge. When arranging
paper-plastic pouches, place the plastic
side of one pouch against the paper side
of another pouch.

Step 5 Place biological indicator (BI) in the

sterilizer basket with load.
A BI should be included with each load
to monitor the sterilization process.

The BI or BI test pack should be

representative of the materials being
sterilized and placed in the center of the
load.

DANGER
To minimize exposure to EO when
retrieving the biological indicator, ensure
that it is easily identifiable when unloading.

Step 6 Open the sterilizer door.

Turn the handle counter-clockwise to
open the door.

Remove the empty gas cartridge and

place in the basket to be processed.

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Operation Steri-Vac 8XL Gas Sterilizer/Aerator 2-Door

OPERATING PROCEDURE

Step 7 Insert gas cartridge.

Insert a Steri-Gas 8-170 cartridge into
the retainer ring on the cartridge holder
inside the chamber. Push the cartridge
down and slightly inward until the
cartridge “snaps” into position.

DANGER
DO NOT force the cartridge. Use of
excessive force could result in
premature puncture of the cartridge
and subsequent exposure to ethylene
oxide. Remove the cartridge from the
holder and check for obstruction.

Step 8 Place baskets in chamber.

Place the loaded baskets in the sterilizer
chamber. Close the door and turn the
door handle clockwise until it is vertical.

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Steri-Vac 8XL Gas Sterilizer/Aerator 2-Door Operation

OPERATING PROCEDURE

Step 9 Select temperature.

Press the temperature select switch until the
desired sterilization/aeration temperature is
displayed. Select the temperature according
to manufacturer’s recommendations for the
devices in the load.

NOTICE
If no switches are pressed within 5 minutes,
the display will go into screensaver mode.

Step 10 Set the aeration time.

Press the aeration time preset control arrows
to change the time in one hour increments
until the desired aeration time is displayed.
Obtain recommended aeration times and
temperatures from the device manufacturers.

NOTICE
If the sterilizer aeration time is increased
to 12 hours or more, the sterilizer will
retain this setting for the next cycle. Once
aeration is complete, the operator has
the option to either add more aeration
time or end the cycle. If the aeration time
is not increased from its default value,
the sterilizer automatically continues to
aerate the load until the operator stops
the cycle.

Step 11 Turn on printer.

Press the printer “on” switch (located
behind printer/water door) before
starting the cycle if a cycle printout is
desired.

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Operation Steri-Vac 8XL Gas Sterilizer/Aerator 2-Door

OPERATING PROCEDURE

Step 12 Start the sterilization cycle.

Press the START switch to begin the
sterilization/aeration cycle. The cycle
continues automatically until completion.

Front panel displays cycle sequence

Precondition Phase Gas Expose Phase Aeration Phase

• Preheat • Cartridge punctured • Sterilization cycle

• Chamber vacuum • Gas exposure complete
• Humidification • Gas removal • Aeration

Interrupting the sterilization cycle.

Press the STOP switch at any time to
interrupt the cycle.

NOTICE
If the cycle is interrupted before gas
exposure, the door will unlock immediately.

If the cycle is interrupted after the gas

cartridge is punctured, the machine must go
through final pump down and purge before the
door will unlock.

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Steri-Vac 8XL Gas Sterilizer/Aerator 2-Door Operation

OPERATION PROCEDURE

Step 13 Open sterilizer unload-side door.

During aeration cycle, appearance of the
“door unlocked” symbol will indicate
when the door can be opened. If an error
code is displayed, the load-side door will
be unlocked.
To open the door, turn the handle
counter clockwise, allow approximately
30-60 seconds for the chamber pressure
to equalize with the room pressure.

Step 14 Unload the sterilizer.

Once the cycle is complete, remove the
baskets from the chamber.

After aeration, remove the empty

cartridge placed in the basket at the start
of the cycle. Discard the cartridge with
non- incinerated waste.

DANGER
To minimize exposure to EO when
transferring an unaerated load:
• Transfer load quickly.
• Minimize handling or sorting.
• Air flow from baskets should be
directed away from operator.

Step 15 Return to standby.

To end the cycle after the load has been
removed, press the STOP switch while
the door is open. Close the unload side
door. This places the sterilizer in the
standby mode, ready for the next cycle.

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Operation Steri-Vac 8XL Gas Sterilizer/Aerator 2-Door

STERILIZER CONTROLS

The control panel display shows status during sterilization. The following switches are used to control
sterilizing operations:

Power Switch.
Turns the power to the sterilizer on and off. This
switch should be left on at all times to simplify
operation.

Temperature Select Switch.

Press to select the desired cycle temperature.
Aeration Preset Time Increase Arrow.
Press to increase the aeration time by one hour.

Aeration Preset Time Decrease Arrow.

Press to decrease the aeration time by one hour.

Start Switch.
Press to start the automatic sterilization cycle.

Stop Switch.
Press at any time to interrupt the cycle.

Power-On Indicator.
Shows that power has been turned on to the
sterilizer.

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Steri-Vac 8XL Gas Sterilizer/Aerator 2-Door Operation

OPERATION⎯BUILT-IN THERMAL PRINTER

Introduction
The built-in thermal printer provides easy to read
information on each sterilization cycle. The
printout is helpful in analyzing sterilizer
performance and can be retained to meet cycle
verification policies.

Location
The printer is installed in the front of the
sterilizer behind the access door for the water
reservoir.

Operation
To operate the printer, press the printer switch to
the ON position before starting the sterilization
cycle. The switch has three positions: OFF, ON,
and FEED.

Load Paper
To load printer paper, install the roll in the feed
mechanism as shown in this diagram. Press the
switch to the FEED position to advance the
paper through the printer and the paper slot in the
access door.

NOTICE
To avoid damage to the print head, use only paper
intended for this printer.

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Steri-Vac 8XL Gas Sterilizer/Aerator 2-Door Error Codes & Troubleshooting

CAUTION & ERROR CODES

Introduction
The Steri-Vac gas sterilizers use an extensive list of codes to provide information to the operator.
“Cautions” do not indicate a failure, but are informational messages to alert the operator to some special
situation. Other codes indicate an "error" which stops the cycle.
Often the code is sufficient to provide specific information regarding the failure that occurred, giving the
service representative enough information over the phone to indicate the likely failed component. In some
of these situations, the service representative will be able to recommend a correction that may avoid a
service call.
Error codes displayed at the end of a sterilization cycle indicate that the cycle was not completed. The load
must be reprocessed. When the sterilization cycle is interrupted by an error code in an 8XL Steri-Vac 2-
Door unit, the unload-side door remains locked. The error should be cleared and the cycle restarted from
the load side.

Caution Codes Self-test Errors Errors in Precondition Phase

C1 to C20 E1 to E20 E21 to E49
Will not stop the sterilization Prevents the start of a Stops the cycle before gas is
cycle. Load does not need to sterilization cycle. The load is released. The load is not
be reprocessed. not sterilized. sterilized.
The message is cleared To reset: To reset:
automatically when the • Open the door • Open the load-side door
condition is corrected or a • Press STOP • Press STOP
new cycle started. • Correct the problem • Correct the problem
If error does not clear, call These errors are detected before
A caution alone will not service representative. gas has been injected into the
prevent the successful chamber so the load is not
completion of the cycle. If the error indicates that the
problem is in the controller sterilized. The sterilizer will issue
Therefore, the unload-side short “beeps” to alert the operator
door will be unlocked to electronics, it may be
necessary to turn power off to of the error. The sterilizer will
allow removal of a load that automatically release any vacuum
has completed sterilization. stop the alarm (if present).
These errors are detected within the chamber to allow the
before the sterilization cycle load-side door to be opened–this
has begun. Therefore, there is may take approximately one
no gas in the chamber. For minute. Turning the sterilizer
those errors that are operator- handle will stop the alarm while the
correctable, the sterilizer will chamber vacuum is being released.
issue short “beeps” to alert the Once the door can be opened, press
operator of the error. Open the the STOP key to clear the error and
door and press the STOP key return to standby.
to clear the error message and
alarm.

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Error Codes & Troubleshooting Steri-Vac 8XL Gas Sterilizer/Aerator 2-Door

CAUTION & ERROR CODES

To continue aerating the load This will take approximately

without the alarm, turn the 60 minutes. If the gas removal
handle back clockwise. The is then successful, the
alarm will sound again when sterilizer will unlock the door
the door is opened. following the same procedure
as required for normal
sterilization cycles. In other
words, if the cycle was set up
Errors in Gas Expose Phase with a mandatory aeration
E50 to E69 time, the sterilizer will
Stops the cycle before perform that mandatory
sterilization is complete. The aeration before unlocking the
door remains locked until the door.
gas is purged from the chamber. If the sterilization cycle was
Load is not sterilized. Locked Chamber Errors complete before the problem
To reset: E70 to E79 in the gas removal phase was
• Open the load-side door Stops the cycle. The load may detected, the load is
• Press STOP be sterilized, but the sterilizer considered sterilized. If
• Correct the problem cannot clear the gas from the another error had
chamber. been detected prior to gas
These error codes indicate that
To reset: removal, the load-side door
gas should have been injected
• Correct the problem will unlock, and a continuous
into the chamber, but that the
• Press START (if present alarm sounds while the
sterilization process was not
on the display) to repeat sterilizer aerates the load. The
correct so the load is not
gas removal phase alarm will stop when the load-
sterilized. The sterilizer will
• If gas removal again side door handle is turned to
automatically advance to final
fails, call service release the vacuum in the
vacuum and purge to remove gas
representative chamber.
from the chamber. This will take
approximately 60 minutes. These error codes indicate To continue aerating the load
without the alarm, turn the
At the end of this mandatory gas that the gas removal could not
handle back clockwise. The
removal, the sterilizer will unlock be completed or could not be
verified. The chamber is left alarm will sound again when
the door following the same
the door is opened.
procedures as required for normal locked. A slow “beep” alarm
sterilization cycles. In other will sound.
words, if the cycle was set up If the error code allows a
with a mandatory aeration time, restart of the gas removal
the sterilizer will perform that phase, the START switch will
mandatory locked aeration before be active. After correcting the
unlocking the door. problem, press START to
When the load-side door is perform the gas removal. The
unlocked, a continuous alarm alarm will stop and the
sounds while the sterilizer aerates sterilizer will automatically
the load. The alarm will stop rerun final vacuum and purge
when the load-side door handle is to remove gas from the
turned to release the vacuum in chamber.
the chamber.

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Steri-Vac 8XL Gas Sterilizer/Aerator 2-Door Error Codes & Troubleshooting

CAUTION & ERROR CODES CHART

Use the following tables to isolate the possible causes and corrective actions for the cautions and error
codes displayed on the control panel display of the sterilizer. Contact your 3M service representative when
indicated, if a code appears that is not listed, or if you have any questions. Codes with “•” are used on
accessories to the Steri-Vac sterilizers.
Error codes displayed at the end of a sterilization cycle indicate that the cycle was not completed. The load
must be reprocessed.
Caution Messages (Will not stop the cycle)
Code Message Possible Causes Corrective Action
•C1 Low air in exhaust hood (3-hour External fan malfunction Check fan and fan ducts
mandatory aeration performed Airflow sensor Call service representative
automatically)
C2 Low water in standby Reservoir needs water Add distilled water
C3 Power interruption Power outage Cycle restarts automatically
C4 Lost compressed air No compressed air Check compressor, air lines
C5 Temperature loss during aeration Heater control failure Call service representative
(Increase aeration time)
C6 Unload side door open Unload side door must be closed Close door
C7 Door locked Lost compressed air Check compressor; air lines
Switch failure Call service representative
C8 Printer paper error Printer out of paper Replace printer paper
C9 Printer error Printer or electronics Call service representative
•C10 Abator caution Abator problem during gas removal Refer to error messages displayed after
cycle complete
C11 Replace used gas cartridge Used cartridge or cartridge missing Install new cartridge
C12 Sensor calibration needed Sensor is out of calibration Call service representative

Self-Test Errors (Prevents the start of a cycle)

Code Message Possible Causes Corrective Action
E1 Processor memory failure Electronics Call service representative
E2 Program memory failure Electronics Call service representative
E3 Processor failure Electronics Call service representative
E4 Chamber temperature sensor fail Bad sensor or connection Call service representative
E5 Heatsink temperature sensor fail Bad sensor or connection Call service representative
E6 Pressure sensor failure Bad sensor or connection Call service representative
E7 Pressure failure w/door open Bad sensor or connection Call service representative
E8 End wall temp sensor fail Bad sensor or connection Call service representative
E9 Middle wall temp sensor fail Bad sensor or connection Call service representative
E10 Low water Reservoir needs water Add distilled water
E11 No compressed air Compressed air source off Check air pressure
E12 RH sensor failure Bad sensor or connection Call service representative
E13 No gas cartridge Need new gas cartridge Replace cartridge
Sensor error Call service representative
E14 Load door open Load door open Close door – restart
Switch failure Call Service representative

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Error Codes & Troubleshooting Steri-Vac 8XL Gas Sterilizer/Aerator 2-Door

CAUTION & ERROR CODES CHART

Self-Test Errors (Prevents the start of a cycle) Continued from previous page…
E15 Unload door open Door not closed Close door – restart
Switch failure Call Service representative
E16 Unload door unlocked Door lock hung up on bolt Turn handle to vertical position
Switch failure Call service representative
E17 Load door unlocked Door lock hung up on bolt Turn handle to vertical position
Switch failure Call service representative
E20 Chamber needs to cool down Recent warm cycle Open door, let chamber cool

Error codes detected in the precondition phase (Stops the cycle)

Code Message Possible Cause Corrective Action
E21 No vacuum Blockage at vacuum port Clear chamber vacuum port
No compressed air (venturi systems) Check air pressure
Vacuum system failure Call service representative
E22 Initial pumpdown time-out Improper air pressure (venturi systems) Check air supply
Vacuum system failure Call service representative
E23 Chamber preheat time-out Temperature control failure Call service representative
E24 Heatsink preheat time-out Temperature control failure Call service representative
E25 Chamber over-temp Over temp in precondition phase Call service representative
E26 Chamber under-temp Under temp in precondition phase Call service representative
E27 Vacuum failure Leak in chamber Call service representative
Vacuum system failure
E28 No humidity injected Humidity system failure Call service representative
Water level sensor failure
Moisture injection failure
E29 Low humidity Very dry load Pre-humidify @ 35% RH
Moisture injection failure Call service representative
E30 RH sensor valve failure Valve or control failure Call service representative
E31 Vacuum leak test failure Failed the vacuum leak test Call service representative
E32 Vacuum level at puncture Improper vacuum level before puncture Call service representative
E33 Interlock relay failure Electronics Call service representative
•E38 Nitrogen empty Nitrogen tank empty Replace nitrogen tank
•E39 No nitrogen injection Nitrogen pressure sensor failure Replace nitrogen tank
Nitrogen injection failure Call service representative
E40 User interruption User pressed STOP switch Restart the cycle

Errors detected in the gas expose phase (Stops the cycle)

Code Message Possible Cause Corrective Action
E50 Empty cartridge Empty cartridge used Use new cartridge
Puncture mechanism failure Call service representative
E51 Chamber vacuum leakage Air leak into chamber Call service representative
E52 Under temperature failure Electronics Call service representative
E53 Over temperature failure Electronics Call service representative
E54 Extended power outage Could not restart the cycle Rerun the cycle
E55 Undefined condition at startup Processor error Call service representative
Interlock relay failure Call service representative
E60 User interruption User pressed the STOP switch Rerun the cycle

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Steri-Vac 8XL Gas Sterilizer/Aerator 2-Door Error Codes & Troubleshooting

CAUTION & ERROR CODES CHART

Locked chamber errors (operator or service representative must restart)

Code Message Possible Cause Corrective Action
E71 Final pumpdown timeout Improper air pressure (venturi systems) Check air supply, press START
Vacuum system failure Call service representative
E72 Obstructed air inlet Bacterial air filter failure Attempt restart, press START
Call service representative
E73 Vacuum sensor failure Electronics Call service representative
E75 Low gas injected Partial puncture Call service representative
E76 Interlock relay failure Electronics Call service representative
E77 Puncture pin failure Puncture mechanism failure Attempt restart, press START
Call service representative
•E80 Abator lockup Abator not operating Check power, press START
Electronics Call service representative

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22
Steri-Vac 8XL Gas Sterilizer/Aerator 2-Door Maintenance

PREVENTIVE MAINTENANCE

Introduction
Performing preventive maintenance at scheduled intervals is a critical part of ensuring that the Steri-Vac
sterilizer/aerator continues to produce quality results. Preventive maintenance should be performed by a
trained 3M service representative or a trained maintenance person from the institution.
Perform the following preventive maintenance procedures at the recommended intervals.
Daily Cleaning
Using a soft cloth dampened with mild soap and warm water,
clean the following parts of the sterilizer/aerator daily:
• Chamber walls and floor
• Outer lip of chamber
• Inside surface of chamber door
• Outer surface of cabinet
• Door gasket

Compressed Air Line Filters

Daily
At the beginning of each workday, drain any moisture or oil
that has collected in the bottom of the air filter reservoirs.
Every 6 Months
Replace the mist separator element at least every six months.
Every 12 Months
Replace the micromist separator element at least every 12
months.

WARNING
The customer is solely responsible for
providing an oil-free and dry (to a dew point
of 50°F) air supply. These filters are
provided for precautionary purposes only,
and not as a replacement for a clean air
supply. A contaminated air supply can
quickly reduce the effectiveness of the filter
element resulting in early machine failure
and possible ethylene oxide exposure to the
operator.

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 Maintenance Steri-Vac 8XL Gas Sterilizer/Aerator 2-Door

AUTHORIZED SERVICE

3M Health Care has established a worldwide service

organization to provide trained technicians to care for your WARNING
equipment. For servicing information in the USA, contact
your local 3M service representative or the 3M Health Care Only authorized personnel should repair or
replace parts. Tampering or unauthorized
Service Center at the following address:
alterations in the equipment will void the
3M Service Center manufacturer’s warranty and may result in
3M Center, Building 502-1W-01 early machine failure or personal injury.
St. Paul, MN 55144-1000
1-800-292-6298
In Canada, contact:
3M Canada, Inc.
WARNING
P.O. Box 5757 This equipment is operated with hazardous
London, Ontario N6A 4T1 voltage which can cause shock, burn, or
1-800-268-6235 (English) death.
1-800-567-3193 (French)
For servicing information outside of the USA or Canada,
contact the local 3M subsidiary.

Preventive Maintenance Agreement

For your convenience, 3M provides a preventive maintenance
agreement (PMA) for purchase with the Steri-Vac equipment. The
PMA assures you of periodic maintenance of your sterilizer and
emergency services. Contact your local 3M Health Care
service representative or the 3M Health Care Service Center at the
above address for PMA information.
Service Manuals
Service Manuals are available for any 3M Steri-Vac gas
sterilizer/aerator. These manuals contain illustrated parts lists,
troubleshooting guides, details of operation, schematics, and
preventive maintenance routines. Request the manuals by
writing or calling the 3M Health Care Service Center at the
address listed above.

24
____ NOTES
NOTES ____
3M
Health Care 3M Canada, Inc.
3M Center, Building 275-4W-02 P.O. Box 5757
St. Paul, MN 55144-1000 London, Ontario N6A 4T1
USA Canada Printed in U.S.A.
1-800-228-3957 1-800-563-2921 © 3M 1999 - 2004 All Rights Reserved
healthcare@3M.com 70-2008-8046-9 Rev. C (POD) 7/04
www.3M.com/healthcare