Practice Tips #20: Decoding Statim Errors (Part 1)

In Practice Tips #20: Decoding Statim Errors (Part 1) we identify the various Statim error codes and how to decode them. A quick glance at the causes of many error codes (below) will re-enforce the importance of a properly maintained cassette. See our previous issue of Practice Tips discussing the care of your Statim Cassette.

The error codes displayed will vary depending on the vintage of your Statim. You should be able to determine what you have fairly quickly by simply looking into the reservoir. Also refer to Tech Tips #21 for decoding more errors.

The original Statim 2000 featured a water level sensor in the reservoir. It is a large plastic float inside the reservoir near the rear. The newer Statim has a water quality sensor instead of the float. It is a smaller object with two stainless steel pins. You can see either one by looking inside toward the back of the reservoir. On the new Statim, the words “select a cycle” appear on the readout screen, while “select a program” appears on the older Statim.

IMPORTANT: Use only distilled water. This is so important that the manufacturer added the water quality sensor to the new one. If you distill your own water, make certain that you do NOT use the carbon filters that are sometimes included with them. The carbon sets off the water quality sensor. The carbon filter degreades the quality of the water and cause a build-up in the boiler.

If your Statim gets refurbished at the SciCan factory, they usually replace the water level sensor with the newer water quality sensor, so if yours has been refurbished, refer to the text on your readout to determine which one you have.

Error Codes (Older Statim Models):

Check Cassette 1:

  • Unable to reach adequate increase in temperature long term due to lack of power to the boiler.
  • Check thermal fuse and replace if necessary.

Check Cassette 2:

  • Failure to increase in temperature short term.
  • Possibly caused by steam leaks (see previous issue under “Cassette Care” & “Steam Leaks”).

Check Cassette 3: 

  • Failure to pressurize.
  • Check for steam leaks as above and check solenoid valve.
  • Disassemble and make certain solenoid plunger moves freely.
  • See next issue Part 2 for instructions on checking & repairing a solenoid valve.

Check Cassette 4:

  • Unable to begin sterilization after pressurization.
  • See "Check Cassette 3."

Check Cassette 5: 

  • Boiler has dried out prematurely.
  • Pump or boiler may have failed.
  • Test using pump tester bottle.
  • Also see "Check Cassette 6."

Check Cassette 6:

  • Boiler temperature too high in relation to chamber.
  • The pressure (in KpA) should be displayed within 10 seconds of the display changing from “pressurization” to “sterilization.”
  • Takes longer than 10 seIonds? The boiler is likely contaminated.
  • Thoroughly clean and rinse the boiler using distilled water.
  • Use a pump bottle tester to perform this procedure.

Check Cassette 7: 

  • Boiler temperature too low.
  • If you are unable to remove the cassette after venting, check for kinked exhaust tubing.
  • If there are no kinks in the exhaust tubing or if the cassette is easily removable, check the solenoid valve as under “Check Cassette 3.”

Check Cassette 8: 

  • Chamber temperature too high in relation to boiler.
  • Check for kinks in the exhaust hose and be sure the waste bottle is not full.
  • If these are OK, check solenoid as described in “Check Cassette 3.”

Check Cassette (no number):

  • Temperature in the chamber fails to drop within 60 seconds of initiating VENTING.
  • Look for kinks in exhaust tubing and for clogged duct at rear of cassette. You may be able to clear by blowing out with compressed air.
  • Also look at the solenoid valve.

Error Codes (New Statim 2000 & 5000):

Cycle Fault 1:

  • Cassette temperature failed to reach adequate temperature for a given time frame.
  • No power to boiler- check thermal fuse.
  • Check for steam leak and do NOT overlaod the cassette.

Cycle Fault 2: 

  • Failed to achieve adequate increase in temperature for a given time frame.
  • Check for steam leak paying particular attention to cassette seal.
  • May be overloaded.

Cycle Fault 3: 

  • Indicates failure to achieve adequate pressure & temperature.
  • Check for visible steam leaks at cassette seal or cassette components. Replace as necessary.
  • Leak may also be at safety valve or check valve.
  • If no leaks detected, see next issue Part 2 for instructions on checking & repairing a solenoid valve.

Cycle Fault 4:

  • Conditions required not achieved for sterilization after at least 15 minutes.
  • Check cassette for leaks as in "Cycle Fault 3."
  • Check solenoid valve.

Cycle Fault 5: 

  • Indicates pump was activated at an inappropriate time.
  • The pump can be checked with a pump tester bottle.

Cycle Fault 6: 

  • Indicates boiler high temperature error.
  • Boiler needs to be re-calibrated.

Cycle Fault 7: 

  • Indicates temperature drop within the cassette.
  • Check cassette for leaks as in "Cycle Fault 3."
  • Check solenoid.

Cycle Fault 8: 

  • Indicates a boiler low-temperature error.
  • Make certain that the exhaust tubing is not clogged or kinked.
  • Also verify the waste bottle is not full.
  • Otherwise, the boiler is out of calibration & will need to be recalibrated.

Cycle Fault 10 (9 does not exist): 

  • Temperature has failed to drop for the appropriate cycle.
  • Check exhaust tubing and bottle as above.
  • Check solenoid valve.
  • Check duct at the rear of the cassette tray. It may be helpful to blow the tray out with high pressure air.

Cycle Fault 11: 

  • The temperature has failed to drop during venting.
  • Check as in "Cycle Fault 10."

Cycle Fault 12: 

  • Indicates a temperature measuring system error.
  • Resistance of thermocouples should be 10 ohms at 70 degrees Fahrenheit.

Cycle Fault 14 & 16 (13 does not exist): 

  • Indicates an overheating boiler likely due to a pump failure.
  • Check with a pump tester bottle.

Cycle Fault 19 (17 & 18 does not exist): 

  • Indicates boiler must be recalibrated.

Cycle Fault 20: 

  • Possible pump failure.
  • Test with a pump tester bottle.

Cycle Fault 25 (21-24 do not exist):

  • Power not supplied to boiler.
  • Check thermal fuse.

Cycle Fault 26: 

  • Failure to enter the sterilization phase soon enough after reaching sterilizing temperature.
  • Boiler out of calibration- recalibrate.

Cycle Fault 27: 

Printer Fault: 

  • Check for paper jam.

No message, but failure to print:

  • Check printer cable.
  • Disconnect & reconnect cable. Date & time should be displayed.
  • Properly load paper (feeding from top).

Water Quality: 

  • Remove all of the water.
  • The easiest way to do this is to suction it out with operatory suction.
  • Unplug the Statim & detach the exhaust hose by pushing in on the fitting where the hose attaches while pulling on the hose.
  • To affix the hose, just push it into the fitting firmly.
  • Obtain some new water & refill the reservoir.
  • You may also upgrade your Statim to install a drain with a kit available from American Dental Accessories, Inc.
  • The water quality sensor can also become dirty. Simply cleaning it with a Scotch Brite™ pad may also clear this error.

If distilling your own water, then make certain not to use the carbon filter provided with many counter-top distillers. The carbon filters are there to improve the taste of distilled water and can trigger the sensor in a Statim.

NOTE: A kinked exhaust tubing causes a number of problems. The exhaust push-in elbow available from American Dental Accessories, Inc. (part #SM-440) swivels to prevent kinking. You should consider replacing the original fitting with the swivel elbow as a preventative measure. It also allows pushing the sterilizer closer to the wall when combined with the 90° power cord (part #SM-44), freeing up counter space.

There are a number of references above to testing the pump and solenoid. Our next issue of Practice Tips we continue to discuss problems and errors you encounter with a Statim sterilizer. We go into detail on testing the pump and solenoid.

Other References: Statim Error Codes for 2000 & 5000 models.

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