What is the difference between a Class B and Class N autoclave for veterinary use?

A Class B autoclave uses a fractionated pre-vacuum cycle to remove air from all parts of the load, including hollow lumens, wrapped sets and porous materials — producing reliable sterilisation across all instrument types. A Class N autoclave uses a simple gravity displacement cycle, suitable only for unwrapped solid instruments. Veterinary surgical practices should use Class B to handle wrapped sets, hollow instruments and textiles safely.

Which instruments cannot be steam autoclaved?

Flexible endoscopes, fibre-optic cables, electronic components, heat-sensitive plastics, and acrylic items will be damaged at autoclave temperatures. These items require low-temperature sterilisation (ethylene oxide gas) or high-level disinfection, depending on their critical classification and the manufacturer's IFU.

How long does a typical Class B autoclave cycle take?

A standard porous load cycle at 134°C takes 3.5 minutes of sterilisation time, with pre-vacuum, heat-up and drying phases adding 20–30 minutes of total cycle time. Some units complete a full cycle in 25 minutes; others take up to 45 minutes depending on load size and drying programme.

Sterilization

Sterilisation and infection control equipment is a regulatory requirement for licensed veterinary facilities in virtually every jurisdiction, creating consistent baseline demand for distributors regardless of market development stage. IWA Medical supplies Class B steam autoclaves and ethylene oxide (EO) low-temperature sterilisers alongside a complete range of sterilisation validation consumables.
Class B autoclaves command a significant price premium over Class N units and are increasingly specified in government tender requirements and accreditation programmes, making them a strategic product for distributors targeting licensed clinics and hospital facilities.

Class B autoclaves — 18 L to 50 L chamber, fractionated pre-vacuum, EN 13060 compliant
EO low-temperature sterilisers — for endoscopes, electronics, heat-sensitive devices
Sterilisation pouches and wraps — recurring consumable revenue
Biological and chemical indicators — cycle validation and documentation
Ultrasonic cleaners — pre-treatment for instrument decontamination

OEM branding of autoclave units is available for established distributors. Contact our team for Class B certification documentation, CE marking files, and import regulatory support.

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IWA-VPSS01 Class B Vacuum Pressure Steam Sterilizer (Tabletop, 23 L)
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- Sterilization
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IWA-VPSS02 Low-Temperature Ethylene Oxide (EO) Gas Sterilizer (80 / 120 / 220 / 300 L)
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- Sterilization
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IWA-VPSS01 Class B Vacuum Pressure Steam Sterilizer (Tabletop, 23 L)

IWA-VPSS02 Low-Temperature Ethylene Oxide (EO) Gas Sterilizer (80 / 120 / 220 / 300 L)