An autoclave is a simple piece of machinery.
It has very few parts and it doesn't take a rocket scientist to be able to understand how it works.
Yet it was created to perform a very important function: the sterilization of medical equipment.
So the second something goes wrong with that machine it's going to let you know there's a problem.
When your Tuttnauer autoclave displays a Hi Pres error code, that means there's a problem, but it doesn't mean it's time to panic.
The first thing most people do when something goes wrong with their autoclave is pack it up and send it out for repair.
If you've ever done that yourself you know it can sometimes cost you more than buying a brand new machine.
You're charged for repair parts, labor, shipping and handling both ways, and you usually have to rent a machine to hold you over until yours is repaired.
But most of the time there's a simple reason for those error codes.
It's just that those flashing lights look so 'official' and an autoclave performs such an essential function, that most people think they simply must have a professional do the repair or it might not be done properly.
However, remember - it's a simple piece of equipment.
You can probably repair it yourself.
When your Tuttnauer autoclave displays a Hi Pres error code it means the pressure has risen at least 10 PSI above the required pressure level and the cycle is automatically aborted as a safety precaution.
In some cases it may be that you've accidentally set the sterilization temperature above the 274º mark.
Simply reset the temperature and start another cycle to test your machine before you use it again.
However, if that's not the problem, then you need to check the heating element.
For some reason it's remaining on, instead of cycling on and off like it's supposed to.
There might be a short in one of the relays or in the element itself.
It's easy enough to test your heating element yourself.
First, make sure your autoclave is turned off and unplugged from the power source.
Next, you'll need a volt/ohm meter set at 200 ohms.
Place the probe on each of the 2 terminals on the heating element.
If the heating element is good, the resistance will fall within the range specified for your particular model autoclave.
If it doesn't, then you know you need to replace the element.
At this point, you might be tempted to pack up your autoclave and send it off to a qualified professional but if you do, it's going to cost you hundreds of dollars, at least.
Shipping alone will cost a fortune.
But if you can use a wrench and a screwdriver you can repair your Tuttnauer autoclave yourself for just the price of the heating element, which costs less than $200.
And you'll never have to worry about that Hi Temp error code again, because now you'll now how to fix it yourself.