NF EN 13060 distinguishes three classes of small steam sterilizers. Class B is the reference for hollow-lumen instruments (cannulas, tubing, dental handpieces) and wrapped loads. In Luxembourg, Class B is recommended by sector best practice for dental practices (Regulation (EU) 2017/745 + Loi modifiée du 16 janvier 1990 compliance) and for tattoo / piercing / permanent makeup studios (Loi du 24 mai 2018 — requirement that any material penetrating the skin barrier be sterile). Choosing the wrong class can mean that your instruments are not actually sterilized.
European standard NF EN 13060 defines three classes of small steam sterilizers based on their ability to process different types of loads. Class B (Big autoclave) handles all loads: solid, wrapped, hollow, and porous instruments. Class N (Naked) only processes solid, unwrapped instruments. Class S (Specified) handles specific loads defined by the manufacturer — its capabilities vary between models.
The fundamental difference is the vacuum system. Class B autoclaves use a fractionated pre-vacuum that evacuates air from the chamber and internal channels of hollow instruments before injecting steam. Without this pre-vacuum, steam cannot penetrate the lumens of hollow instruments (handpieces, contra-angles, cannulae) — trapped air creates unsterilized pockets.
In Luxembourg, the Loi du 24 mai 2018 (Memorial A442) and the Règlement grand-ducal du 9 novembre 2018 (Memorial A1048) require that any material penetrating the skin barrier be sterile in tattoo, piercing, and permanent makeup studios. Class B is the reference for hollow instruments (cannulae, tubes) because only its fractionated pre-vacuum ensures steam penetration into their internal channels.
In dental practice, European sector best practice and Regulation (EU) 2017/745 recommend Class B for hollow instruments used in routine practice. For podiatrists — a profession regulated since the Loi du 29 juin 2023 (Annexe 21 — podologue) — the no-blood-drawing rule reduces criticality, but Class B remains a best-practice choice for invasive instruments such as burrs and hollow tools.
Class N autoclaves only sterilize solid, unwrapped, non-hollow instruments. This means instruments must be used immediately after the cycle — it is impossible to store them in pouches. For a dental practice, this is insufficient: instruments must be wrapped to maintain sterility until use. For tattoo, piercing, and permanent makeup studios in Luxembourg, Class N is unsuited to hollow instruments that penetrate the skin barrier — Class B is the only class that delivers the sterilization required by the Loi du 24 mai 2018.
Class S autoclaves have capabilities defined by the manufacturer. Some models process wrapped loads but not hollow instruments. Others handle certain types of hollow loads. It is essential to verify the manufacturer's exact specifications and ensure they cover the types of instruments used in your practice. When in doubt, Class B is the safe choice — and the most appropriate option for tattooing, piercing, and permanent makeup in Luxembourg.
Regardless of class, every cycle must be validated. The Bowie-Dick test verifies steam penetration for Class B autoclaves — it should be performed daily before the first load. The Helix test is specifically designed to validate sterilization of hollow instruments. A failed test means the load is not sterilized, regardless of what the cycle report displays.
For details on mandatory controls, see the biological controls guide. SecuSteri tracks cycles from all autoclave brands (W&H, Melag, Euronda, Castellini, Tuttnauer and others) — regardless of class.
Tattoo, piercing, and permanent makeup studio: Class B recommended for hollow instruments penetrating the skin barrier (Loi du 24 mai 2018 + Règlement grand-ducal du 9 novembre 2018). Dental practice: Class B recommended by European sector best practice for hollow and wrapped instruments (Regulation (EU) 2017/745). Podiatrist: Class B recommended for invasive instruments (Loi du 29 juin 2023). Veterinary: Class B recommended for hollow surgical instruments (Code de déontologie, Arrêté ministériel modifié du 5 mai 2008 — no statutory autoclave mandate).
To understand what your traceability record should contain after each cycle, see the traceability sheet guide.
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For a complete schedule of daily, weekly, monthly, quarterly, and yearly autoclave maintenance tasks, see our Autoclave maintenance guide.